When going online most people think they are fairly anonymous. They visit websites, login to social media websites, check their email and more without much thought on their virtual footprints. Unfortunately, those surfing without protection, such as provided by a VPN service, are easily tracked. Just what can be seen when you are online?
There are companies who want to track your preferences for web surfing, that keep tabs on your purchasing routines, and who even eavesdrop on your opinions. Then, of course, you have the really bad guys who are malicious, out to steal your personal details, track your transactions for ways to steal your identity, and worse! Here are some tips and tricks to stay undercover while you are online.
To start with, be sure you have all of your security in place. Fire walls, anti-virus programs and blockers, and like previously mentioned VPN services on your computer. Virtual Private Networks allow you to connect to a private network that is secure, and that gives you a random IP address so that you cannot be tracked online. Think about all the private information that is stored on your computer for a moment. Things such as passwords to your bank account, credit card numbers, phone numbers and addresses may all be easily accessed if you aren’t protected. Using such a virtual network service can help prevent hackers from getting at your information, as well as stop you from being tracked. You can even use wireless public internet without worrying that your details may fall into the wrong hands.
Besides using VPN services, there is still more that you can do to stay undercover online. Encourage those that use your computer to be very careful what information they are putting online. If you have children at home, do not allow them to post birthdays, addresses, cell phone numbers or other private details on their social media pages. If you are a company with employees, do go over the rules on what is acceptable online behavior while they are at work, and what is not, so as to avoid information leaks.
If you are overseas and want to get around bans (because some countries won’t let you check your Facebook), VPN services also come in handy as they can route your IP address to another country without such bans, while still giving you plenty of speed. This is a great way to stay under cover while having the freedom to do what you want to do online.
There are plenty of ways that you can stay anonymous online. Be sure you have the correct programs installed so that you can surf without worry!