Whether you're aware of it or not, every action you take online leaves an invisible trace, known as a "digital footprint."
This footprint can be either active or passive, meaning you might have consciously agreed to share your data or be unaware that you’ve already done so. For instance, every website you visit records your device's Internet Protocol (IP) address.
Websites may prompt you to accept cookies – small text files stored by your browser to remember specific details about you. Cookies are beneficial for your next visit, as the site will recall your login details or personal preferences, but they also allow companies to utilize your data.
Additionally, third-party cookies use your digital footprint to deliver targeted ads based on browsing behavior. Explaining why, after visiting a particular e-commerce site, you often see ads for that brand and similar ones on nearly every site you visit afterward.
Social media platforms track you similarly. Meta can access your browsing history and online purchases if you remain logged into your Facebook or Instagram accounts. Almost as if by magic, you’ll start seeing targeted ads or even promotions and coupons tailored to your shopping habits.
While seeing potentially useful ads and receiving occasional discounts might not seem problematic, and you might even appreciate it, your digital footprint carries risks. Identity theft is a significant concern, whether through phishing attempts or data breaches. Hackers can exploit data from your digital footprint to commit crimes or fraud in your name.
Anonymity is your key defense against identity theft and for keeping your data private. Here are three straightforward yet effective strategies to enhance anonymity and reduce your digital footprint, allowing you to browse the web confidently and securely.
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Reject all cookies or only allow functional cookies when a website asks for your preferences.
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Use your browser’s incognito or private browsing mode, which automatically deletes your history and cookies (though your Internet Service Provider, or ISP, will still have access to your history).
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Virtual Private Networks, commonly known as VPNs, are often praised for bypassing geo-blocked content (such as watching streaming content intended for another region). However, their primary function is to encrypt internet connections. VPNs route your activity through their servers to better protect your digital footprint. These services are also beneficial when using public WiFi networks, which are less secure and pose more risks.
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