Browsing the internet securely involves engaging in your usual online activities without your personal data falling into the hands of individuals who may misuse it for activities such as identity theft and customized malware.
On the other hand, anonymous web browsing means that your data is not only secure but it also cannot be linked back to you.
As an average user, all your online actions are monitored. There are varying reasons why you might be comfortable with your data being monitored, as well as reasons why you might object to it.
The discussion around this is one that I choose not to delve into today. Instead, I will succinctly outline the essential steps you need to take to browse the internet securely and, if preferred, anonymously.
1. Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
VPNs are one of the most popular tools for browsing the internet anonymously, as they encrypt your internet connection and route it through a remote server, hiding your IP address and location.
This prevents third parties, such as internet service providers (ISPs) and government agencies, from monitoring your online activities.
Additionally, VPNs provide anonymity by allowing users to choose servers located in different countries, further making it difficult to trace their online presence.
2. Tor Browser
The Tor Browser is a free and open-source special web browser that allows users to browse the internet anonymously by routing their internet traffic through a network of volunteer-operated servers around the world known as the Tor network.
Every time when you access the internet through the Tor, your connection is encrypted and routed through multiple servers, making it virtually impossible for anyone to track your online activities.
Tor also allows users to access websites on the dark web, which are not indexed by traditional search engines.
3. Proxy Servers
Proxy servers act as middlemen between your device and the internet. By using a proxy server, you can hide your IP address and location from websites and other online services.
There are different kinds of proxy servers such as HTTP proxies, SOCKS proxies, and transparent proxies, each giving a different level of of anonymity. However, it’s essential to choose a reputable proxy service to ensure privacy and security.
4. Secure Browsers
Certain web browsers really focus on keeping your browsing private and safe. Browsers like Brave, Firefox Focus, and DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser are good examples.
They come with built-in tools like blocking ads and tracking stuff, as well as private browsing modes to keep you anonymous online.
These browsers are all about making sure advertisers and other snoopy types can’t collect too much info about you.
5. Secure Search Engines
Regular search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo keep an eye on what you search for and gather your personal info for ads. But there are other search engines that care more about keeping your searches private.
DuckDuckGo, Startpage, and Qwant are some popular ones, as they don’t track what you do or keep your personal details. Using these search engines helps you stay hidden while you browse online and keeps your info safe.
Conclusion
To sum up, it’s really important to keep your info safe when you’re online. Using things like VPNs, Tor Browser, proxy servers, safe browsers, and private search engines can help
Remember to pay attention to the details of any services that you use while you are online and adhere to the privacy guidelines enlisted in the applications you use e.g. Tor.
Do you know other points that you can add to the list? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments box below.
Can an existing compromised computer become at least semi anonymous with simply a VPN? No mention of using linux?
I’ve been using Atlas VPN for a while now and I really like the service thus far. It’s free, but feels like a premium one. I only wish they supported PC, but can’t be too greedy lol. Can you check it out and share a professional opinion?
For complete anonymity, you need to opt out of all social networks. I always use VPN, and I replaced social networks with Utopia messenger
The Internet is smart enough and it knows how to send the correct data packet to the correct computer on the basis of the IP address.
I prefer PureVPN becuase they give addon of Dedicated IP. It helps me in connecting to same IP Address which bypass with authentication and server whitelisting verifications if I am working remotely