while you browsing

This data can be remarkably detailed, and so is extremely valuable to corporations, governments, and intellectual property thieves. Irresponsible use of users data and leaking users information not something new as a result would shatter the anonymity of users

There are two primary methods of tracking; stateful (cookie-based), and stateless (fingerprint-based). Cookies are small pieces of information stored in your browser with a unique ID that is used to identify you. Browser fingerprinting is a highly accurate way to identify and track users wherever they go online. The information collected is quite comprehensive, and often contains browser details, OS, screen resolution, supported fonts, plugins, time zone, language and font preferences, and even hardware structures.

This post summarizes the steps you can take to be better protected from threats, minimize online tracking, and improve privacy.

Ensure Website is Legitimate

It may sound obvious, but when you are logging into any online accounts, double-check the URL in which to be correct. When visiting new websites, look for common signs that it could be unsafe: Browser warnings, redirects, on-site spam, and pop-ups. You can also check a website using a tool, such as Virus Total URL Scanner, IsLegitSite, Google Safe Browsing Status. If you wish to be sure, a simple WhoIs Lookup should uncover their phone number which can be called for further confirmation

Use a Privacy-friendly Browser

Firefox and Brave are secure, private-by-default browsers. Both are fast, open-source, user-friendly and available on all major operating systems so consider using them as first options

Use a Private Search Engine

sing a privacy-preserving, and the non-tracking search engine will ensure your search terms are not logged Consider searching with private, even give you a different results

Use Incognito / private window

This will not keep the browser history, and it prevents cookies and some data from being saved

Recognize the Browser Fingerprint

Browser Fingerprinting is an incredibly accurate method of tracking, where a website identifies you based on your device information, including browser and OS versions, headers, time zone, installed fonts, plugins and applications, and sometimes device hardware among other data points. You can view your fingerprint at amiunique.org- The aim is to be as un-unique as possible

Block Ads

Recommended Using an ad-blocker can help improve your privacy by blocking the trackers that ads implement. uBlock Origin is a very efficient and open-source browser add-on, available for Chromium-based browsers, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Opera. Another option is by using some DNS servers, or VPN servers can deliver such feature but almost be sure that VPN provider ultimately is your privacy friend otherwise they can track you browsing just by using their DNS SERVER

Block Third-Party Trackers

Blocking trackers will help to stop websites, advertisers, analytics and more from tracking you in the background.

Disable WebRTC

WebRTC allows high-quality audio/video communication and peer-to-peer file-sharing straight from the browser. However, it can cause a privacy leak, especially if you are not using or VPN. In FireFox WebRTC can be disabled, by searching for, and disabling media.peerconnection.enabled in about:config. For other browsers, the WebRTC-Leak-Prevent extension can be installed.