While the Internet is a virtually endless source of entertainment and information, it’s hard not to wonder how safe it is. In the end, you always have to pay for convenience, right? You are absolutely correct, and in this case, the price is your privacy. It is here that the anonymous surfing comes into play – an idea by which you can use the Internet without disclosing your personal data and preventing them from being tracked by the government, advertisers and other bodies.
The good news is that this idea is quite possible to turn into reality. But before we start thinking about how to stay anonymous on the Internet, one fact needs to be clarified – in fact, it is impossible to be 100% anonymous. Of course, you can take measures to protect your privacy, and significantly reduce the risk of disclosing your personal data, but there are no absolutely safe ways yet.
Therefore, when we use terms such as “anonymous” or “anonymous surfing,” you need to understand exactly what is being said.
How to be anonymous on the Internet
In the next few paragraphs, we will talk about the simplest and most common ways to maintain your anonymity on the Internet. Of course, the ‘simplest’ and ‘most common’ does not mean that they are ineffective.
1. Use proxy
A proxy is a server that acts as an intermediary between a small local network and the Internet. Many Internet users rely on proxies when they need to hide their IP addresses or access content that is limited by region. Most Proxy Services are free, but there are paid proxies also you have to buy proxies to get the regular premium services offered by different providers, and you should choose the service carefully that fits your needs and budget.
2. Use VPN (virtual private network)
VPN is an anonymous surfing service that allows you to hide your real IP address and encrypt Internet traffic in such a way that no one can monitor you. Due to its ease of use, VPN is considered one of the most popular methods of anonymous surfing.
3. Use incognito/invisible mode in the browser
Most popular browsers now offer incognito/invisible mode. You can use it if you do not want the data on your current session on the Internet to be saved somewhere. In general, this means that neither a web cache, a cookie, nor a browser history will be saved.
However, keep in mind that this feature is best used along with additional security features, such as VPN. Incognito/Invisible mode certainly provides a certain degree of anonymity, but it does not protect your connection. Also, privacy concerns are completely yours.
4. Clean the cache regularly
One of the main reasons for clearing your browser’s cache is getting rid of all the cookies that remain on your device after you go online.
The cookies can be used by advertisers to track your online activities which can be very annoying. Although you cannot completely get rid of cookies, you can simply clean your browser’s cache on a regular basis. Thus, it will be much more difficult for sites to keep track of your habits.
5. Make your profiles/pages “Private” on social networks
From your pages on social networks, sensitive personal data constantly leaks if you distribute them to the public. Just think – any stranger can easily find out about your life just by examining your posts. That is why it is better to set all accounts in social networks to private mode.
Conclusion
In general, anonymous surfing on the Internet is something you should strive for if you really want to keep your privacy and personal data safe, as well as avoid unexpected restrictions on access to content. You do not have to follow each step described in this article, but at least you should stick strongly to the recommendations of cleaning the cache regularly, Using VPN, and also maintain the privacy of your accounts in social networks.
