In a world where everyone has a share of economic, emotional, and lifestyle pressures, the internet has become an indispensable tool. Many people run to the internet for suggestions, solutions, and hacks when faced with either unfortunate or good experiences. Although it feels safe to clear your browsing history, it will surprise you that every move online leaves a footprint. Sadly, despite the robust technologies for communication, websites collect and store plenty of your data.
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What Information Do Websites Collect and Ways to Limit Access
You may have realized that every search you make on search engines replicates on your text and video social media results. They will tell you that the AI-powered algorithms are more intelligent and can personalize your searches. What they won’t tell you is that they harvest your data to customize the results.
Websites harvest your device and browser data. They dig into sensitive details such as the browser version and type, IP address, device type, and operating system. Some even access your location, track login sessions, browsing behaviors, and fingerprinting data. Unnerving, no? Limiting what websites know about you requires the following tools and tips.
Use TCP/IP Fingerprinting Checkers
Browsers use what you share and the topics you search for as a reference for future search personalization. In an ideal world, you could be perusing through TikTok and realize all the videos relate to a topic you searched for recently. In the background, the browser you used tracked and stored your cookies, and probably allowed other programs to leverage the data to personalize your TikTok searches.
Instead of letting browsers know so much about you, use fingerprint checkers to limit the data they collect. As a network administrator and heavy internet user, you can learn about TCP IP fingerprint at IPRoyal. Through that tool, you can generate critical data to understand your online footprint and effectively manage it. Interestingly, you can identify potential OS mismatches and get deeper insights into your TCP/IP packet details. Then, you can leverage IPRoyal proxies to mask and randomize your browser fingerprint.
Adjust Device and Browser Privacy Settings
Browsers and devices are the key connectors to the digital world. However, they are also the main culprits when unauthorized parties or cybercriminals access your data. Surprisingly, the solution to data leaks lies in the built-in browsers and device settings. Developers often allow you to control the amount of information you share, but you must change the settings from the default. In essence, you must add some requests and restrictions to enhance your privacy and prevent tracking.
You can control ad privacy by stopping websites from displaying ads based on your search activities or history. To prevent websites from tracking your data, you have to turn off the third-party cookies tracking feature. This way, trackers won’t be able to bombard your digital expeditions with unwanted ads. Additionally, you can restrict websites’ capabilities in seeing and monitoring your location for even more privacy.
Social media lets you share what’s on your mind and everything else you want people to know. It feels great to share your happy and relaxing moments. Sharing about sad and unfriendly experiences lifts a percentage of the burden off your shoulders and mind. Unfortunately, what you share online is never easy to erase.
For instance, you can share your views on a controversial topic like religion or politics, only for search algorithms to remind you of the same when you are into what you so much criticized. Because search engines are surprisingly intelligent, people will always get your views about a topic when they conduct an online search. Avoid giving search engines and websites so much information to stay safe in case tables turn in the future.
Use a VPN or Proxy Server
Do you know websites track your online activities and location to create your own digital story? These programs, however, are powerless when you encrypt your digital traffic and mask your address. Because these are the connectors they need to access your story, they can tell barely anything about you. Internet users use proxy servers and VPNs to mask IP addresses and encrypt digital traffic.
Secure proxies replace your actual IP address with a simulated one. At the same time, power VPNs encrypt your traffic to ensure websites and third parties cannot track your location and browsing activity. Everyone accessing the internet will find these tools effective for protecting against fingerprinting and third-party trackers.
Conclusion
Are you a heavy internet user but worried that websites and search engines collect so much of your data? Get yourself any or all of these tools and lock browsers and digital trackers out of your online life. They get you on the safe side, preventing the leaking of sensitive information. In other words, they allow you to browse unnoticed and safeguarded, allowing you to recover your internet freedom.
Hey, I’m David. I’ve been working as a wireless network engineer and a network administrator for 15 years. During my studies, I also worked as an ISP field technician – that’s when I met Jeremy.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in network engineering and a master’s degree in computer science and engineering. I’m also a Cisco-certified service provider.
In my professional career, I worked for router/modem manufacturers and internet providers. I like to think that I’m good at explaining network-related issues in simple terms. That’s exactly what I’m doing on this website – I’m making simple and easy-to-follow guides on how to install, set up, and troubleshoot your networking hardware. I also review new network equipment – modems, gateways, switches, routers, extenders, mesh systems, cables, etc.
My goal is to help regular users with their everyday network issues, educate them, and make them less scared of their equipment. In my articles, you can find tips on what to look for when buying new networking hardware, and how to adjust your network settings to get the most out of your wi-fi.
Since my work is closely related to computers, servers, and other network equipment, I like to spend most of my spare time outdoors. When I want to blow off some steam, I like to ride my bike. I also love hiking and swimming. When I need to calm down and clear my mind, my go-to activity is fishing.