Almost everyone can’t live without internet nowadays. It’s an all-in-one platform that we take advantage of—from social networking and communication, to work, banking, shopping, entertainment, self-expression and a whole lot more. Without a doubt, we’re living virtually because everything’s done virtually! Take a look at this post, too.
Some obvious disadvantages come along with it though. For example, it has become an additional space where vicious people such as hackers and scammers lurk. Using the internet could also compromise your privacy. One example is when you use social media accounts. Some sites out there love selling your data to third-party companies so that they can fish more information about you—something they can use for the sake of their marketing campaigns.
Understandably, many internet users have been actively looking for ways to hide their internet activity. If you haven’t tried it yet, why should you consider doing it and what are the ways available to effectively keep your anonymity online?
Why Hide Your Internet Activity?
As mentioned, we should be wary about the bad guys that lurk in the online world. They are those various kinds of hackers and scammers. One should be especially careful when connecting to public wi-fi hotspots like the ones at the airports, malls and coffee shops. By not browsing privately, you might be increasing your vulnerability to the cybercriminals’ attacks. The next thing you know, they already got the access to your sensitive bank account information!
Another reason why you might want to hide your unique online fingerprint, a.k.a. your IP address, is to bypass geo-blocking. Some sites and streaming services like Netflix put geographical restrictions on some of their content and services. Learn more about that here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geo-blocking
As a result, some films and shows may not be available in your country or the region you’re visiting on your next holidays. It can be a nuisance especially if you really wanted to stream something more than any other film. For some men, this could be the most awaited football match of your favorite team.
You might also encounter problems with your internet service providers. ISPs do a popular yet controversial strategy called bandwidth throttling which is defined as the intentional slowing of an internet connection for particular sites that are considered to be consuming a lot of data.
They could also do this on peak hours to avoid network congestion. This is one of the reasons why your internet connection appears to be slower at particular times of the day and when you’re using some sites like YouTube and Netflix. Of course, that’s not fair, considering that you’re paying the right amount on time for your monthly subscription.
How to Keep Your Online Privacy?
Good thing, there are ways that you can block ISP tracking successfully and maintain your online anonymity altogether. What are the options you can think about?
1. Use a VPN Software
The most convenient way to keep your online privacy is to subscribe to a reliable VPN service. Of course, you would still need your real IP address to connect to a VPN server, however, your server will mask your real IP address under a virtual one. Now that it is hidden, you can possibly access geo-blocked sites.
Not only that, your VPN service provider can also encrypt your internet traffic, making sure your most important data is secured from prying eyes. This is ideal when you connect to public wi-fis such as when you travel or hang out at your favorite café.
2. Use a Proxy Server
Proxy servers can be an alternative for VPN service providers. They act like a middle-man or bridge between you and any destination server you’re trying to reach—the websites you wish to browse. By using it, your traffic could appear as if it is located somewhere else. For example, if your proxy server is in the UK, you could appear as though you’re from UK, too.
This is because it successfully hides your real IP address like a VPN software does. It’s also pretty effective in bypassing geo restrictions. By using it, you get access to streaming websites and other services that use geo-blocking and IP restrictions no matter where you are around the globe.
However, the difference between proxies and VPNs is that the latter have better layers of security features. Therefore, if your purpose for using proxies is to protect your data from espionage, you won’t be as successful as compared to using VPNs.
3. Try “The Onion Router”
The Onion Router which is popularly known as TOR is basically a private browser that anonymously connects you to sites that may be perfectly okay but your local government has banned and controlled. Think for example what is wrong with Facebook and Twitter that these are not allowed in some countries. A little weird, right?
You should note, however, that TOR is also known as the “dark/deep web”. That nickname itself is a little creepy. What more if you discover that this browser can actually take you to an underground market where questionable transactions occur between creepy, anonymous individuals? And that’s exactly the downside.
Ironically, it’s supposed to help you feel safe about your online activities. But you should also be extra careful as you might come across the exact kind of people you’re trying to avoid on a normal browser. Also, loading speeds could take forever like crazy.
So, the thoughts about TOR? Probably not-so-worth it. Also, it’s not as safe as VPNs.
The best option you have here is subscribing to a good VPN service provider. It’s safe, fast, effective and reliable. Make your own wise choice now.