People are more cynical than ever about how their privacy is being protected when they’re online these days, and with good reason.
It’s impossible not to leave a digital footprint in 2019, and search engines can end up mining your data even when you use features like incognito browsing. Keeping your browsing history private has never been more important, so here are a few tools you can utilize to make sure your information stays truly hidden.
DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is a browser extension that protects your data and then gives you information on what they’re blocking. It’s also extremely easy to use. All you have to do is install the extension and you’re ready to go. As they would tell you, it’s privacy, simplified. By enforcing encrypted HTTPS connections, DuckDuckGo can give the page you visit a grade based on how badly they want to steal your data. Then, they block tracing cookies from being able to identify you and rank the privacy polices of all the sites that you visit.
Use a VPN
A VPN cloaks and encrypts your signal, thus making your search history and online activity untraceable. It also makes it appear as though your IP address is coming from a different device, location, or country. Using a VPN is particularly helpful when you’re logging onto public wi-fi or an unsecured network. This will hide your data from anyone looking to snatch it up and mine it for themselves. So, the next time you’re at a coffee shop and want to browse freely, you won’t have to worry about a thing!
Safari Safety
Apple continues to take steps to make browsing on Safari a safe and private experience. Recently, they announced new software that will alert you to a website trying to access your cookies or other data and give you the option of deciding whether or not you want to allow it. The company also plans to make the Mac devices people use to browse the web indistinguishable from one another by muting the fingerprint effect.
Firefox
If you’re a regular Firefox user, third-party cookies are blocked by default. The browser also gives you detailed information on the trackers and cookies that the sites you’re visiting have attempted to leave. If you’re looking for tracker and ad blocking protection that takes things a step further, Firefox Focus is available for iOS and Android. It’s not quite as detailed as the full Firefox, but it’s worth a try if you’re looking for a simple experience that prioritizes privacy.
Go Incognito
As mentioned above, using “Incognito Mode” when you’re on Google Chrome is always an option. This allows you to browse the web privately while still being able to bookmark sites and download files.
Keeping your browser history private is just the first step in making sure that you’re secure online. Check back soon for our blog on how password managers can keep you safe from hackers. Until then, get in touch with us if you want to discuss anything in the wide world of web, media, or marketing!
