Hiding your identity online has become essential for everyone. However, it can be very difficult to do. Many want privacy, but they’re not entirely certain how to get it. Therefore, they end up searching for some easy ways to hide their identity online.
What Are Some Reasons You May Want To Hide Your Identity?
Many assume you have to be doing something wrong if you want to hide your identity. This couldn’t be any further from the truth. You may want to hide your identity for various reasons. For one, it protects your browsing history. You don’t want people or businesses to know exactly what you’re searching for on the Internet. This is private data that can only be used against you.
Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to enhance the privacy of your web surfing and online activity.
1. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Using a VPN is one of the best and easiest ways to hide your online activity. IT’s one of the best ways to make yourself anonymous while using the Internet. A VPN works by obfuscating your real IP address. When using a VPN, you connect through one of their servers. This essentially makes you invisible to the websites you’re browsing on because it isn’t able to differentiate you from other VPN users.
If you are looking for a good and reliable VPN, you’ll want to check out Surshark and KeepSolid. Both of these are excellent and deliver good speed and anonymity. A VPN is essential if you are using a torrent such as PirateBay.
2. Remove Any Spyware
Unfortunately, spyware can be easy to get. Many may have spyware and not even know it. This is typically something you get when downloading something on the Internet or by browsing on bad actor websites.
Spyware is software that effectively monitors your online activity. This is something that can pose a great risk to your data and private information. To avoid spyware, use common sense when clicking on links and attachments in your email. Likewise, you should install antivirus and antimalware software on your computer.
3. Use Duckduckgo
This is a search engine that prides itself on protecting its user’s privacy. It’s one of the best search engines you’ll find for those that value their privacy. Duckduckgo won’t store any information about what you are browsing. Because of this, it’s going to help you protect your data in a way you won’t get with Google, Yahoo, or Bing.
4. Use Private or Incognito
Ideally, you want to use the private or incognito setting whenever you are using your browser. This will ensure that you aren’t going to have your activity tracked. You could always download extensions to block cookies and other trackers too.
5. Delete History and Cookies
Try to enable this setting whenever you are using a browser. This is one of the first things you should do if you value your privacy. Have the browser auto-delete your browsing sessions and cookies every time you close it.
6. Don’t Give Out Your Information
While paying for something online is something we all have to do regularly, that doesn’t mean you should be handing out your information without regard. There are plenty of ways to protect your information when paying online. One of the best ways to do so is by using a third-party payment processor that only gives the retailer the information they need. You can also get prepaid gift cards that you can use to avoid having to put your real billing information. Using Apple Wallet and GPay is another good option for those that don’t want retailers having their personal information.