Big tech companies track everything you do online and use that information to make money off of you. Not to mention all the bad actors out there looking to steal your information.
Staying anonymous online is becoming more important to more people every day. Whether for everyday activities like shopping and banking or to post a secure blog in an anonymous manner.
The Doe is just that – an anonymous website that people to post their stories anonymously online. They’ve provided us with five tips to help with anonymity online.
So, here are 5 ways you can stay anonymous online.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
There are already millions of security-conscious people all of the world who’ve decided to use a VPN. By connecting online through a Virtual Private Network, everything you do in terms of viewing or sending data is encrypted. This simply means that anyone eavesdropping on your online actions won’t be able to know what you’re doing online. They’ll just get a string of characters that don’t mean anything. By using a VPN you’ll be able to stay anonymous while online.
- Stop Using Dropbox
Dropbox is very popular cloud sharing system and many people use it to share files online. However, the infamous Edward Snowden has said to “get rid of Dropbox” and called it “hostile to privacy.” A file sharing service that even Snowden recommends is called Spideroak. If you need to share files, give it a try.
- Beware of Javascript
Javascript is used almost everywhere online. This means places like Facebook, Google Search and even online banking. So what’s the problem with Javascript? Well, Javascript itself isn’t so much of a problem as what hackers can do with it that can cause headaches.
There are vulnerabilities that can be attacked and Javascript code can be used to do things like redirect people to malicious web sites, as well as install malware or keloggers onto your computer. Completely disabling Javascript is really the best way to go but it’s not very practical considered its widespread use online.
The next best step would be to install a program called NoScript. NoScript gives you the option of disabling scripts such as Java, but also Flash and others) on the web sites you don’t trust. You can also whitelist the web sites you do trust so that Javascrip will still run on those. This won’t eliminate the risk since you’re still running Javascript but it can greatly reduce that risk.
- Go Incognito
There is something called incognito mode on many browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari and Internet Explorer. When you set your browser to incognito mode, it limits the ability of web sites to track what you’re doing online. This won’t encrypt your data or make you anonymous the way some other options will, but it does help keep the average snoop from tracking what you’re doing.
- Try CSpace for Chatting
Almost everyone uses Facebook Messenger or Skype to chat with friends. But let’s face it, these services are hijacked on a regular basis and security doesn’t seem to be a high priority. If you want to still chat with your friends but need a more secure option, try a service called CSpace. CSpace is open-source and encrypted. People can use it to communicate more securely than Facebook Messenger or Skype. CSpace can also be used to transfer files.
With the advances in technology and everyone relying more and more on the internet, security is becoming more and more important. Take the time to do what you can to protect yourself. Start with the five tips above!
