In this article, we’ll look briefly at why you’re being tracked online. We’ll also share seven different tools you can use to keep from being tracked, such as using a rotating proxy from a reliable provider like Smartproxy alongside a user agent switcher and more.
Table of Contents
Why Are You Being Tracked?
The biggest reason for tracking someone online is to gather information regarding the users’ preferences for marketing reasons. By following which websites you visit, how long you spend on certain pages, where you make online purchases, and more, businesses know more about you. This means they can create a sales profile for you and target you with specific ads. However, there are also more malicious reasons why you can be tracked, such as collecting data to be sold, tracking you to create sophisticated phishing attacks, and more.
7 Ways to Stop Being Tracked Online
To make sure that you stay safe online, we’ve compiled a list of seven strategies you can use to avoid being tracked.
Switch Your Browser
By switching your browser frequently, you can disrupt tracking efforts and confuse those tracking you. You can also ensure that the browser you choose to use already has good privacy and non-tracking features such as DuckDuckGo or Tor. It is important to remember that even so-called private browsers such as Chrome’s Incognito mode may still keep a record of your browsing history deep within their servers and can release this information when requested by entities such as law enforcement.
Clear Browsing History and Cache
Whenever you close your browser, make sure to clear the browsing history and cache. By frequently clearing your history and cache, you make it more difficult for you to be tracked, and you start with a clean slate when you return to that browser. This is also necessary for browsers claiming that they don’t track you. It’s important to remember to clear both the cache and the browsing history, as leaving one uncleared will still give trackers a chance to follow you.
Rotating Proxy
This is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and keep from being tracked. A rotating proxy disguises your IP address and replaces it with one of their own from a pool of IP addresses. These are residential proxies, which means all the IP addresses are linked to real devices with ISPs. Each request you make will be given a new IP address, making tracking impossible.
User-Agent Switcher Extension and Other Privacy Extensions
A user agent switcher is an add-on to your browser that enables users to change their user agent. Websites use the user agent to display the site in your browser’s preferred format. This means they see what browser, operating system (OS), and device you are using. A User Agent Switcher makes it possible for you to disguise your user agent and make it appear like you’re using a different browser, OS, and device.
You can also use other privacy extensions to make your online activities anonymous. These include Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin, and Ghostery.
Monitor Your Social Privacy Settings
It is good practice to check your privacy settings frequently. This includes privacy settings on social media platforms and any apps or browser extensions you install. Some apps may request permissions that they do not require but can be used to track you. This is why it’s a good idea to check back to these settings now and again and ensure they are as private as possible.
Be Wary of Public or Free Wi-Fi
Public and free Wi-Fi spots are often not encrypted. This means that anyone connected to these networks can potentially get each other’s information with a bit of know-how. Users can even spy on you with the right tools on these networks. As such, it’s important to use these cautiously while using other privacy and protection measures and never share sensitive information while on these networks.
Manage Cookie Settings
Many websites require that the user accept cookies in order to display the site correctly. Most users accept these without a second thought, but cookies are another way to be tracked. You can change cookie settings within your browser, which is good to avoid being tracked. If you look at your browser’s cookie settings, you’ll have the option to block all cookies, third-party cookies, or none. It’s a good idea to block third-party cookies, as blocking all cookies can ruin your browsing experience.
Final Thoughts
The online landscape keeps changing as new technology is developed and improvements are made. This means that you can never be 100% sure whether you’re being tracked or not. It is important to change as many things as possible to keep from being tracked. Your online privacy is important and using different methods such as a rotating proxy along with multiple browsers and privacy extensions; you can keep your information private.
