Why Online Activity Is Not Private –Let’s face it, The internet has changed our lives in many ways than we can imagine. We now keep most of our sensitive details online and this information in the wrong hands could to unintended consequences. For example, the websites you visit are stored on your device browser and are visible as soon as you type an address. If you were watching adult movies before bed and not using incognito, you will have a lot of explaining to do. Such is the life of the internet. If a hacker gains access to your computer, they may steal your identity and financial information essentially ruining your life.
Today we will be explaining why everything you do online is not as private as you think. Below we present the instances as possible scenarios where your internet history can be viewed by third parties.
Let’s Begin.
Why Online Activity Is Not Private?
Scenario 1:Your Family Members
Most likely at home, you will be sharing a wifi network or computer with your family. This means your partner, kids, parents or anyone who shares a home with you can see your online activities. You may be wondering what exactly will give you away. we explain below.
i.Targeted Adverts:
When you open a website , the browser saves cookie files on your computer.these cookies will help the site remember all the information about you, namely username and enable Advertising Networks to serve ads based on your preferences. if you were browsing genuine sites like Gmail and Youtube its, not a problem. However, it’s not always the case, Your kids may be served ads to po_rn sites or se_x toy ads, All of this would have been caused by you the parent and the websites you visited without taking precautions to hide your footprint.
ii.Browser History
Your web browser remembers everything, typing p can provide suggestions to po_rnhub or Pinterest. Imagine the embarrassment when your partner discovers through your search history that you were watching adult movies.
However, it is not doom and gloom. To avoid these awkward moments when using shared computers create separate user accounts locked behind a password. Hence different users will have a personal account far from the prying eyes of their housemates.
Another solution is to go incognito each time you are doing your shady online shenanigans. Incognito mode does not store history and cookie data hence you are safe.
Lastly, make it a habit to clear browser history and cookies. This can be done in the browser settings. In Chrome, for example, the option will be visible immediately under Settings>Privacy and security. In Firefox, you will need to go to the Privacy & Security tab.
Scenario 2:Big Internet Companies
Google and Facebook for example store all your search history and likes on their servers. Even if you clear cookies. For example, each search you do,Google will remember it. Facebook will have a record about all you like and hence serve you adverts. Luckily not all companies want your data. Search engines like DuckDuckGo do not collect your data. You can also use browsers like Brave or Avast secure browser which have built-in features to prevent tracking and block adverts.
Scenario 3:Your Internet Service Provider
The Internet service provider also keeps a record of all your online searches. Every website you visit or torrent downloads are kept as a record. To protect your privacy, the use of a virtual private network is recommended. According to namecheap.com, A VPN works by routing your device’s internet connection through your chosen VPN’s private server rather than your internet service provider (ISP) so that when your data is transmitted to the internet, it comes from the VPN rather than your computer. Your ISP will see gibberish hence hiding your online activities. A VPN is very useful in countries under Authoritarian governments who spy on their citizens’ online activities.
Scenario 4: Porn scammers
Unscrupulous individuals have created an illicit business model where they email random people claiming that they have infected people’s computers with malware and used a Web camera to record the victim’s naughty moments. In honest truth, they really have no idea if you have been watching porn or not. They are simply mass-mailing their threats in the hope that someone will bite. So, do not fret and do not pay anyone anything. If you receive an e-mail like that, send it straight to spam.
Never pay spammers who claim to have caught you watching adult content.
In conclusion, always take safety measures when using the internet. Below are some of the measures we recommend:
I. Visit websites that you know, Do not fall victim to enticing offers of free stuff that is too good to be true. These websites exist to hack your device or steal your personal data.
ii. Download apps form Official Sources ie the Play store/AppStore and other legit and proven websites.
iii. Avoid clicking on every ad you see, It could a hackers gateway to your device.
iv. Use a good antivirus-Some solutions detect harmful links before executing malicious code on your PC.
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