Every time you go online, you leave behind a trail of digital footprints. Websites, apps, and even smart devices quietly collect details about your browsing habits, location, and preferences. While some of this data is used for advertisements and marketing, it can also be exploited by hackers for more harmful purposes. Now, with so much of our lives connected through banking, online shopping, and social media, staying private isn’t easy. But there are some ways to protect yourself and keep hackers from tracking your every move. So, without any further delay, let’s dive into it.
1. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A VPN encrypts the data sent between your browser and the internet, hiding your location and IP address. Using a VPN browser extension can help you stay more anonymous online, as VPN apps protect your data and make it harder for hackers to track you. However, VPNs don’t block ad trackers or cookies, so for stronger protection against tracking, you can pair it with a tool like Ghostery Ad & Tracker Blocker.
2. Install Anti-Track Tools
Anti-tracking and ad-blocking tools can stop websites from showing you annoying ads and secretly tracking your activity. You can add them to your browser as extensions or plug-ins. They work by deleting cookies, blocking tracking scripts, and making it harder for hackers to create a profile of your online habits.
3. Use Private Browsing
Private browsing modes work in different ways, but most of them stop your browser from saving your browsing history, cookies, and data from a single session. Some also block certain website trackers, making it harder for sites to follow you online. However, private browsing doesn’t make you fully anonymous or stop all types of tracking, so it’s not a complete solution.
4. Visit Secure Websites
Only visit websites that have HTTPS in their address, as these are encrypted and offer better security. However, they do not protect you completely, so it is still important to take extra steps. Example: You can use ad blockers and tracker blockers to stop hackers from following your online activity.
5. Avoid Reusing Logins
Logging in with your social media profiles (such as Instagram or Facebook) or Google account can be convenient, but it can also expose your personal information. Each time you use an existing account to sign in, you allow that website to access certain pieces of your private details.
To avoid this, you can use a new username and a strong password when creating new accounts.
6. Remove Personal Data From Broker Lists
Hackers and data brokers can gather your personal details from public records, online shopping, websites, and social media. They combine this information to create detailed profiles that others can search for or even buy online. Some data brokers give you the option to opt out and request deletion of your profile from their websites. While this process can take time and the removal is not always permanent, it can still lower your online visibility and make it harder for hackers to track you.
7. Use Private Search Engines
Ghostery Private Search is a powerful anti-tracking search engine that blocks third-party trackers and keeps your search history private. This means the search results you see are based on relevance, not on what the engine thinks you are most likely to click. Plus, it shows you details about the trackers on different web pages, which will give you more transparency and control over your online activity.
Final Thoughts
Even if you are just browsing, chances are you are being tracked online. While it may feel harmless, unchecked tracking can put your privacy at risk. By using the right tools, adjusting your settings, and getting professional help like anti-track, VPN, and identity protection services, you can keep your data safe and out of the wrong hands. Your online privacy is worth protecting, so take action today.
FAQs
How does a hacker avoid being tracked?
Hackers use different tricks to hide from being found, like using anonymous networks, encryption, and ways to confuse trackers. They try to hide their identity, location, and messages so no one can trace what they are doing.
How to stop my browsing history from being tracked?
To keep your browsing history private, you can use different methods. These include turning on private browsing in your browser, regularly deleting your browsing data, using a VPN, and changing your browser’s privacy settings. Apart from that, you can use browsers or extensions made for privacy.
How to block trackers?
You can block online trackers by using a mix of browser settings, extensions, and privacy tools. Enable options like “Do Not Track” and control your cookies in the browser settings. Use extensions such as ad blockers, tracker blockers (like Privacy Badger or Ghostery), and browsers focused on privacy to improve protection. In addition, you can use private search engines and a VPN for extra security.
