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Surfing the Web Anonymously – Questions to Ask
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| Wednesday, January 7, 2009 |
When you surf the web it is possible to learn information about you even if you do not want to advertise who you are. This is true even if your system contains no virus or malware software. In particular information that is readily available online includes your IP address, your country (and often more location information based on the IP address), this system you are, what browser you use, your browsing history, and other information. It gets worse. You can get the name of your computer and even know your name if your machine supports programs like finger or identd. Also, cookies can track your habits as you move from machine to machine.
How to obtain this basic information about you?
When you visit another website, your information may be retrieved. Basically, the information is intercepted and used by others to track your Internet activities.
How do you prevent this?
First, it is possible to serf the web anonymously and therefore cease to leave a trail for others to find. Note that this is not infallible, but it makes it much harder for people to know who you are. There are products called anonymous proxy servers that help to protect you. The anonymous proxy server replaces your Internet address on its own. This will hide your IP address and make it much harder for people to follow you.
How do I get an anonymous proxy server?
There are many vendors who sell anonymous proxy servers. There are also free proxy servers at your disposal. Two of these products are ShadowSurf and Guardster. Guardster (http://www.guardster.com/) offers various services for anonymous and safe access to the Internet, some paid as well as a free service. ShadowSurf (http://www.shadowsurf.com/) ShadowSurf offers anonymous surfing on their site for free. Go to it and find a box to enter a URL that you do not need a runway. There are many others, but here are two that are frequently used.
Another interesting product, given the recent news on the Google search engine filtering its results for the Chinese government, is Anonymizer (http://www.anonymizer.com). This company, among others, recently (February 1st, 2006) pressed that it "is developing a new anti-censorship solution that will allow Chinese citizens to access all Internet security without filter" (http:// www.anonymizer.com / consumer/media/press_releases/02012006.html).
Is an anonymous proxy server you are 100% secure?
Still No, you are much better if you use this technology.
What other things should I be concerned about trying to keep my information private?
Three other elements come to mind when you try to keep your information confidential. First, you can use an encrypted connection to hide your surfing. This article does not go into detail about this, but the Web search and you will find much information about it. Secondly, delete cookies after each session. Third, you can configure your browser to remove JavaScript, Java, and active content. This reality leads to limitations, so you need to think about the cost / benefit of this action.
Anything else?
I wish you happiness and surf! |
posted by neptunus @ 8:07 PM
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