Understand where your Data is Leaking
When you are browsing the internet, you are open to all sorts of attacks. Just like you would not leave doors and windows to your home open, the same applies to your network as well. The last thing you want is for your network and data to be compromised.
When it comes to online privacy, there are three things you have to worry about: third parties monitoring your online activities, the threat of spyware and malware infections and an unencrypted network.
Malware can Compromise your Confidential Information
Malware is not just restricted to Ransomware alone. Data sucking malware can gain access to your network if by chance you visit infected websites or open email attachments from unidentified senders. Spyware will make it easy for hackers to steal your information, monitor your conversations and take screenshots of all your activities on your devices.
Lack of Encryption leads to Massive Problems
Your internet activities may be available for the rest of the world to see, in the HTTP format. Basically, anyone can read your data. This will not only give snoopers access to what you do online, but it will also let ISP see what you are doing exactly as well as their associated businesses. If you are located in another region, some sites may even block you and that too without a valid reason.
Trackers are Everywhere
Browser cookies and trackers are constantly working to build a profile on your online activities. However, they do not store highly personal details. But even then, trackers integrated into your browser and certain websites, along with a user’s Facebook ID and Google number, can reveal a lot of information about a user. Such information can be used to find out about a user’s device and information like health details, and what teams he/she support and whatnot.
Trackers owned and operated by websites you visit is not the problem, it is the third party trackers that you also need to worry about. For example, Google’s DoubbleClick.net tracker will collect information about your online activities. Additionally, the data obtained can be exchanged with other trackers to build a more accurate profile of you. Most of these trackers cannot be seen, but there are a few that can such as Facebook Like buttons.
If that is not enough, your ISP may also be in the tracking business. On paper, telecoms are forbidden from sharing information like location data with third parties without their consumers’ written consent, but this can vary from region to region. Take for instance how there is a class action lawsuit between AT&T and two data aggregators against the EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) and other telecoms reportedly sharing information with third parties like landlords, car dealerships and bounty hunters without going through the proper channels.
Taking the aforementioned factors into account, it is not hard to see why your privacy is constantly under threat. If you are feeling helpless, fear not, as there is a way to fight back and it involves using a VPN. But not just any VPN will cut it, you will need a reliable one like Ivacy VPN that offers multiple security features like Military Grade Encryption and IPv6 Leak Protection amongst many other features.
