Guard Your Online Traces – Detailed Guide on Who Can Access Your Browsing History

But the good news is that there is more than one way to keep your browsing history secure and inaccessible to cyber criminals.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive overview of who can see your Internet activities, how they achieve such acts, and strategies to recoup your online presence.

The Eight Eyes Watching Your Internet Activities 

Unknown to most individuals in the tech space, there are eyes on your browsing activity, watching what you do and where you visit. This guide will cover eight categories of people on the Internet that can access your data. We will also examine what aspects of your data they can see.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

Your Internet service provider (ISP) acts as your entry point into the online world and systematically gathers substantial data about your online persona. So, unless there is a set restriction on your settings, your ISP can access a wide range of information, such as: 

1. All websites visited.
2. Amount of time spent on these specific websites or applications.
3. Type of content streamed on the different platforms.
4. Content and format of downloaded files.
5. The geographical region of the online user.
6. Types of devices registered for online presence. 

Your ISP is still aware of your activity even when you use the incognito mode, which hides some information about your browser from the websites you visit.

ISPs could learn more about you than you would be comfortable with, such as facts about your financial situation or personal health. Using this information, they could create an accurate profile connected to your IP address. 

Most Internet service providers may keep this data on file for a long time—from months to years—depending on the laws of your country. Targeted advertising may occasionally be used with the saved data or to achieve objectives like monitoring and law enforcement. 

As important as it is to protect your online privacy, one of the primary steps is to hide your IP address. The most notable way to achieve this degree of security and anonymity is with the help of a trustworthy Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Strong encryption and a network of servers are provided by services like ExpressVPN, making it much harder for ISPs to track your online activities. 

Device Operating System

All operating systems used on any device, including Windows, iOS, and Linux, keep a database of information about the user. Story this data, generally used to support operations like file recovery and data backup, ensures a flawless user experience.

The working mechanism of the operating system is comparable to the parental control feature, which is frequently employed for child Internet safety. As a user, to get a sense of the kind of accessible data your operating system has, you can imagine it as the parent overseeing your activities as a child. 

They are capable of keeping an eye on and tracking the following:

• Websites you visit with your device.
• The content of videos viewed.
• Social media platforms used and interacted on. 
• The exact location of the user.

However, it is worth noting that, where tracking is concerned, there are ways to manage the data collected while maintaining user privacy.

According to European Union legislation, data collection must be transparent, and consumers must have access to in-depth reports on the information gathered about them.

Also, one practical option to improve data privacy is to modify your operating system’s privacy settings, such as Windows 10 or MacOS. You can have more control over what information is gathered and how it is used by personalizing these options to suit your preferences.

Users should also note that utilizing proprietary software by operating systems such as Safari for MacOS or Edge for Windows may still include some data-sharing T&Cs. 

Hence, users should balance and proofread their privacy concerns with the software’s functionality and convenience before accepting it. 

Wi-Fi Network Controller

It is not recommended to carry out important tasks like checking money or paying bills when using open Wi-Fi networks or public Wi-Fi. Your data is exposed to the possibility of being intercepted by malicious actions since these networks lack encryption.

It is critical to be aware that the network administrator may be able to view your online actions in addition to the risk of hacking. They might be able to see information like: 

1. History of sites opened. 
2. The types of files you’ve accessed. 
3. The time spent on the websites you visited. 
4. Chat history and messaging platforms used. 

Given this degree of privacy exposure, using public Wi-Fi networks is not advised. Preventive measures can be taken for more stringent safety purposes in case of a mistake.

One measure that proves effective without any hassle is using HTTPS sites, which provide users with extra security layers in worst-case scenarios. 

When HTTPS is enabled on a device’s browser, the Wi-Fi controller has no visibility into the sites a user opens, thereby maintaining data privacy. As a simple method to confirm its presence, there is a padlock sign close to the URL of every site you open. 

So, your data can be uploaded, and transactions can be carried out without an external party viewing or accessing them later. 

Visited Websites

Websites usually make it part of their systems to gather user information to improve their offerings and provide more relevant recommendations. Some use cookies and text fragments of saved information on visited websites.

These cookies are then applied to remember some parts of your online interactions as a user.  

Notably, this is an overview of the information that websites may have about you through cookies and other data-gathering measures: 

•  Visited pages.
• Forms, links, and contents of online interaction.
• Website products and services that drove a CTA.
• The recent location of the user, device, and browser.
• Other competitor websites where you visited or interacted.

Using this monitoring feature to spy on their users, these websites you visited can understand what kind of customer you are and what service you desire.

For instance, if you went to an online clothing store and browsed a selection of tough winter boots without buying any, the website’s cookies might keep track of this activity.

There might be related products, like similar boots, on social media sites. These Facebook or Instagram advertisements could come with enticing discounts or customer specials.

Furthermore, some platforms use the information gathered to expand the scope of the products they recommend beyond the first one you looked at. Depending on your interest in winter boots, they suggest complementary items like snowboards, winter socks, or vacation packages to places like the Swiss Alps.

Ultimately, these are data-driven marketing strategies developed as a major part of personalized advertising and suggestion systems. They present more pertinent offers and content based on your previously expressed preferences and demonstrated interests. 

Although it could be useful, iit’salso crucial to be aware of your privacy settings and choices to limit how your data is used for these purposes. With that in the minds of every Internet user, we can’t say cookies are good or bad.

Rather, they are very useful when a user revisits a site, as they save previous information. Cookies keep login details intact and could act as essential ad retargeting catalysts to give users a better browsing experience. 

However, through cookies, several websites get feedback from the users who visit them. Hence, a General Data Protection Requirement (GDPR) rule governs the act of permitting cookies.

Website developers must create a segment that asks for permission before cookies can run on the end users.  

While it is necessary to be wary of the sites you accept cookies on, without permitting them, the smooth functioning of the site may be compromised. 

Search Engine Access

According to Statista, Google has substantial data collection capabilities due to its dominance in the online search business. It collects various data from your search queries and its interactions with other services. 

Also, data collection could be from apps linked to your Google account, such as YouTube, Google.com, Chrome, Gmail, Hangouts, Maps, and Google.com.

As a result of the considerable data gathered from these sites, Google can develop detailed and concise user profiles for search results customization. The search engine customization also strives to improve the user experience by providing material that is more particular to certain tastes and habits. 

The fact that not all search engines use the same methods for data collection should be understood by users. The anonymity of its users is one way that DuckDuckGo differentiates itself.

They focus on anonymous searching and do not gather user data. 

Also, results on DuckDuckGo are not personalized for each user, and searches need to be kept. In order to provide robust encryption and guarantee user anonymity, DuckDuckGo makes use of the Tor network, making it a desirable choice for people concerned about their online privacy and browsing history.

Ultimately, personal desires and priorities should guide their choice of search engine, whether those are tailored results or a focus on anonymity and privacy. 

The things search engines can see are, but are not entirely limited to: 

• All information, sites, and words searched for. 
• URL clicked on.
• The location, browser type, device, and IP address.
• Search and historical data. 

Application Data

It is true that apps on different devices, such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, are open to diverse kinds of Internet data. These pieces of information they frequently come in contact with follow their functionality and purposes. 

The most typical information that apps gather is compiled below: 

• Browsing history. 
• Information is transacted inside and outside of the application. 
• The contacts on the list and information given. 
• The location of the user.

Each app often includes a privacy contract or policy outlining the data it collects and its justifications for doing so. Users must have access to this information in order to understand and choose trustworthy apps to use.

When compared to some Android devices, iOS devices like iPhones and iPads have an advantage in this area when it comes to consumer privacy. According to the company’s rules, every software released on the Apple Store must have a clear privacy policy. 

These policies give Users comprehensive information regarding data collection, use, and sharing procedures. Because of this openness, iOS users can quickly read and study privacy rules before installing and using apps.  

Government Records

Many governments need to actively monitor or keep records of what people are browsing. As part of investigations or legal proceedings, they frequently have mechanisms that enable them to obtain data from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or other businesses. 

This data retrieval could generate details like: 

• Amount of time on the website.
• Number of files downloaded.
• Browser and device information.
• Text messages.
• The location of the user.
• Videos and pictures viewed by the user. 

Notably, the government uses this collective data to fish out any evidence of cybercrime or terrorist acts. However, most people would find it uncomfortable, like the government is spying on their affairs.

Even worse, since the information gathered can be saved on their database for a long time, they can use it for future implications and privacy violations. 

This case mostly occurs in colonial governments who use this privilege to hoard the freedom of their citizens and commit them. The use of VPNs comes to the rescue, and the freedom of accessing servers can be guaranteed.       

Hacker Activities

Hackers are another serious factor that influences the collection of data from users. They use the browsing history of online accounts to get their information illegally. Their different methods are inclusive of the following: 

• Browsing and historical data 
• Messages and emails exchanged in different applications
• Downloaded files stored on the device
• The location, home address, and social security number 
• Username and password credentials for different platforms. 

Hackers use a variety of strategies to expose your vulnerabilities. This information could be easily utilized against you if you’re dealing with an actual cybercriminal or a black hat hacker.

The most severe instances of this can result in identity theft, swatting, doxing, sextortion, and other forms of fraud.

This is why you need to defend yourself against such assaults. To avoid phishing scams, stay informed, only enter personal information on sites you trust, and practice safe Internet usage. There are more safety practices, and we will consider them as we progress. 

How to Prevent Excess Visibility On Your Browsing History?

The idea of data being open and accessible to many people or entities doesn’t sit right with online users. Although they try measures like opening sites in incognito mode, it isn’t very effective in most cases. 

While it can aid in preventing the storage of your browser history on your device, it does not completely obscure your IP address or grant anonymity. We’ll consider the fWe’lling extra precautions, focusing on hiding your IP address to achieve higher online anonymity. 

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A virtual private network (VPN) provides a dependable technique to alter your IP address, making tracking harder. They come in different varieties as online entities that offer strong encryption to safeguard your information from unwanted access.

Thus, they are the masters of ensuring higher privacy and security when using the Internet. 

Since not all VPN services offer the same degree of performance and anonymity, selecting the best VPN provider is crucial. Server locations, encryption techniques, connection speed, logging practices, and user-friendly apps are things to think about when choosing a VPN service. 

For the best recommendations, ExpressVPN is well known for being a trustworthy and respected VPN service provider. It provides various features and robust security measures to protect your browsing history and online privacy. 

As with every tech product, there are pros and cons, which we have done well to share below: 

Overall, the private jurisdiction of ExpressVPN stands out, as its location is not subject to the retention laws of other countries, and users can be assured of their data protection.

Proxy Servers

Your IP address is concealed via a proxy server, preventing websites you visit from discovering it. A proxy won’t encrypt your dwon’tthough, unlike a VPN. External parties can still read it as a result.

A proxy is, therefore, highly helpful for getting around geographic online restrictions and barriers, but it should not be used for sending sensitive information. The anonymity and safety that a proxy often provides are rather limited.

So, on the other hand, you’re always safer you’re VPN. 

Tor Browser

You can pass all of your web traffic through a global server network using the Tor browser. The browser gives you tight encryption and access to the dark web.

Specifically, Tor is designed to give users a secure and private online experience, but unfortunately, its robust encryption results in a noticeably slower connection.

On the other hand, some settings, when done differently, can hinder your safe browsing. So, other ways are recommended in such instances. 

Other Ways to Protect Yourself Online

There are other ways to protect your browsing history besides using a VPN. Below are some of them. 

1. Change the privacy setting of your browser. It is as easy as opening ‘Settings’ and then ‘Privacy ’ and changing it. 
2. ‘sign up for online services with a pseudonym, like a fake alias, as it helps protect your activities. 
3. After surfing the Internet, clear your browser history and start afresh the next time you browse.
4. Use a browser that focuses on the privacy of its users.
5. Do not enable cookies in your browser; disable them if you have already helped them.

The Bottom Line

It is no secret that many people are anxious to obtain your personal information online and offline. This information may be used to strategize advertisements or enhance services, but it may also be used to spy on you or commit fraud.

Therefore, it’s crucial to protect your privacy and browser history. A VPN, the Tor browser, or a proxy can all be used to do this. Although a proxy won’t encrypt your Internet activity, the Tor browser and a VPN can offer respectable security.

Your data will be even more protected if you use both, as you can seamlessly use the Tor browser and a VPN concurrently. Even if your data is only partially secure, fewer people will be motivated to steal your personal information after several failed attempts. 

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