When browsing the Internet we can leave traces that can compromise our privacy. This information can be used by third parties and could even be used to launch malware campaigns against us. We must bear in mind that privacy is one of the most important factors and that we must best protect it, but it is not always possible. In this article we are going to talk about some online tools that you can use to better understand what trail you leave on the Internet.
Tools to view the trace on the Internet
We can help ourselves with some online services that inform us about what kind of trace we can leave on the Internet. They are useful to know to what extent our personal information can be compromised and in this way take measures so that this does not happen. The goal is to ensure that our data is always protected.
AmIUnique
One of these online services that we can use is AmIUnique. It allows us to find out to what extent we can be tracked on the Internet. It is specialized in showing the trace that we leave through the browser , as it could be through Chrome or Firefox. In this way, developers could have more information to be able to design good tools that better maintain privacy.
Through what are known as fingerprints , browsers can collect data on a remote device in order to identify us. They could obtain valuable data such as:
- What browser and what version do we use
- Device operating system
- screen resolution
- architecture type
- Plugins and Fonts
- microphones or camera
What AmIUnique does is collect that browser fingerprint. It shows us all the information thanks to a cookie that it stores and will remain for several months. It allows to see if in the future that fingerprint has become more or less unique. You can enter through its link and you will see a screen like the following.
You have to click on the View my browser fingerprint button to access the corresponding fingerprint. In this way you will be able to obtain results as you see below.
As you can see, it is able to find out the operating system we are using, what browser we have or what version we use. We can review this from time to time and see if our browser identifier is more or less unique. In addition, you can install the extensions for Chrome and Firefox and keep a constant review.
Device Info
Another very simple online tool that you can use is Device Info. It allows you to know what type of trace we leave on the Internet and thus have a better understanding of what we are exposing simply by browsing, by opening a web page. To use it you simply have to enter its website .
As you can see, just by entering its website you will find a first screen as it appears in the image above. There you will find data such as the type of device, operating system, browser and its version, IP address, etc. All this is what a website can collect when entering.
What you actually see is your browser’s fingerprint . It is the information you have been collecting. If you scroll down you will see much more data. For example, you will see the exact location, even with the coordinates, as well as much more information that it detects from the equipment you are using to navigate.
Cover Your Tracks
One more online service you can use to see what kind of trail you leave behind when browsing is Cover Your Tracks . It is a simple page that you can enter and start to show you data similar to what we have seen previously. Once you are inside, you have to click on Test Your Browser .
This process takes a few seconds and you will quickly see information related to the data and how it could track you. It also tells you whether or not you are protected against tracking. There you will see typical information such as the browser you use, the version, the type of operating system, extensions that you may have installed in the browser, location…
In short, you will see data that they can collect when you surf the net. This will help you to have a greater knowledge to know at all times how they could track you and to be able to take measures in case you want to be more protected on the network, without exposing so much information.
What to do to avoid exposing data when browsing
As you can see, when browsing the Internet you can expose very diverse data. Sometimes this could even put your privacy at real risk if you don’t take steps to prevent it. Therefore, we are going to give some tips to not expose data on the Internet or, at least, keep privacy as protected as possible.
Use VPN
A first option to improve privacy when browsing the Internet and avoid exposing data is to use a VPN. What this type of program does is encrypt the connection . This will prevent a possible intruder in a public network to which you connect, from collecting data on what sites you visit, passwords, etc.
You can use many VPNs as there are both free and paid ones. However, our advice is to use only those that are guaranteed. You can try ExpressVPN or NordVPN, for example. There are both for computers and also for mobile devices.
Use a private browser
You will also find many browsers available to surf the net. There is not only Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, which we can say are two of the most popular. You will find many other options that could help improve your privacy on the Internet. Therefore, you can try another alternative.
What private browser to use? One of the most popular is Tor. You are going to navigate through nodes and that is going to make it difficult for them to track you on the Internet. Of course, the navigation will be slower.
Avoid installing insecure extensions
You can install many plugins to major browsers. Some are used to organize tabs, read PDF files, link them to other online services… But you should be aware that not all of them are reliable. You could even be installing extensions that will put your Internet security at risk.
Our advice in this case is to avoid installing add-ons that could be fraudulent. Use only guaranteed extensions, that do not collect personal data, that are updated and always downloaded from official and safe sites, such as the Chrome store.
Have the equipment in good condition
On the other hand, it is essential that you have the equipment properly protected. You can use a good antivirus , such as Microsoft Defender or Avast. In this way you will detect possible malicious software that reaches your system. You will be able to increase security and prevent them from damaging your equipment without you realizing it.
But having the equipment in good condition is also updating it. Many threats that can expose your data are going to take advantage of security flaws. Always install all the updates that are on the network and in this way you will be more protected.
In short, as you can see, there are tools that will help you see how your data can be exposed on the Internet. It is essential that you take measures to maintain privacy and thus avoid problems that affect your data and your systems.
