Whenever we surf the Internet, we can come across many methods through which they could collect personal information. Keep in mind that our data has great value on the Internet. They could be used for profit. Companies use them to get to know customers better, send advertising that suits a profile and even sell it to third parties for a financial gain. When browsing a website, they could track us through different methods. They could know more about us, about our team. We will explain the most important points and also give tips to avoid it.
User information carries great weight on the Internet
We are not talking only about the fact that they can use our data to steal us, to launch Phishing campaigns or affect our security in any way. We also talk about the economic value that it represents for a company to have visitor data, to know how and from where they can navigate.
For this reason, the information in the network has a great weight. There are many methods that can be used by webmasters, marketers, and yes, hackers too. They can collect a large amount of data and use it with malicious intent on many occasions.
But it is especially when browsing the Internet where we leave the most trace. Just by visiting a website they may obtain a large amount of information to know what type of profile we are, where we are, our interests, etc.
Tracking methods when visiting a website
We are going to see what are the main methods or ways of obtaining information that they have when entering a website. We will see how they could control us, know our movements and, ultimately, have more data related to ourselves and navigation.
Through the IP
Undoubtedly one of the most common ways that a web page has to track us when we access is through the IP address . Each user, each visitor, will have a unique one. The address will show details such as the country we are in, the geographic location quite precisely, the operator, etc.
But beyond the IP, it can also get information about the type of device we are using or the operating system. All this can help them to have statistical data, improve the site, know more about what type of users enter or from where.
With navigation cookies
Through cookies they can also track us when visiting a web page. Keep in mind that there are different types of cookies. There are the session ones, for example. Also those that will allow users to be tracked in order to offer targeted advertising or learn more about visitors.
From links
When we click on a link and land on a page, that site will be able to trace the origin. That is, it will know where we come from. For example, it would know if we have arrived through a Google search or through a link that may be on a third-party site.
Mouse tracking
They could even track the mouse pointer. Surely on some occasion we have navigated a web page and when we clicked the mouse to the close button a message appeared saying something so that we did not leave, to give us more information or whatever. They can configure that site to know in which areas the visitor spends more time and how far the pointer passes.
Social media buttons
Without a doubt, social networks are widely used today. They serve as a means of communication to be in contact with friends and family, but also for companies and organizations. On many occasions we can find a Facebook button , for example, when we enter a page.
The point is that if we have logged into that browser on Facebook, the page we visit and that has a button will be able to track our user. You will know that we have visited that site. It is another of the methods that they can use.
Tips to avoid being tracked when browsing
After looking at some common methods that could be used to track us on the Internet when visiting a website, we are going to give some interesting tips to prevent this from happening. The goal is that our privacy is always safe, that we can preserve the data and have no problems.
Use a VPN
A very important option that we have available to preserve privacy when we surf the Internet is to use a VPN . In this way we will keep the real IP address hidden. We are not going to show our country, location, etc.
We can make use of both free and paid applications. There is also the possibility of using a proxy server, which acts as an intermediary between our team and the landing page. This way our data will remain anonymous.
Protect browser security
Of course it is very important to maintain the security of the browser . Sometimes sites can take advantage of adware and other problems that are present. They can collect personal data through malicious software, fraudulent extensions, or any kind of security threat. For this, it will be essential to have a good antivirus, as well as security accessories.
Avoid logging in to other accounts
We have seen that they can obtain data from us through logging into social networks such as Facebook. If we want to improve security when browsing, a good advice is not to have the session started in the browser. In this way they will not know at any time what the data of our profile is.
Delete cookies
In the browser itself we can also delete stored cookies . One more way to improve privacy and prevent malicious software from collecting all this data and using it against us.
In Google Chrome, for example, we can do it if we go to the menu at the top right, enter Settings, Privacy and security, Clear browsing data and delete everything that is stored.
Keep equipment up-to-date to avoid problems
Another very important issue to avoid privacy problems when browsing is to keep the equipment always updated . We must have the latest versions available. On many occasions, vulnerabilities and flaws arise that can be exploited by third parties. Hence, it is essential to have the latest versions.
In short, when opening a web page they could track us. It is important that we always maintain security and that we are aware of the methods they can use to achieve this. So we will always be safe and there will be no problems.
