Cape Town – Hack attacks, international espionage and corporate marketing have thrust open the danger of your online identity being compromised.
In particular, the recent attack on adult dating website Ashley Madison highlighted the danger of having your real-world identity matched with your online persona.
“Many people, mostly men, were ‘outed’ by the recent hack of the Ashley Madison website. Even if you weren’t one of them, it doesn’t mean you’re safe. These kinds of attacks happen all the time, and next time it will be on a different service with different users and for different reasons,” Morgan Slain, CEO of TeamsID, SplashData, and SPARC International told Fin24.
Slain has been an expert of cyber security matter for more than 20 years.
He said that as people fully engage with the digital age through multiple devices, staying anonymous has become increasingly difficult.
“The problem is that if you use computers, tablets, or smartphones, it’s hard to avoid all the tracking, sniffing, and tracing going on all across the web. But there are some things you can do to make yourself harder to find.”
Here are Slain’s 10 tips for staying anonymous online:
1. Power up your email
If you use Gmail or Yahoo Mail, consider Mailvelope, a browser extension for Chrome or Firefox that offers encryption. SecureGmail also encrypts and decrypts emails you send through Gmail. Downside: Your recipients will need to install the extension too.
Hushmail offers email accounts with built-in encryption and unlimited aliases. A limited free service is offered with more features available for a fee.
You can also use throwaway services like Guerrilla Mail and Mailinator to sign up for new accounts.
2. Browse better
Most browsers have private modes which will not store cookies or history. Private browsing offers some protection but does not hide your identity since IP addresses may be tracked.
Consider switching to a private browser such as Dooble or Comodo Dragon.
3. Manage social media
Data harvested by social networks is startling. The only way to avoid sharing information is to delete accounts. Deactivating your account is not the same – your information continues to be stored.
If you’re not willing to delete your accounts, update your privacy settings, sharing as little as possible. Ideally, share information only with people you know.
4. Block and manage tracking
Most websites secretly track browsing, but Ghostery is a free browser extension that will reveal trackers. You decide which trackers you’re comfortable with and which to block.
5. Use a VPN
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) hide IP addresses and run your online data through a virtual tunnel, keeping websites from tracking online activity and location. VPNs include Hotspot Shield, TorGuard, and CyberGhost. Most require a monthly fee.
Tor is a network that improves security. Here, websites are created anonymously and individuals communicate privately. When using Tor, it is difficult for your activity and location to be tracked, but browsing can be slow.
6. Get rid of cookies
Blocking third party cookies on your browser helps maintain anonymity. Websites will have a harder time tracking when you visited and signing you in automatically. While blocking cookies can be less convenient, the increase in privacy is worth it.
Two plug-ins that block cookies include AdBlock Plus and uBlock. Use an app like CCleaner, which is free and powerful.
7. Search differently
Google is efficient for searching but uses your search habits to present results that it believes are relevant. Turn off personalised search by going to Search Tools > All Results > Verbatim. If you want to make sure your search engine isn’t tracking you, switch to DuckDuckGo.
8. Use a password manager
Simple passwords present risks, especially when you use the same password across multiple websites. Lower your risk by using a password manager like SplashID, or TeamsID for businesses.
9. Make anonymous payments
Use a Visa gift card to make payments online. Be sure to register the card online using an alias. Some sites might allow you to use Bitcoin or Darkcoin, a newer cryptographic currency based on Bitcoin.
10. Unlink accounts
Many websites give the option to link accounts, such as logging in using your Google account information. While convenient, linking accounts multiplies risk. If one account is compromised, all linked accounts will be at risk.
Have you got any tips on how to secure yourself online? Tell us by clicking here.
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