Is it possible to be completely anonymous on the internet? Do you know how to use the internet entirely anonymously? Is it possible to keep your online identity hidden? These, and a slew of other issues, are surely causing concern in our society today. And, either data security breaches are remedied or they evolve into life-threatening issues on the internet.
Once upon a time, there was a concept known as 'anonymity'. Things changed, however, with the rise of popular networks such as Facebook, Google, Twitter, and others. This has resulted in data leaks as a result of system intrusions, data security failures, a company's drive to sell customers' personal information for profit, and so on. The primary risks of revealing your identity online are that hackers or cybercriminals will distort the information, sell it for spam messages, or blackmail you with the information.
Allow me to aid you in removing your online identification by showing you how to disguise your online identity.
I'll show you how to delete any "already entered" information about yourself from the internet. This means I'll show you not only how to remain entirely anonymous on the internet, but also how to retrieve your original information that's already out there.
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How to Hide Be Completely Anonymous on the Internet and Your Identity Online for Free
Now that we've discussed the disadvantages of having your name exposed online, let's look at ways to protect yourself.
1. Use VPN
Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an acronym for Virtual Private Network. It has to keep the receiving servers from figuring out where you are. This manner, the internet won't be able to determine anything about your position. Use any modern browser to search for anything using the Google search engine to see how successful this may be. When you go to the bottom of the page, you'll see that even Google gives you the wrong address.
Furthermore, if you're in a place where certain services aren't available, the VPN will give you free access to them. Some manufacturers provide paid or premium services, which I advocate for the best protection of personal data. The most popular method for remaining entirely anonymous on the internet is to use a VPN.
Here is my recommended VPN, which I use to ensure that my online identity is protected. Never expose yourself again to informants.
2. Go Incognito
While browsing your browser, you must have come across a setting titled 'Incognito.' This option, as the name implies, instructs a user's browser to wipe all browsing history immediately. It isn't exactly a way for being anonymous online, but it does assist a lot. Incognito mode works by ensuring that no harmful software has access to your browser history.
If malicious software gains access, it may be able to extract sensitive information such as passwords and other personal information. It will send this information to its producers, who will either target you with a specific advertisement or sell your data for profit.
3. Mind the Plugins
On browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, there are a plethora of appealing plugins. The plugins are frequently accompanied by helpful descriptions promising that they will do nothing with your data. These plugins, on the other hand, capture any data entered directly on their path or any other path or place in the browser in an anonymous manner. Name, date of birth, hobbies, location, and as much as it can hold are examples of such information. When data leaves a computer or mobile device, it is commercialized and might be used to harm a person in any way.
How to Know a Good Plugin
Recommendation
A smart way to learn about a good plugin is to ask for a recommendation. You shouldn't trust this, though, because you won't be aware of the plugin's activities while it's installed. Even your browser will tell you not to install the plugin, demonstrating that browser designers are just as clueless as you are.
Check for Number of Downloads
Another way to tell if a plugin is good is to look at the amount of downloads. Surprisingly, this works for almost all plugins. Even if you have downloaded such a plugin, do a scan to discover whether it has any tracker or data theft features installed.
Read Reviews
This is a great method to see what other people have to say about a specific plugin. Set the viewable reviews to single stars to get the best results. This will show all of the plugin's negative reviews. Look for evaluations that hint to the theft of personal information.
4. Avoid Google
If you want to remain anonymous, stay away from Google. Dumping personal info requesting networks is a good approach to remain entirely anonymous on the internet. Aside from Google, there are a few others who are not trustworthy. What strikes me about Google is that it is a sincere organization. They notify a user of any personal data access and provide justifications for why they need access to such information. In reality, part of the information required by networks like Google is always necessary in order to provide you with better service.
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How to Hide Your Identity Online from Networks
The only way to avoid these networks is to supply them with a phony ID and everything else they require. The majority of internet users make the error of entrusting their personal information to these well-known networks. As trustworthy as they are, giving them personal information would entail revealing one's identity online. As a result, you must either issue fictitious information or refrain from employing any of them.
How can you determine if a network will ask for too many permissions to your personal information? Simply go to the network's Privacy Policy page to learn everything you need to know about their privacy policies.
5. Abandon Http Websites
Users are repeatedly reminded not to enter personal information or utilize any website that does not have an SSL certificate. To protect your information from being stolen, it is extremely risky to share data on such websites. Whether the website belongs to your bank, a reputable corporation, Facebook, YouTube, or another entity, avoid using it until it switches to HTTPS.
Look towards the top left side of the display screen and click on URL to see if a website uses HTTP or HTTPS. Back up the cursor and check whether it's HTTP or HTTPS. Most current browsers now flag such a page as 'unsafe,' saving internet users time and aggravation.
6. Use Tor
The Tor browser is similar to a VPN, but it also has various other functions such as a bogus IP address. Tor's services are among the most trusted in the world for any activity or for anyone who wants to remain anonymous online. Download the Tor software, fill in the relevant fields (if applicable), connect, and do whatever you want online while remaining safe from data thieves.
It's worth noting that Tor doesn't secure the personal information you enter on various platforms. Tor prevents any tracker, whether government or non-government, from determining where your computer is coming from. As previously indicated, you can access any restricted platform by changing your IP address to one of the countries that they support. Isn't it fascinating how far technology has progressed?
Please keep in mind that using TOR consumes a lot of bandwidth and requires a strong internet connection. So, before you use the TOR browser, make sure you have adequate data.
7. Transact Online Using Another Person’s Account
Payment platforms would be the most difficult to avoid if we could easily avoid any platform by not providing accurate information. The banking function known as authentication is one of the reasons why it will be challenging. Remember that when you're going to open a bank account, you'll have to submit your thumbprint data as well.
Failure to do so will result in your registration being incomplete. To prevent disclosing your personal information to the bank, open a new account in the name of someone else. The disadvantage of utilizing another person is that if something bad happens to them, such as death, it will be difficult to get the money back. Of course, you will be asked to provide some personal information.
Banks like to keep their customers up to date on a regular basis in order to prevent them from becoming victims of fraud. Directly signing up would imply giving them these details and agreeing to receive messages that may or may not be spam. I'm implying that you must trade using someone else's account for every online transaction.
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8. Restrict Apps
Consumers no longer have complete control over their mobile phones' activity. Users of Android phones, for example, can choose what role an installed application can do starting with Android KitKat. The following are some of the user identity-related configurable functions:
- App access to location
- Access to the contact list
- Reading of mobile phone messages
- Access to front and rear cameras
- Voice recorder access (some apps anonymously record what you say)
As previously indicated, preventing apps from obtaining access to any of the functionalities decreases the risk of personal data theft. Do not overlook the importance of preventing rogue programs from stealing your data. These features are equally accessible on iPhones; to remain anonymous online, enable or disable the functions., go to applications under your phone's settings and allow these instructions to.
9. Use Fake Details on Several Networks
It's fine to use accurate information on any social or nonsocial network, but not when a firm takes advantage of your information. Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms are not exempt from using bogus information. Despite the fact that these networks ask for permission, anonymous data retractions may occur that you are unaware of.
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Recommended Privacy Tools
There are a few privacy-focused tools that can help you stay hidden. Here are a handful of them to keep your online identity private.
- Tor browser
- VPN apps available on store
- Proxy Servers
- Redirect checker
- Adblocker
- Location block plugins
- Incognito browsers
How to Clear Existing Identity Details Online
It's fairly easy to delete an existing online persona. Unknowingly, I once joined up for a spam website. My official email account began receiving spam messages from various types of internet fraudsters and criminals a few days later. After completing the following, I now have a spam-free email:
Check the Link Embedded in the Spam Mail
The majority of spam emails you receive are either attempts to garner traffic or steal your account, or your data on a specific site is being sold to spammers. Stop this by looking through the full email for a link to a website like this. Find the option to 'Delete' or 'Deactivate' your account on the website. You won't be able to delete your account on most websites. You could, however, circumvent this by altering the registered email address or inputting an invalid ID to null the account. Exit after saving the ID.
Unsubscribe for the Email
You can 'unsubscribe' from some websites. Once you've pressed the button, you're free to go.
Note: Before unsubscribing, if feasible, erase your information from such a site.
Mark Such Senders as Spam
Don't be alarmed if there aren't any choices for unsubscribing. To be honest, you'll never be able to completely eliminate such communications. You can still direct such mails to a spam folder or permanently stop the servers from sending you fraudulent messages by instructing your mail provider to do so.
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Thoughts on Hiding Your Identity Online
The question of "can you be anonymous on the internet?" has been answered in this article. Although it is desirable to remain anonymous online, it can also inconvenient.
It is preferable to be anonymous for a short period of time rather than for the rest of one's life. The main reason for this is that most online activities now require our personal information to function.
Conclusion on How to Hide Your Identity on the Internet while Browsing
Rather of staying completely anonymous, be aware of the networks you join and avoid visiting harmful websites with a tracable IP address. Furthermore, do not supply unique information for unimportant networks or that you do not require any key occasion on a regular basis.