Who is watching us on the Internet?

Information technologies have been developing at blistering speed since the beginning of the 21st century. Everyone is talking about the need for the Internet in our life whether it is work or leisure, study, financial management or even getting quality medical care. Datareportal reports that the worldwide web has 4.8 billion users, which is 63% of the world's population. Their number is increasing  by 700,000 new users every day.

The Internet offers incredible opportunities, but at the same time it is a tool of limitation for us. Our personal data and habits are logged. Most people do not take into consideration that all their network activities are not private at all. But even if you are not doing anything illegal, your privacy must be respected.

Both Internet security and confidentiality are such tricky subjects. Ondřej Vlček, CEO of Avast, believes that "the ability to connect  to the Internet safely is an important human right."

This article will highlight who has access to data about our actions on the Internet, and what can be countered with this.

Internet providers

They have access not only to the websites addresses you visit, but also to whom you write emails, what do you do on social networks. All your entered passwords can easily be tracked by an Internet service company.

Wi-Fi network administrators

All your interactions on the Internet are at a glance: websites, emails, social networks (even in Incognito mode).

Government organizations

Law enforcement may request data from your ISP about your online activities to prevent any cybercrime.

Operating Systems

The computer and phone OS also track your internet activity and location (in case the function is on).

Search engines

Search drives such as Google or Yandex collect data all the time your account is enabled, building your interests profile to personalize ads.

Websites

Many websites use cookies to track user traffic and activities, as well as ads campaigns promotion.

Applications

Most apps, both on your phone and on your computer, have access to your location, accounts, and email address by request in your privacy settings.

Hackers

Attackers use hundreds of tricks to get data of your personal accounts, bank cards, etc.

To avoid network stalking, you need to stop using computers and gadgets and, most importantly, the Internet in general, which is impossible for anyone of our time. And if minimizing vulnerability on the Internet seems something incomprehensible to you, then we, as developers of digital products, share all the knowledge and tools necessary for a comfortable and safe online experience. Following these tips, you can enhance the protection of your personal data on the Internet right now.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

2FA is a sign-in verification feature with a code, thus creating an additional layer of security. It requires entering a one-time code from the SMS message received on your phone, to sign in your account.

Password Manager

This application is created for the safe storage of your passwords. Everyone has so many accounts nowadays that it is simply impossible to remember all the passwords. Using any password manager, only a password is enough (to enter the manager itself). Many of them have key generator features to create unique, difficult to crack passwords.

VPN server

VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted "tunnel" between your computer or phone with a server, so it is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to intercept your traffic. If you connect to a public Wi-Fi network that is not password protected (or with an accessible password), you become vulnerable to traffic interception. Your own VPN server enhances your Internet security, and allows bypassing geographic restrictions (see more about VPNs differences and use here and here).

Get connected using promo code STAYSAFE from LLHOST INC. and enjoy a 30% discount on any VPN server (this offer is valid until June 6th, 2022, for three periods of monthly ordering).

Your online activities and interests are valuable data that can be used against you. It is your decision to protect your privacy or not, being armed with the knowledge and tools described in the article, in order to block access to your personal information from intruders as much as possible.