How to hide your browsing history and protect your privacy (2024)

Browsing the Internet is an everyday task for most of the world, whether it's searching for answers to questions, shopping online or using social media. Whatever online activity you do, it leaves a trail of data called your browsing history or search history.

The question is: who can see your internet activity? In this article, we'll look at all the devices that can see your web activity, along with tips on how to make that activity private.

Who can see your browsing history?

Let's get straight into it. There are several devices that can see and collect your online activities. These are internet service providers (ISPs), browsers, hackers, governments, apps and websites and network administrators.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

Your ISP can see the exact website pages you visit, along with the amount of time you spend on each website. This allows your ISP to monitor and record your browsing history to improve network performance for you, meet regulatory requirements, or target advertisem*nts to you.

Browsers

Regardless of your web browser preference, whether you use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, it often collects data from your browsing history unless you use a specific browser that doesn't. Although the purpose of tracking your browsing, search queries and cookies is to provide you with a better browsing experience, these log files may be used for the browser's benefit or shared with third parties without your discretion.

Hackers

Your browsing history is susceptible to attacks from cyber threats via malware, phishing, or vulnerabilities in your network. This allows these cyber criminals to steal sensitive data, such as your login details.

the government

In some countries, governments have the ability to monitor and collect data from your browsing history. Typically, this is done through surveillance programs or intelligence services that have backdoors in communications systems, implemented legal requirements in the country, or intercept data.

Apps and websites

Most apps and websites today collect and use your data to give you a more personalized browsing experience. Collecting this data allows both social media platforms and search engines to target specific advertisem*nts to you based on your browsing history.

Network administrators

Shared networks, such as public Wi-Fi or at your workplace, allow network administrators to monitor all traffic over their network.

How do I keep my internet history private?

If you want to keep your browsing history private, you can use a VPN, private browser, or proxy server.

Use a VPN

My VPN (virtual private network) is a useful tool that allows you to privatize your online browsing. You may be wondering,what a VPN hides? The purpose of a VPN connection is to secure your online browsing history and sensitive data by creating a private connection between your device and the internet, whether it is a computer, mobile device, tablet, or other device.

VPNs are great to use when you're connected to a public Wi-Fi network or when trying to access geo-restricted content because you can put your Internet connection on a server in the country of your choice and enjoy unlimited internet access .

Benefit

• Encryption: VPNs prevent ISPs, hackers, and other parties from trying to access your data.
• Anonymity: Websites have a hard time figuring out your true identity because your IP address is masked and you are assigned a random address from the VPN server.
• Bypass restrictions: access to country-specific streaming services.

Cons

• Cost: Unfortunately, not all VPNs are free, and if you want advanced security features, you'll have to pay a flat fee.
• Connection speed: Depending on the VPN provider you choose, you may experience reduced internet speed when your connection is rerouted.

Use a private browser

Using a private browser is an important step in protecting your online privacy. Private browsers such as Tor and DuckDuckGo offer additional security options beyond those available in standard web browsers such as Chrome's Incognito mode. These additional settings prevent data from being stored and your activity from being tracked while browsing the Internet, ensuring maximum privacy.

De Tor-browseris based on the open source project Firefox and its main purpose is to maintain your anonymity while surfing the Internet. It prevents trackers from collecting data, provides improved encryption of communications, and avoids IP address tracking.

OfDuckDuckGo privatlivsbrowseroffers similar features to the Tor browser, such as blocking third-party cookies, encrypting web traffic, and preventing websites from collecting personal data such as IP addresses or search queries.

Use incognito mode

Google ChromeUnknown modeis a viable option for those who want to browse the web without saving any history, cookies or login details. Also known asprivate browsing in Safariand some other browsers, they provide an isolated environment where you can temporarily browse without saving any data.

Using incognito mode is useful if you want to log in to the same website with multiple accounts at the same time, because all information is kept separate. It's also great if you want to buy something, whether it's gifts or flights for a holiday. Not only does it leave no trace of your activity, but the sites don't allow it eitheraccess your search history, if they raise prices.

Benefit

• Temporary data: Clearing your browser and cookie data every time you close the browser keeps the environment clean.
• Shared devices: When you use public computers or shared devices with family members, your online activity can remain secret.

Cons

• Limited privacy: Unfortunately, private browsers cannot provide complete anonymity. ISPs and websites you visit can still track your activity as you browse.
• Local monitoring: It also does not prevent network administrators from accessing Internet usage information.

Use a proxy server

Proxy-serveract as an intermediary between your device and the internet by forwarding requests and masking your IP address. This allows you to enjoy an extra layer of anonymity and bypass geo-restrictions to access content or websites blocked in your region. Although similar, proxy servers do not provide the same level of security as VPNs.

Benefit

• Anonymity: By masking your IP address, websites will find it very difficult to track your location and track online activity.
• Filter content: Allows access to websites that may be blocked by your network or ISP.

Cons

• Limited security: Security and encryption are not as important with proxy servers as they are with VPNs. This can lead to hackers breaking into your network and retrieving data.
• Speed ​​and reliability: Internet speeds can drop dramatically and create unreliable connections compared to other methods.

Why do ISPs track my browsing history?

ISPs have the ability to collect data by tracking your browsing history, which understandably raises concerns about your data security and privacy. They do this for a number of legitimate reasons, such as advertising, network optimization, network security, regulatory compliance, troubleshooting, and customer support.

Targeted advertising

By collecting your online browsing data, ISPs analyze patterns and target advertisem*nts based on your interests, demographics and online behavior.

Network optimization

ISPs monitor the types of websites you visit and the data you use, along with periods of high internet traffic, so they can optimize their network performance to meet demand.

Unfortunately, some ISPs usebandwidth regulationas a form of network optimization. This means your internet speeds will be significantly reduced, which can make it almost impossible to view web pages, let alone stream Netflix or play online games.

Network security

By analyzing and identifying patterns and suspicious behavior, ISPs can detect and prevent malicious attacks on the network and ultimately protect users from incidents such as phishing, malware or illegal distribution.

Compliance with rules

In many places around the world, ISPs are required by law to collect and retain user data for specific periods of time, in case law enforcement agencies ever need the data.

Troubleshooting and customer support

ISPs can diagnose technical problems and provide solutions more effectively and efficiently by tracking browsing history. This not only allows for more troubleshooting in terms of network connectivity, but also allows them to provide better customer support.

Does Incognito Mode protect my browsing history?

Incognito mode or private browsing is often the privacy solution for many online browsers due to its easy availability. You can easily open a new tab in your browser in incognito or private mode. However, it is important to know that it has some limitations compared to using a VPN or a private browser.

Incognito mode is suitable when you use a public or shared computer to prevent your browsing activity and data from being stored on the device. But you should not rely solely on this method to provide anonymity and protection of your browsing history and data as it does not provide protection against external devices. If you want it completeanonymous browsingand better security measures are in place, you should choose a VPN or a private browser like Tor as these offer much greater layers of privacy and secure encryption.

Which incognito mode protects

• It may happen that the browsing history is saved.
• It deletes cookies and all data from a session as soon as you close the window.
• No data, such as login details or personal details, are stored.
• All downloaded files will be deleted after the session.

Which incognito mode does not protect?

• ISPs can still track your browsing history and see which websites you visit.
• The websites you visit may also still track activity using cookies and IP tracking.
• Network administrators who have access to your device can monitor your internet usage.

Why do I need to protect my browsing history?

There are many legal and ethical reasons to protect your browsing history. First of all, you can protect your right to privacy from unnecessary surveillance by protecting your browsing history. You can also prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands, including login credentials and financial data.

By protecting your online activities, you can minimize the amount and frequency of personal ads you encounter by minimizing the collection of data required to do so. Cybercriminals will find it difficult to exploit your browsing habits if you hide your browsing data, which ultimately minimizes the risk of identity theft and prevents fraudulent activity.

You can also achieve intellectual freedom by exploring a range of ideas, opinions, and information without fear of reprisal.

Frequently asked questions about browsing history

In short

Protecting your browsing history is so important these days. By using a VPN, private browser, or proxy server, you can protect your browsing history and secure your privacy from ISPs, browsers, hackers, and other entities. By taking proactive steps to ensure anonymity while browsing the Internet, you can enjoy a safer and more personalized online experience.

You can also considerusing an ad blockerwith your favorite web browser. Adblocker browser extensions often also come with third-party tracker blockers, which add an extra layer of privacy.