How To Keep Your Browsing Data Private
The government has recently moved to deregulate internet privacy laws so that Americans’ browsing data could be up for grabs to the highest bidder. Internet service providers want to collect as much data as possible to track people’s browsing habits, so they can better market and sell their products to consumers. In an age of rampant spying and government deregulation, how do you protect your browsing data?
Subscribe to a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Using a virtual private network (VPN) while browsing the internet will ensure that your sensitive browsing data is not being collected. A VPN is like a gatekeeper for your internet activity – all your browsing will have to go through it, and a paid subscription will block third parties from tracking your data. A VPN uses an encrypted connection, so you know your information will be safe, and the only data that your internet service provider will see is general browsing data instead of specific browsing data. A good subscription-based VPN is the F-Secure Freedome VPN. You can also read more about VPN’s and privacy here.
Incognito Mode
What about “going incognito?” Incognito mode (or similar private browsing modes) primarily keeps things private from other users on your machine. It helps with privacy inside your network, whereas a VPN helps keep your data private from anyone who’s trying to eavesdrop from outside your network.
Always Look For “HTTPS://”
When you see “HTTPS” or a lock in the address bar of a website, you know that it has enhanced security over an HTTP site. HTTPS masks sensitive data, such as your credit card or personal information, from onlookers. When you’re browsing the internet, making online purchases, or filling out personal data forms, always use HTTPS websites. This is one of the best and easiest ways to avoid identity theft and to protect your privacy. You can download the HTTPS Everywhere extension to your browser to make sure that you’re always on a secure site.
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Mobile device management (MDM) is another great tool to protect your data. An MDM system can encrypt your data and maintain high levels of privacy and risk prevention on the mobile devices connected to your network. MDM plans offer total freedom and flexibility for a business – you can change the policy depending on the location of the device, whether it’s remote or on-site. You can also restrict browsing at the office, or allow it only on wifi to keep data costs in check. These tools allow you to determine what kind of browsing your employee does, and also protects company data stored or transmitted on mobile devices.
If you have any questions about how you can implement these and other privacy tips, or if you’d like to sign up for mobile device management, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 970.373.5428.
April 2017 Edition