It is a possibility you want to be a little mysterious, but most likely, you want to protect your privacy when online. Nobody wants cybercriminals knowing what they are doing, nor do they want marketers knowing where you go and what you search for while browsing the Internet. So, what do we do? We anonymize our activity by using private browsing or Incognito mode. However, what you need to be using is a virtual private network (VPN).
The Incognito mode of Google Chrome will help you maintain privacy while online. Chrome is not the only browser that offers this type of feature, however. Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Edge also offer private browsing. When the private browsing feature is at work, the websites you visit will not be recorded, nor will what you searched for. Also, this feature does not save any site login information. This means you will be a little inconvenienced by doing without the access credentials auto-populating.
Plugins that can track your activity are also disabled when using private browsing. But, these plugins are intended to serve a purpose when we are on the Internet. So, yes, disabling them can cause an inconvenience and negatively impact the browsing experience.
Now, as concerns over cybersecurity rise, realizing the concerns over privacy while browsing may not be enough. Hiding your browsing activity is only half the battle for one thing. You should also realize that:
- Your internet service provider (ISP) might be monitoring the sites you are visiting
- The site you have visited could be tracking your ISP address to discover out where you logged in from
- Unless you are on an encrypted site, a cyber bad guy might be able to read your data
These are the most common reasons businesses and residential users, wanting to protect their privacy, will look to a VPN as well. In the following, we will discuss the distinct advantages of a VPN.
Online Privacy Benefits With a VPN
With a VPN, you will have your own secure and private link to the Internet.
Think about the following benefits of having a VPN for your smartphone, computer, or tablet:
- A VPN encrypts your online activities. This means that no third party (government, company, or hacker) will be able to view your activity as it is broadcast.
- Once you connect, your IP address is hidden. The VPN will provide you with a new IP address, so you will not be tracked to your business or home connection.
- You might be able to access otherwise restricted content. The VPN IP address might appear to be in a country that is permitted access to specific content. So, the website will not know to block you.
The VPN provider might be recording your online activities (as an ISP could also do). However, the most trustworthy providers make it a policy not to maintain any activity logs for their users.
What Would You Like from Your Anonymity?
When deciding, it comes down to what you would like from your privacy efforts. If you wish to have your browser not record what you are doing locally, Incognito or another privacy browser will do OK.
If you desire a private and secure connection that enables you to enjoy peace of mind and freedom online, the VPN is meant for you.
Need help with securing your online activity? I can help you determine the best approach and implement the right strategy. Find out more. Contact me today!
