Over the years, as the Internet has become more and more popular, privacy on the Internet has become more and more of an issue. Technology is a two-edged sword. While it can allow you to instantly retrieve information from around the world, it can also allow criminals to track your every move online – from the websites you browse to the files you download. This has become a big problem in recent years.

Cookies

The word cookies may bring back memories of grandma’s chocolate chip treats, but on the internet it’s quite different. Internet cookies are small tools that websites can use to track your browsing patterns and recognize you when you visit again. While this can be useful on sites like Amazon.com that provide book recommendations and suggestions, it can also be used for evil. When used incorrectly, cookies can be used to track and trace personal information. Identity thieves use this to hijack your good reputation and rack up big bills on your account.

spyware

Spyware are small pieces of software that can be detected by browsing any website or downloading files. These programs can track a wide variety of personally identifiable information, from login information to financial sites, credit card and bank details. Hackers can use this information to steal money from you or even sell it to others for that purpose.

In the past, only dodgy-looking websites offered you spyware, but now many people are creating legitimate-looking tools that appear harmless. However, once downloaded, they infiltrate your system and expose you to identity theft.

While installing virus and spyware protection software is vitally important, it won’t protect you from all dangers. The only way to be 100% sure that no one is tracking you is to browse the web anonymously through internet proxy services. Proxies act as intermediaries between you and the web, retrieving the pages you request and passing them to you. In this way, no malefactor can identify your geographical location or track you in any way.