Paywalls, Browsers, Cookies, Search Engines and Email Harvesting – All Security Concerns
Your security and privacy at risk
This is a quick read on how to escape information hacking as you browse the web.
The landscape of accessing information on the internet is evolving, with paywalls and email harvesting emerging as the next frontier. Many of us have encountered paywalls demanding cash or subscriptions, while requests for email addresses, often tied to logging in with Google or Facebook, have become commonplace – all tactics to extract personal information.
To counter the rise of ad-blockers impacting website revenues, alternative methods to generate income have surfaced. Unbeknownst to many, merely visiting a website allows it to identify your web browser and, with location services enabled, pinpoint your geographical location. While some may find this unintrusive, to me, it feels like a direct invasion of privacy.
Fortunately, several measures can be taken to safeguard your privacy. Installing ad-blockers, blocking third-party cookies, disabling location services, or using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) are effective strategies. Privacy-focused browsers like Firefox, Brave, and TOR offer added protection compared to mainstream options like Safari, Google Chrome, or Microsoft browsers, which often compromise user data.
A practical tip to bypass data collection and paywalls is to utilize reader mode, available as an extension in certain browsers or pre-installed in others. Activating it in the web browser bar can help preserve your privacy.
Search engines also contribute to tracking behavior, logging IP addresses, locations, and search queries. Choosing search engines like Brave or DuckDuckGo, coupled with an ad-blocker and a VPN, can enhance your online privacy.
The importance of a VPN lies in channeling your data through another website, preventing the tracking of your location or IP address. While not foolproof, combining VPNs with privacy-focused browsers and tweaking settings can create a robust defense against potential privacy infringements.
Encountering paywalls or email harvesting prompts the need for cautious steps. Utilizing reader-view often bypasses paywalls, while providing a disposable email address can safeguard your primary one from potential trackers and spam.
For comprehensive privacy protection:
- Utilize a VPN.
- Avoid providing email addresses (use a disposable one if necessary).
- Activate an ad-blocker.
- Disable third-party cookies.
- Choose secure browsers like Brave, Firefox, or Tor.
- Turn off location services.
- Opt for privacy search engines such as Brave or DuckDuckGo.
- Exercise caution with paywalls, considering their associated risks and privacy policies.
- Seek alternative websites if privacy measures fail on a particular site.
Beyond these steps, actively monitor your online presence, using opt-out policies to erase any available information about you. Steering clear of social media sites and maintaining a discreet online identity can further fortify your commitment to privacy and protect your rights from potential exploitation.
I have turned on all of the maximum security settings in Firefox – I block all third party cookies – My website uses them for analytics – and that isn’t important to me – It is just part of Jetpacks job to log the information.
Fox News – still email harvesting but you can get around that with reader view. You can also use a disposable email address coupled with a VPN to hide your location and information. Fox is one of many sources I use because I want to see the view from the right – as well as the middle and left. It helps me understand how screwed up we are as a country.