5 Simple Ways to Stay Anonymous Online

Each step we take on the Internet leaves traces - whether it's brief visits to news sites or online shopping. What if I tell you that even these small details can lead to creating detailed profiles that can be used for various purposes, from targeted advertising to more sinister practices? Here are five simple tips to help you stay hidden on the web.

Step 1: Install tracker blockers 

First, let's define what trackers are. These are pieces of code or cookies embedded into web pages to collect information about your internet activity. They track your browsing habits, visited sites, purchases, and even location. These data are used to create profiles and can be sold to third parties for targeted advertising and other purposes. Tracker blockers prevent the code and cookies that track your activities online, thus protecting your privacy.
Benefits of using tracker blockers.

• Enhanced personal security. By blocking trackers, you reduce the chances of your personal data being collected and leaked, making you less vulnerable to online threats and fraud.
• Reduced browser load. Blocking resources used for tracking can speed up page load times and reduce the amount of displayed ads.
• Increased privacy. Your actions on the Internet will become more confidential, allowing you to feel more comfortable using the web.

Popular tracker blockers 

There are many different programs for protecting against online tracking that can be easily installed and used, we recommend trying one of these solutions: Adblock Plus extension, Ghostery browser, Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin browser extension, DuckDuckGo Privacy. Each of these extensions has its own features. One of these solutions may be more suitable for you depending on how important it is to hide your actions:

• If you need high flexibility and performance: uBlock Origin
• If you prefer automatic tracker management without extra settings: Privacy Badger
• If transparency and knowing who is tracking you are important: Ghostery. It provides detailed information about the trackers.
• If you are looking for integrated private search and web traffic functions: DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials. Easy to use and offers additional privacy features.
• If a flexible but familiar solution with the ability to set exceptions is important: Adblock Plus. Supports whitelists and is a familiar product for many users.

How to Install Tracker Blockers 

Most tracker blockers are available as browser extensions for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and others. To install a tracker blocker, follow these steps:

• Go to your browser's extension store (e.g., Chrome Web Store for Google Chrome).
• Find the desired tracker blocker (e.g., Privacy Badger, Ghostery, or uBlock Origin).
• Click the "Install" or "Add to Browser" button, then follow the prompts to complete the installation.
• Once installed, the extension will automatically start working to protect you from trackers.

Tracker blockers are an important tool in the arsenal of those who deal with internet privacy. They provide an additional layer of protection against tracking and help keep your personal information safe.

Step 2: Use secure search engines 

Using search engines that do not track your queries helps protect privacy. Search results are reflected by the nearest location or you can choose a country for the search yourself.

• DuckDuckGo browser: Does not track users and does not save search query data.
• Startpage: Uses Google results but does not save user data.

Step 3: Use a strong password generator 

Frequently changing passwords helps protect your accounts from hacking. Use complex and unique passwords for each site. The best password managers are LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane, Keeper. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs.

• If low cost is important to you, consider Bitwarden. The basic version is free, the premium version costs about $10 per year.
• If high security and convenient functionality for travel are necessary, try 1Password. No free version, but there is a trial period; plans start at $2.99 per month.
• If you are looking for wide functionality with good support, look at Dashlane. The free version is limited, premium versions start at $3.33 per month.
• If automation and more business features are important, Keeper will be a good choice. No free version, prices start at $2.91 per month.
• LastPass is suitable if you need a convenient and time-tested manager with autofill and good sharing features. Offers a free version with limited features, and the premium version starts at about $3 per month.

The question of how often to change passwords - we recommend every few months.

Step 4: Use secure messengers 

With the increase in cyber threats and the growing attention to online anonymity, how to choose a messenger that can reliably protect our data? Popular secure messengers are well-known or almost well-known: Telegram, WhatsApp, Signal, Threema. Depending on your needs and priorities, each of these messengers can meet various security and functionality requirements:

• Telegram: Suitable for those who value additional functions and a user-friendly interface but requires manual enabling of end-to-end encryption for secret chats.
• WhatsApp: A good choice for those seeking ease of use and secure messages by default. However, potential risks are associated with Facebook ownership.
• Signal: Considered one of the most secure messengers due to default end-to-end encryption and minimal data collection. Recommended for those who prioritize privacy.
• Threema: An excellent choice for those who want maximum anonymity and data security without linking to a phone number or email.

Step 5: Use a virtual number 

Try not to leave too much personal information on the Internet. The less you share, the harder it is to track you. Sometimes the simplest ways are the most effective.

We recommend using virtual numbers for registration in applications and on websites. A virtual number is provided to you for a limited period so that you can complete the registration process. After that, the number is deactivated. Temporary numbers allow users to avoid disclosing their personal mobile numbers and minimize the risk of receiving spam or unwanted calls. To choose a virtual number, you need to determine for which service or messenger you need a virtual number. Make sure the chosen service supports the country and operator you need.

We recommend using our REG-SMS service. We offer numbers from over 180 countries and fast SMS delivery with activation codes. Our prices for virtual numbers are very favorable, and you can top up your balance with minimal commission. You only pay for received SMS, and in case of problems, we return the money. Our specialists are always ready to help you in Telegram.