Access to the internet is a must in today’s highly technological world. Yet, there’s always the threat of sharing too much information. This guide covers a few reasons why it’s so important to keep anonymous online. We’ll also review a few tips that can help you protect your identity and information when browsing online.
Why Should You Stay Anonymous Online?
Staying anonymous when online is important for preventing the following:
- Less spam or telemarketing calls: No one wants annoying spam or telemarketing calls. Failing to protect your information online means it can easily fall into the wrong hands.
- Confidential communication: Sometimes, you want certain conversations to be kept confidential. Moving an online message to a phone call voids confidentiality and makes it difficult to hide your true identity. Online anonymity tools, like a temporary phone number, allow you to hide some of your information.
- Identity theft protection: The internet makes it easy for identity thieves to track your confidential information. Protecting this valuable data makes it more difficult, meaning you’re less likely to become the victim of identity theft.
- Keep certain information secure: Keeping your identity undisclosed online also makes it easier to keep certain information secure. Staying anonymous online helps to protect your credit cards, social security number, passwords, and banking information.
Tips for Staying Anonymous When Online
It’s possible to say anonymous when online with the following tips:
Avoid Giving Out Your Personal Information
The first rule of staying anonymous online is never to give out your personal information to anyone. Avoid sharing your full name, address, phone number, or social security number with anyone you meet online. This includes not giving out information that could make it easier for hackers to track down more information, such as your parents and children’s names, where you grew up, or what schools you attended.
Not sharing personal information is also a good rule of thumb in your day-to-day life. Sharing small details, even a vacation, can lead you and your family to become the target of theft. Posting photographs online lets others know that you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time. Instead, wait to share your photos until you’ve returned safely from your vacation.
Use Secure Messaging Platforms
Using secure messaging platforms ensures your confidential information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands when communicating with those you trust. For example, hackers could still access your personal information online through insecure messaging when communicating with coworkers, family, or friends.
Secure messaging platforms help shield your identity and confidential information. Even better, many secure messaging platforms allow you to sign up without using your real phone number, making it even easier to hide your information. For example, you can create multiple Telegram accounts without phone number verification.
Use a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is a reliable connection between your computer and a remote server, which helps mask your confidential information. It encrypts and protects your data, preventing it from being stored in a location where hackers or spammers can access it. A VPN is especially beneficial when using public Wi-Fi regularly, which you’ll find on campus at a college or in shared workplaces. Free VPNs are an excellent way to protect your online identity without paying a monthly fee.
Get a Temporary Phone Number
A temporary phone number is a great first step toward protecting your online identity. Temporary phone numbers allow you to get around phone number verification rules for many popular online apps. Facebook, for example, requires users to have a phone number to verify personal and business accounts.
Use an Encrypted Browser
An encrypted browser adds another layer of anonymity to your online searches. Companies are well-known for purchasing information they receive from large search engines, which then makes you the target of advertisements and telemarketers. You won’t have to share your information with large technology companies when using an encrypted browser. A browser with an ad block is an even better option.
Create a Temporary Email
It doesn’t take long for your email address to become compromised. One business shares your information with another, and before you know it, your inbox is full of spam. Creating a temporary or secondary address is an excellent way around the email requirement. You can still sign up for any newsletters or free offers you want without compromising your information. A temporary email address also keeps your personal or business email relevant and spam-free.
The internet is a must in our day-to-day lives, whether you’re working or studying. Yet, the internet can also put us at risk for identity theft and endless spam calls. It’s possible to stay anonymous and keep your personal information confidential online with a few tips, including using a VPN and getting a temporary phone number.
