[Tips and Information] Privacy and How to Stay Anonymous Online

[Krislaw]

We all know the importance of privacy, especially now in the digital world people share more information in their social media accounts every each of us can access and gather some information about someone or something,  in just a click of your mouse even though you don't know a thing about hacking, what most if the person that has knowledge in hacking gathers your information. Do you still consider yourself browsing anonymously on the web because maybe there's a person tracking every move you make and has every information you have?

Here are some Apps or Tools that can help you to stay anonymous.


IP Address

-According to Wikipedia "IP Address is an Internet Protocol address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. An IP address serves two main functions: host or network interface identification and location addressing."
-Some of us don't know the importance of IP Address but you should be aware of it, Your IP Address gives the website that you visit and people that you have connected with online, It gives them the ability to trace that IP address back towards you if they wanted to. or to be exact they will know your location on the map.


VPN
-According to howtogeek "A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet. VPNs can be used to access region-restricted websites, shield your browsing activity from prying eyes on public Wi-Fi, and more."
-According to howtogeek "a VPN connects your PC, smartphone, or tablet to another computer (called a server) somewhere on the internet, and allows you to browse the internet using that computer’s internet connection. So if that server is in a different country, it will appear as if you are coming from that country, and you can potentially access things that you couldn’t normally."

Here are some Apps and Tips that I gather that will help you to keep your privacy secured.

TIPS

1.Browse in private or in Incognito Mode
-Incognito mode is not only for NSFW stuff and not only to hide your history but it also helps in preventing websites save cookies and disable the extensions that might steal your information.


2. Avoid Search Engines Like (Google, Yahoo and Bing)
Google, Bing, and Yahoo might be the three most popular search engines, but these search engines also collect the most data about you in order to serve relevant ads and personalize services. Especially when logged in with your account, these search engines can collect your name, email address, birthday, gender, and phone number and other personal informations . Asides from that, Google and Bing can also collect important data such as device location, device information, IP address, and cookie data, That can violate your privacy.


3. Use anonymous email and communication
-You can use other emails or dummy emails. You can use these emails if you don't want others to know that is you, don't use emails that may contain your real name, by these simple tips you can stay slightly anonymous online.
-And also avoid clicking on emails that you don't recognize or mostly spams, these spam emails might contain phishing sites that can gather your information such as name, birthday, credit card information, and other personal information.

4. Hide your IP address using Proxies and VPNs

• TOR BROWSER(https://www.torproject.org/download)
  
  - "Tor is a network of virtual tunnels that allows people and groups to improve their privacy and security on the Internet. It also enables software developers to create new communication tools with built-in privacy features. Tor provides the foundation for a range of applications that allow organizations and individuals to share information over public networks without compromising their privacy."
  -According to J.M. Porup "The Tor Browser is a web browser that anonymizes your web traffic using the Tor network, making it easy to protect your identity online."
• DuckDuckGo(https://duckduckgo.com/)
  
  -According to Wikipedia "DuckDuckGo is an internet search engine that emphasizes protecting searchers' privacy and avoiding the filter bubble of personalized search results. DuckDuckGo distinguishes itself from other search engines by not profiling its users and by showing all users the same search results for a given search term."
  -This is an awesome alternative for Google, Bing and Yahoo and it doesn't collect your data, provides privacy and gives safe searching.
• TunnelBear(https://www.tunnelbear.com/)
  
  -According to TunnelBear "TunnelBear is the world's easiest to use VPN (virtual private network) for both consumers and teams. ... TunnelBear can be used to protect you and your privacy, hide your real IP address, bypass internet censorship, and to experience the internet as people in other countries experience it."
  -The configuration of tunnelbear is idiot proof and it's very simple, and it can be used on any browser. It's probably the most accessible VPN tool there is and even paid or free version it's very accessible and has many features.
• Freenet(https://freenetproject.org/index.html)
  
  -According to Wikipedia "Freenet is a peer-to-peer platform for censorship-resistant communication. It uses a decentralized distributed data store to keep and deliver information and has a suite of free software for publishing and communicating on the Web without fear of censorship."
• I2P(https://geti2p.net/en/)
  
  -According to Wikipedia "The Invisible Internet Project is an anonymous network layer that allows for censorship-resistant, peer to peer communication. Anonymous connections are achieved by encrypting the user's traffic, and sending it through a volunteer-run network of roughly 55,000 computers distributed around the world."

https://whatismyipaddress.com/find-me
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address
https://www.tunnelbear.com/
https://www.techradar.com/best/best-free-privacy-software
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-be-anonymous-online/
https://www.pcmag.com/article/250523/how-to-stay-anonymous-online
https://www.howtogeek.com/133680/htg-explains-what-is-a-vpn/
https://www.pcmag.com/article/365618/how-to-install-a-vpn-on-your-router
https://www.csoonline.com/article/3287653/what-is-the-tor-browser-how-it-works-and-how-it-can-help-you-protect-your-identity-online.html

[desticy]

In my opinion, it’s enough to buy a subscription to a good VPN, which does not save logs, and does not significantly reduce your speed, and of course it does not steal your traffic.
In addition, you can install the extension blocking ads and scripts in your browser. This will be quite enough to remain anonymous on the network, and at the same time have an easy and quick connection to the network.

[ABCbits]

While it's not directly related to stay anonymous online, people who need anonymity/privacy shouldn't use Windows OS, OS based on Linux is the only choice.

1.Browse in private or in Incognito Mode

It only give privacy against people who might use your computer. Even if you use Incognito Mode, website can track you easily due to unique browser fingerprint.

3. Use anonymous email and communication
4. Hide your IP address using Proxies and VPNs

Good suggestion, but people should beware that :
1. Not all email, messaging, proxy and VPN provider who offer privacy/anonymity actually do it. Few VPN caught logging user's traffic and Telegram isn't encrypted by default.
2. If you don't change your surfing or browsing habit, someone could de-anonymize or track you, especially if you login to account with personal information when using Proxy, VPN or Tor.

[mersal]

For anyone there is no need to stay anonymous all the time,when we are doing some daily routine things then google or bing will be the better solution since it has better speed than anonymous search engines and also the speed will decrease a lot when we connect into proxies.

Remember the risks of connecting to proxy address when sign into exchange or gambling sites,you account is in risk of getting frozen for the multiple login from the same IP address which violates their terms and conditions.

And one more no one is completely anonymous since we had smartphone in our hand.

[sarnic]

For anyone there is no need to stay anonymous all the time,when we are doing some daily routine things then google or bing will be the better solution since it has better speed than anonymous search engines and also the speed will decrease a lot when we connect into proxies.

Remember the risks of connecting to proxy address when sign into exchange or gambling sites,you account is in risk of getting frozen for the multiple login from the same IP address which violates their terms and conditions.

And one more no one is completely anonymous since we had smartphone in our hand.

Well, but maybe I don't want to Google spy me all the time, so I'm not using it daily. When it comes to efficiency of web browser - it's true, most probably anonymous browsers won't be as fast as those spying ones, but there isn't a massive difference between their efficiency. Also - Google browser adjusts it's results to your previous searches, it bases on a profile of you as a user, so the results of searching will be repetitive and not as wide as in anonymous browser.

[Krislaw]

For anyone there is no need to stay anonymous all the time,when we are doing some daily routine things then google or bing will be the better solution since it has better speed than anonymous search engines and also the speed will decrease a lot when we connect into proxies.

The speed decreases depending on the type of network carrier you use for browsing. And that's not even a problem because it's just like a little price you pay for your privacy.

Remember the risks of connecting to proxy address when sign into exchange or gambling sites,you account is in risk of getting frozen for the multiple login from the same IP address which violates their terms and conditions.

Nord VPN offers dedicated IP to its premium users at a cheap price, I don't think that's a problem.

[mersal]

For anyone there is no need to stay anonymous all the time,when we are doing some daily routine things then google or bing will be the better solution since it has better speed than anonymous search engines and also the speed will decrease a lot when we connect into proxies.

Remember the risks of connecting to proxy address when sign into exchange or gambling sites,you account is in risk of getting frozen for the multiple login from the same IP address which violates their terms and conditions.

And one more no one is completely anonymous since we had smartphone in our hand.

Well, but maybe I don't want to Google spy me all the time, so I'm not using it daily. When it comes to efficiency of web browser - it's true, most probably anonymous browsers won't be as fast as those spying ones, but there isn't a massive difference between their efficiency. Also - Google browser adjusts it's results to your previous searches, it bases on a profile of you as a user, so the results of searching will be repetitive and not as wide as in anonymous browser.

So which got more efficiency here,google knew what you want but while browsing anonymous browsers we may have to spend more time for finding the same,I am not encourage their spying behaviour on every user but at least it won't be a problem for most people.

For anyone there is no need to stay anonymous all the time,when we are doing some daily routine things then google or bing will be the better solution since it has better speed than anonymous search engines and also the speed will decrease a lot when we connect into proxies.

The speed decreases depending on the type of network carrier you use for browsing. And that's not even a problem because it's just like a little price you pay for your privacy.

Remember the risks of connecting to proxy address when sign into exchange or gambling sites,you account is in risk of getting frozen for the multiple login from the same IP address which violates their terms and conditions.

Nord VPN offers dedicated IP to its premium users at a cheap price, I don't think that's a problem.

Even on my fast 4G network the browsing speed on TOR is in KB/s so there is huge difference in speed,so we have to choose fiber optic connections for better speed but its not available for everyone.

Not everyone will choose to pay for their privacy,they will find something free but will end up messing the things.

[bitmover]

I made a Topic similar to yours a few time ago
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3210982.0

Your topic is very complete, I would just add browser recommendations (Firefox all the way imo) and its add-ons.

Take a look at mine, you will like it

I made another one specially for Firefox

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5156114.0;all

[Upgrade00]

So which got more efficiency here,google knew what you want but while browsing anonymous browsers we may have to spend more time for finding the same,I am not encourage their spying behaviour on every user but at least it won't be a problem for most people.

As long as they function within the ambits of the privacy policy, it wouldn't be a problem. User information can be used for analytics purposes and also to track user behavior. But left unchecked this websites and social medias can use such information to adverse effect. The information is our of youe hands, and a leak, or deliberate breach could lead to the spread of such data among the wrong hands.
I would much rather safety than efficiency.

[BitMaxz]

In my opinion, it’s enough to buy a subscription to a good VPN, which does not save logs, and does not significantly reduce your speed, and of course it does not steal your traffic.
In addition, you can install the extension blocking ads and scripts in your browser. This will be quite enough to remain anonymous on the network, and at the same time have an easy and quick connection to the network.

VPN is not enough to make your PC anonymous. They actually have logs for your traffic so you need extra tools to make your browsing anonymous.
Most of the VPN right now can easily be detected if you are using a VPN or not so if you want to protect your self from tracking and retrieving your PC information you need to use extra tools just like what I use below.

- WebRTC
- UserAgent Spoofer
- Mac Changer
- Use VPN with residential IP or create Socks IPs.
- Any blocker like ads blocker, trace or track blocker
- HTTP everywhere.
- enable "Do not track" under browser settings.
- Use VPS and do all of your activity there with the tools above.

If you have these tools even you are browsing to any search engine mention above you are safe.

For anyone there is no need to stay anonymous all the time,when we are doing some daily routine things then google or bing will be the better solution since it has better speed than anonymous search engines and also the speed will decrease a lot when we connect into proxies.

Remember the risks of connecting to proxy address when sign into exchange or gambling sites,you account is in risk of getting frozen for the multiple login from the same IP address which violates their terms and conditions.

And one more no one is completely anonymous since we had smartphone in our hand.

I don't agree on using proxies it always depends on what proxies you use if you are using free proxies you will experience drop on speed but if you are using dedicatd high quality proxy your browsing activity is fine.

For Exchanges if you are going to trade and they have terms about the IP better don't use VPN but most of the exchanges right now requires KYC so even with or without VPN is fine.

SmartPhone is a different case since it is our personal thing and use it for everyday life smartphone has feature to trace the location of the phone powered by Google. But you can still become anonymous with SmartPhone just disable any tracking apps like FindMyIphone or FindMyDevices for android.

[Krislaw]

I made a Topic similar to yours a few time ago
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3210982.0

Your topic is very complete, I would just add browser recommendations (Firefox all the way imo) and its add-ons.

Take a look at mine, you will like it

I made another one specially for Firefox

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5156114.0;all

You also made a well detailed thread and I love it, and I merited it also Would have dropped a comment but it would be tagged for necroposting.
Let's not go off-topic here.

[bitmover]

You also made a well detailed thread and I love it, and I merited it also Would have dropped a comment but it would be tagged for necroposting.
Let's not go off-topic here.

There is no problem in comment something relevant in a thread. You will not be tagged.

Rules exists to prevent abuse, not to change legit user's behaviour.

If you were commenting something useless in a deal useless megathread it would be necroposting.

Anyway, too much poff topic already. But I think this post was necessary.

On topic: I just bumped it,you can comment now without fear

[mersal]

SmartPhone is a different case since it is our personal thing and use it for everyday life smartphone has feature to trace the location of the phone powered by Google. But you can still become anonymous with SmartPhone just disable any tracking apps like FindMyIphone or FindMyDevices for android.

Not only our location,our cameras,gallery,file manager and everything can be controlled by someone remotely because we gave them the access to do while installing an app whether its from app market or private sites,so we are not having any privacy as we think.

[Strongkored]

I have tried to try a few things so that the privacy of my online activities remains anonymous, some say using VPN but also giving a warning not to use VPN when opening social media or all kinds of website related to crypto accounts. Currently I use TOR Browser and Duckduckgo search enginee for my online activities (but not using it for exchange account and social media), I still learning about this, what is the disadvantage using TOR?

[mersal]

what is the disadvantage using TOR?

Reduced internet speed and some sites restricted access via tor browser,other than this no cons with using TOR browser.But we have to think that we really need TOR for doing certain things like login to your own social media account or going to watch online videos.

[hatshepsut93]

1.Browse in private or in Incognito Mode
-Incognito mode is not only for NSFW stuff and not only to hide your history but it also helps in preventing websites save cookies and disable the extensions that might steal your information.

Incognito mode helps you to keep your browsing private from other users of the same device - it doesn't help much against sites, internet service providers, government, etc. Cookies is just one tool that those parties use against you, and they can easily track you without it. You've covered topics like VPN and ToR, but there's another set of tools that increases privacy - browser extensions. Extensions like Canvas Blocker, Privacy Badger, NoScript help you disable many of the tracking done by websites.

[naska21]

DNS leak could also result in privacy compromising and not every VPN service provider prevent it.  To be on safe side direct you routers to DNS servers that block DNS leak, CloudFlare DNS is known to be the best one of them. https://www.dnsleaktest.com/ may help to check whether you are vulnerable or not.

[o_e_l_e_o]

-snip-

There's some good info in your post OP, but there's also a few mistakes which you should edit. Browsing in incognito mode does nothing to protect your privacy, as other users have noted. You shouldn't just use anonymous emails, but you should use separate email addresses for separate purposes, and use encrypted and privacy-respecting email providers such as ProtonMail. DuckDuckGo is a search engine, not a proxy or a VPN, and so does nothing to hide your IP. Free VPNs are poor recommendations since the companies are making their money from your data - they make you less private, not more.

If you are going to use a VPN, then you should pay for a good one. Look here (https://thatoneprivacysite.net/#simple-vpn-comparison) and here (https://www.privacytools.io/providers/vpn/).

For anyone there is no need to stay anonymous all the time,when we are doing some daily routine things then google or bing will be the better solution since it has better speed than anonymous search engines and also the speed will decrease a lot when we connect into proxies.

DDG will return results in a fraction of a second, just like Google. My VPN reduces my internet speeds by around 2%, so it isn't noticeable in any way.

most probably anonymous browsers won't be as fast as those spying ones, but there isn't a massive difference between their efficiency.

Most recent comparisons now put Firefox as faster and less resource intensive than Google Chrome, with all the added benefits of increased security and privacy. Google Chrome is spyware.

- HTTP everywhere.

HTTPS Everywhere. But this is a security improvement - it does nothing for your privacy.

Everything you've listed still isn't enough to make you anonymous online. Your VPN provider can still see all your traffic and your real IP. If you really want anonymity, then you need to be looking at Tor.

[lobat999]

With regards to VPN use, I would like to mention Opera Browser which offers a free and user friendly way to connect through VPN. But if we want to use varied VPN servers, then Avast Secure Line VPN would do the trick but it is on a paid subscription.

With regards to TOR use, Brave Browser has also a built in feature that would allow us to browse via TOR.

[o_e_l_e_o]

With regards to VPN use, I would like to mention Opera Browser which offers a free and user friendly way to connect through VPN.

Opera's free VPN, like all VPNs, is a poor choice. It's not even really a VPN, just a proxy. They collect all your traffic and data, keep logs, and use it to serve you targeted ads: https://www.opera.com/privacy. Have a read of this: https://thatoneprivacysite.net/blog/operas-baked-in-vpn-is-not-a-good-solution-for-your-privacy/

There is no such thing as a truly free VPN. If it is free, then you are the product. As I said above, companies which provide free VPNs are making there money from selling your data, and this makes you less private, not more.

With regards to TOR use, Brave Browser has also a built in feature that would allow us to browse via TOR.

Why would you use a Tor plug-in in a browser with poor security which lies about being privacy focused, when you could just cut out the middle-man and use the Tor browser?