How stay anonymous on the web?

Privacy basics

For most users, following some basic rules helps with your anonymity on the Internet.

1. Do not disclose any private information, unless absolutely required. In some cases, when it is required such as your last name, only fill in partial information such as your last initial.
2. Don't fall into e-mail and web phishing traps. Become familiar with the signs of phishing and don't disclose private information in an e-mail.

If you're using Microsoft Windows, familiarize yourself with spyware and have at least one program installed to protect the computer.

Public anonymous proxy

When browsing the Internet you're browsing from your computer or router assigned IP address, this IP address can track your general location and helps identify your visit. To help keep your computer anonymous, you can use a web-based proxy to browse the web. A web-based proxy lets you use an alternate computer to load a website and then display the results on your computer through the browser.

If you're in an area you feel your connection may be compromised or sniffed (e.g., connecting to the Internet at a Wi-Fi hotspot). Using an HTTPS proxy is a great way to help encrypt data coming from the proxy to your computer that is not encrypted, helping to prevent any eavesdropping. If you're using a proxy web service such as Proxify, you can also use an HTTPS connection.

If you're using Mozilla Firefox as your browser and find yourself frequently needed a proxy, there are several good proxy add-ons available.

The proxy you're using to browse the Internet may keep a log of visitors. If a legal authority wants to obtain identifying information to locate you, it may be possible. If you are entering sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, credit card information, the person in control of the proxy could capture and use that information.

Tor

Tor was originally developed for the U.S. Navy with the purpose of protecting government communications. Tor works to help protect your privacy using a network of virtual tunnels to pass information over the Internet.

• Download Tor

Alternate computer or connection

Finally, connecting to the Internet using someone else's connection, e.g., cafe, library, school, work, etc. can also keep you anonymous. When using someone else's connection, you're logging in as their IP address and not your address.

However, keep in mind that if you had to use a login to access the computer or network, that login could be traced back to you.

Private mode or Incognito mode

Most browsers today offer a private mode or incognito mode. While this mode does not keep you anonymous to anyone with authority to request server or search logs, it does keep what you do locally anonymous.