Anonymous on the internet

How to become anonymous on the internet

Alexandre Marques Avatar
On the internet, all your data and activities can be tracked. But is it possible to become anonymous so that websites and apps don't know your behavior?

reach the anonymity online and preserve privacy demands effort and the adoption of specific measures on the Web. In this text we explain some parts of the process to become anonymous on the internet, some measures being more demanding of technical knowledge and others being simpler to adopt. The fact is that, by not adopting new usage patterns on the internet, your data and information will be used by companies or even scammers.

How websites and apps know what you're doing

Websites and apps know what you are doing
Websites and apps monitor your behavior to offer more personal responses based on your choices on the web. Photo: iStock

The invasion of online privacy is a complex reality, in which companies, websites and applications have the ability to closely monitor our behavior, accessing our data and preferences. This practice is driven by mechanisms such as cookies, tracking pixels and scripts on web pages, which form a digital trail during our online activities.

Many users may not be aware, for example, that voice assistants like Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa have the ability to capture and process information that is shared verbally. These assistants use data from previous interactions to personalize recommendations and content choices to improve the user experience. However, this practice raises concerns about privacy, as it involves constant listening and interpretation of conversations.

Anonymous on the internet
Voice assistant famous for making your home smarter, Alexa is capable of capturing information expressed verbally. Photograph: Anna Quelhas / Shutterstock

But why do companies care so much about this information? Machine learning algorithms are used to anticipate our interests and future behaviors, refining companies' ability to personalize their offers and advertisements. Therefore, if you enjoy a video showing a sneaker from a brand on social media, it is very likely that ads for that same sneaker will start appearing to you at other times during your browsing experience. Social networks play a crucial role, sharing data across platforms and generating targeted ads based on our interactions and previously recorded preferences.

While many of these practices aim to improve the user experience, they raise serious privacy and security concerns.

In addition to online privacy concerns for businesses, there is a growing threat of how scammers can exploit data shared across the web to perpetrate more sophisticated and invasive fraud. A disturbing example involves the manipulation of personal data to make fraudulent calls. Scammers can collect publicly available voice data, such as interviews, lectures or even phone call recordings, to create deep fakes of realistic voices. This makes it possible to create fake calls, where the scammer, using the voice of a known person — such as a relative — requests money under misleading pretexts.

Another rising threat is related to the use of images and videos to create deep fakes that can compromise personal integrity. For example, photos of children shared on social networks can be subject to manipulation. With deep fake technology, scammers can create fake images that appear to be compromising, such as montages that feature nudity.

What are Cookies

Anonymous on the internet
Photo: Reproduction / Internet

Cookies, not the ones you eat but rather the small text files stored in your web browser, play a crucial role in the modern online experience. These small fragments of data perform several important functions, making navigation more efficient, personalized and, often, indispensable for various online services.

These files contain specific information about your interaction with the website, such as preferences, login data, items in a shopping cart, among others. Cookies can be temporary (session) or persistent, depending on how long they remain stored on your device.

When you visit a website, it sends a small packet of data to your browser, which then stores this information on your device. The next time you visit the same website, your browser will send these cookies back to the website's server. This allows the website to recognize and remember your past preferences and information, providing a more personalized experience.

Although cookies are essential tools for the functionality of many websites, aiming to make the user experience more personalized, concerns have arisen about privacy on pages. Therefore, many browsers now offer options to control the use of cookies, allowing users to decide what information they want to share.

Privacy and Security

Anonymous on the internet
Photo: Reproduction / Internet

The evolution of the digital society has brought with it a series of benefits, but also challenges inherent to privacy and security on the internet. In an increasingly interconnected world, preserving online privacy has become a central concern. The massive collection of data by websites and services raises questions about the control and destination of users' personal information. In this context, it has become crucial for users to understand privacy policies, analyze the settings available in browsers and online platforms, and be aware of the implications of data sharing.

At the same time, online security plays a fundamental role in protecting against digital threats. Choosing strong passwords and implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) are essential practices for safeguarding sensitive accounts and information against unauthorized access. Furthermore, the use of services such as VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) adds an extra layer of security by encrypting online communications, being particularly relevant when using public networks.

Only ultimately, by adopting a conscious and proactive approach to internet privacy and security, can users fully enjoy online resources, minimizing potential threats and preserving their digital integrity.

Advantages of being anonymous on the web

Anonymous on the internet
Photo: Reproduction / Internet

Exploring the internet anonymously has several significant advantages, especially when it comes to protecting privacy and personal security. By choosing to remain anonymous, users are able to protect themselves against unwanted surveillance by companies and potential cyber attackers. This measure becomes crucial in a scenario where massive data collection has become a common practice, often without users' full consent.

Incognito browsing provides an effective defense against excessive personalization of targeted ads. By avoiding data tracking to create user profiles, Internet users are able to minimize exposure to invasive ads, thus preserving their online experience from a flood of personalized advertising.

Another relevant aspect is mitigating the risk of cyber attacks. By browsing anonymously, users make it more difficult to obtain sensitive information, thus reducing the likelihood of falling victim to attacks such as phishing and identity theft. This additional layer of security is essential in a digital environment where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated.

By preventing disclosure of personal information, users protect themselves against malicious practices that often rely on data collection to be effective. Therefore, by choosing to browse the web anonymously, users can explore the internet with greater peace of mind, maintaining control over their personal information and preserving their digital privacy.

How to protect your data on the internet

Whether to avoid scammers or to prevent harassment from companies, protecting your data on the internet is crucial to avoid possible risks to privacy and security. Therefore, implementing online security measures, such as those mentioned below, is essential to protect personal information against possible problems.

Block cookies and trackers

Anonymous on the internet
Cookies are responsible for saving the monitoring that websites carry out on your movements on the page. Photo: Getty

Protecting your data on the internet is essential in the face of constant online tracking, often driven by the advertising industry and large technology companies, as in the case of the implementation of cookies and trackers. Cookies and trackers function as information feeders so that companies know which product or service to recommend to you so that your experience is more personalized.

However, trackers and cookies – yes, those that you click “accept” or “do not accept” when accessing a page – present on websites and applications can follow your steps across the web, in an invasive way, exposing personal information. Having your data exposed to cookies allows third parties to monitor your online activities. This creates a detailed profile about your browsing habits, which can be used in ways you wouldn't approve of.

Furthermore, collecting data through cookies can create opportunities for cyber attacks. If data is poorly protected, hackers can access sensitive information such as passwords and financial details.

Browser extensions such as Ghostery e Privacy Badger, are useful features to block trackers and improve protection against unwanted ads. In the context of mobile devices, it is crucial to disable personalized ads and delete the advertising ID on Android devices. As well as, for users iOS, disabling app and website tracking in your privacy settings is an important step. In short, blocking cookies and trackers is essential to strengthen defenses against invasions of online privacy.

Use secure browsers

Anonymous on the internet
Photo: Reproduction / Internet

Browsing the internet safely and anonymously starts by choosing browsers that offer robust security and privacy measures. Choosing browsers dedicated to protecting user data is a fundamental step towards ensuring a safer online experience. Among these browsers, those that incorporate advanced encryption features, tracker blockers and tools that minimize data collection stand out.

An example is the browser Tor, designed specifically to preserve user privacy. Using a network of volunteer servers to route traffic anonymously, the Tor offers an additional layer of protection, making it difficult to identify the user and track their online activities.

Another popular option is the Brave, which includes an ad and tracker blocker by default, protecting users against invasive data collection practices. Furthermore, the Brave allows private browsing with “Tor Tabs“, integrating the benefits of the Tor network directly into the browser.

Regardless of which browser you choose, it's crucial to keep your software updated to ensure the latest security fixes are implemented. Additionally, adjusting privacy settings to individual preferences and using additional security extensions can further enhance online protection.

Use anonymous browsing

Anonymous on the internet
Photo: Reproduction / Internet

Incognito browsing, also known as private or incognito mode in many browsers, is an essential tool for those looking to preserve privacy during internet activities. When you enable this feature, the browser does not save your browsing history, cookies, or autofill information, providing a temporary, more discreet experience.

Using anonymous browsing is particularly useful when accessing public computers, preventing personal information from being stored locally. Additionally, when performing sensitive searches or accessing sites you would prefer not to leave a trace, this mode provides an additional layer of protection.

It is important to highlight that, although anonymous browsing protects against data collection on the local device, it does not guarantee complete anonymity on the internet. Activities may still be monitored by Internet service providers (ISPs) and other intermediaries.

Use search engines with privacy features

Anonymous on the internet
Tor is one of the few browsers that ensure anonymous activity on the Web. Photo: Reproduction / Internet.


In a digital landscape permeated by privacy risks, careful consideration when choosing systems becomes an essential safeguard. O The Onion Router, popularly known as Tor, offers an optimized approach to browsing, although it does not guarantee absolute anonymity. O Tor It has become famous for being used both by journalists seeking confidentiality and by malicious individuals. However, for users who want to keep their data secure, the Tor Browser option can offer valuable measures to strengthen privacy on their devices.

Choosing encrypted browsers plays a key role in mitigating excessive data collection by large corporations. In contrast to browsers from giant companies, such as Chrome, choose the Tor provides an additional layer of security, encrypting not only the IP address, but also all web activity, tripling protection. It is worth noting that, despite the robustness of the Tor, it does not extend its encryption to other web applications, thus justifying the joint use of a VPN. Additionally, the adoption of a VPN, despite not providing total anonymity, represents an effective barrier by encrypting online traffic, preventing potential intrusions and interceptions.

Furthermore, privacy awareness goes beyond the choice of browsers and reaches the services used on a daily basis. Search engines and email services that are committed to privacy, such as DuckDuckGo e Proton, become prudent alternatives for those seeking to limit online exposure.

Be careful with public Wi-Fi networks

Anonymous on the internet
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When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is extremely important to take a cautious approach to preserve user security and privacy. Choosing known and reliable networks is the first step, avoiding connections to generic networks that could be potential traps for cybercriminals.

When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is recommended to avoid sensitive activities, such as financial transactions, without adequate protection. If it is necessary to carry out critical operations, the use of a secure connection, such as a VPN, is essential to guarantee the privacy of information. Disabling features such as file and printer sharing helps prevent unwanted access by other users on the same network.

Keeping device software up to date is a crucial practice for mitigating vulnerabilities that can be exploited on public networks. Additionally, disabling automatic network sharing and disconnecting when the internet is not in use are simple but effective measures to reduce exposure to potential risks on public Wi-Fi networks. By adopting these precautions, users can enjoy the convenience of these networks without compromising the security of their personal data.

Do not use third-party computers or cell phones

Anonymous on the internet
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Avoiding the use of third-party computers or cell phones is a fundamental practice to preserve personal security and privacy. When using third-party devices, users risk exposing sensitive information, such as passwords and personal data, to potential threats. Furthermore, these devices may not have the same security measures that the user would implement on their equipment.

By avoiding the use of third-party computers or cell phones, individuals significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks, such as keyloggers or malware, which can capture sensitive data. The basic premise is that when using an unknown device, control over its security is limited, making exposure to potential threats virtually inevitable.

This practice is especially relevant when dealing with sensitive information, such as accessing bank accounts, emails or carrying out financial transactions. The recommendation is to use only reliable and familiar devices, thus ensuring a controlled and safe environment for carrying out activities involving personal and sensitive data.

Use a VPN (virtual network)

Anonymous on the internet
Photo: Reproduction / Internet

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an effective strategy to strengthen security and privacy while browsing the internet. When connecting to a VPN, data traffic between the user's device and the remote server is encrypted, providing an additional layer of protection against potential cyber threats.

The main advantage of a VPN lies in its ability to hide the user's IP address, making it difficult to identify their geographic location and protecting them against online surveillance. Furthermore, when using a VPN, users can access geographically restricted content, expanding their digital freedom.

In the context of public Wi-Fi networks, where security risks are higher, a VPN becomes even more crucial. By encrypting transmitted data, it prevents hackers or malicious third parties from intercepting confidential information, such as passwords or banking details, even on potentially insecure networks. It is important to choose a reliable VPN that does not record user activity and that offers servers in strategic locations to ensure a stable and secure connection.

Prefer services with encryption

Anonymous on the internet
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Opting for services that implement encryption is a wise choice to strengthen security and data protection online. Encryption is a technique that transforms readable information into an unreadable format during transmission, and is crucial to safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of information.

In online communications, especially in sensitive data transmissions, encryption plays a fundamental role. By using encrypted services, such as email providers, messaging platforms and e-commerce sites, users ensure that their information is protected against possible interception by malicious third parties.

Another scenario where cryptography stands out is in online financial transactions. When using payment services or making purchases on websites that implement security protocols, such as SSL/TLS, users' financial information is protected through encryption, significantly reducing the risks of fraud and data theft.

Read the terms and conditions of each service you use

Anonymous on the internet
Terms of use and privacy policies indicate how a website acts in collecting data. Photo: Reproduction / Internet.

The importance of understanding the terms and conditions of websites and applications lies in safeguarding personal privacy in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. By automatically accepting terms without careful consideration, we risk allowing indiscriminate access to our data, exposing ourselves to threats such as invasive advertising and unauthorized information sharing.

In addition to preserving privacy, reading the terms and conditions is a defense against online scams. Many scammers exploit people's haste and lack of attention by accepting unfamiliar terms, leading to fraudulent activities. By being aware of the established rules, you can identify potential malicious schemes and protect yourself against deceptive actions.

Terms and conditions also act as a guide on how platforms protect our data. Understanding these security practices is essential to evaluating the reliability of an online service. By knowing the measures taken to protect personal information, users can make informed choices about the reliability of the platform and the security of their data.

In addition to the practical implications, terms and conditions constitute a digital contract that users sign when agreeing. A clear understanding of these terms is vital to avoid potential legal consequences in the future, providing an additional layer of protection against misuse of personal information.

Do not share personal information

Anonymous on the internet
When posting photos on social networks, you must be aware that scammers can use them to deceive third parties. Photo: Reproduction / Internet.


With social networks increasingly present in our daily lives, it is extremely important to exercise extra care when sharing posts, photos and personal information online. Uncontrolled data exposure can open the door to a series of dangers, from invasions of privacy to more advanced risks, such as content manipulation through deep fake technology.

The indiscriminate sharing of personal data on social networks creates fertile ground for malicious exploitation. Hackers and cybercriminals can use publicly available information to facilitate targeted attacks. It's crucial to exercise conscious caution when deciding which personal details are appropriate to share publicly and which should be kept private.

The rise of deep fake technology adds an additional layer of risk to online exposure. Photos, videos and audio can be manipulated in a convincing way, creating fictional situations that appear to be real. Excessive sharing of personal content provides valuable material for the creation of deep fakes, potentially resulting in damage to reputation and trust.

Furthermore, scams linked to obtaining personal information have become a recurring threat. A scam where malicious individuals seek to obtain sensitive data, such as credit card details, for example, can simply occur with your contact number in the hands of the scammers. These scammers, often disguised as legitimate entities, use text messages or calls to persuade victims to share confidential information.

In short, taking extra care when sharing personal information on social networks is vital to protect privacy and prevent scammers and hackers. By adopting a mindful approach, users can enjoy the benefits of social media without compromising the security and authenticity of their online presence.

Find out how to make your child's cell phone safer.

Disable personal assistants

Anonymous on the internet
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Disabling personal assistants on electronic devices is a prudent measure to preserve privacy and reduce the risk of unintentional exposure of personal information. These assistants, while offering convenience, are often constantly listening and processing information to improve their functionality, which can raise privacy concerns.

By disabling personal assistants, users can prevent these devices from collecting audio data and contextual information about their everyday lives. This is particularly relevant to prevent private conversations from being inadvertently recorded and stored by assistants.

Furthermore, disabling personal assistants can contribute to reducing the user profile that these devices build over time. Constant data collection can result in detailed profiles, often shared with third-party companies for targeted advertising purposes.

Disable targeted advertising

Anonymous on the internet
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Disabling targeted advertising is an effective practice for preserving online privacy and reducing exposure to personalized ads. Targeted advertising uses data collected about users' interests and behaviors to display more relevant ads. However, many users choose to disable this functionality in search of a more discreet and private experience.

Disabling targeted advertising often involves adjusting privacy settings in specific web browsers and applications. Modern browsers provide options to block tracking cookies, disable ad personalization based on browsing history, and limit data sharing with third parties.

By opting out of targeted advertising, users may experience a reduction in the amount of personalized ads that appear while browsing. This practice not only preserves privacy, but can also result in a smoother online experience with fewer interruptions from ads that track a user's interests.

It is worth noting that even if you disable targeted advertising, users may still see ads, but they will be less personalized. Additionally, it is important to periodically review your privacy and advertising settings, as options may vary between browsers and online platforms.

Beware of Phishing

Anonymous on the internet
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Paying attention to phishing is an essential precaution to ensure online security, as this malicious practice continues to be a significant threat to internet users. Phishing involves attempts to trick people into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, financial details or login information, often through fraudulent emails, fake websites and deceptive messages.

To avoid falling for phishing scams, users must take a careful approach when dealing with suspicious emails. Avoiding clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders and carefully checking the authenticity of emails before providing any information are fundamental practices. Additionally, not responding to emails requesting sensitive personal information, even if they appear legitimate, is an important rule to follow.

It's crucial to keep devices and software up to date to take advantage of the latest protections against vulnerabilities exploited by phishing scams. Using antivirus and antimalware solutions can help identify and block potential threats. Additionally, it is advisable to enable two-factor authentication whenever possible as this adds an extra layer of security to online accounts.

When browsing the web, it is recommended to check the legitimacy of websites, especially when entering personal information. Secure websites display a padlock in the address bar and use the “https” protocol. Being wary of requests for personal information on unsecured pages is a preventative practice.

Keep your apps and systems up to date

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Keeping applications and systems constantly updated is a fundamental practice to ensure the security and adequate performance of digital devices. Updates often include security fixes that address identified vulnerabilities, helping to protect users against potential cyber threats.

By delaying or ignoring updates, users risk leaving their devices exposed to exploits and malware that can exploit known security flaws. Therefore, configuring the automatic update option for operating systems, applications, and antiviruses is a best practice to ensure that the latest fixes are applied.

This measure is especially relevant in a constantly evolving digital environment, where new threats and vulnerabilities are discovered regularly. Keeping systems up to date not only protects against potential attacks, but also ensures that users have access to the latest functionality, performance improvements, and compatibility with new technologies.

Use complex passwords and password managers

Anonymous on the internet
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Adopting complex passwords and using password managers are fundamental practices to strengthen online security and protect personal information against unauthorized access. Strong passwords play a crucial role in defending against cyberattacks, such as hacking attempts and credential theft.

When creating passwords, it is recommended that they are complex, combining upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. Avoiding obvious personal information, such as birthdates, names, or common strings, is essential to making passwords more resilient against cracking attempts.

Using password managers is an effective solution to dealing with the complexity of multiple credentials. These tools securely store and encrypt passwords, allowing users to generate complex, unique passwords for each account without needing to memorize them. Additionally, many password managers offer the convenience of autofill login, simplifying the authentication process.

Request the removal of your data on social networks

Anonymous on the internet
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Requesting the removal of your data on social networks is an important step to protect online privacy and ensure greater control over the personal information shared. Social networks often collect and store user data to personalize experiences and target ads, but users have the right to manage this information.

Each social media platform has specific privacy policies and settings for managing data. You can usually access the privacy and security settings in your accounts to view and control the information you share.

In addition to adjusting your privacy settings, many social networks offer the option to request deletion of an account. This process usually involves following the instructions provided by the platform to close the account, which may include removing data associated with it. It is important to remember that data removal may vary according to the policy of each social network. Some information may be kept for a specific period of time, as stipulated in the terms of service.

See also other features

Sources: Wired, Jumping e Security

reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 15 / 1 / 24.


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