Learn how to protect your privacy online while browsing.
Internet privacy is one of the biggest concerns these days. Did you know that some online systems know more about you than you do yourself?
Yeah, it's serious. Nowadays anyone can find a lot of information from you online, even if you don't know.
Because we have greatly preserved your privacy online, our store has taken special measures for you. Learn more!
What data is on the Internet without my permission?
Nowadays, the information you leave online is more than many! But what are they? See some, among many others!
It's information from all the sites you've been through, what you've done, what you've bought, etc.
2. Recordings of your conversations
Some systems actually record what you say! Your phone could be recording your conversations without you noticing.
3. Your contacts
Some websites gather information about what you have contacted.
4. Applications you use
Several systems register what you do on apps you have installed, including access to online banks.
5. Recordings from your video camera
There are systems that allow you to monitor your video camera, either from a laptop, desktop or from a mobile phone.
Who records personal information and why?
Most of the personal information that is registered online has as main objectives:
1. Know their consumption habits.
Thus, some online stores, may know what you like best and intend to buy. This information is valuable and is actually sold by some social networks and search engines.
Did you ever happen to see a product online and then feel pursued by advertising this product? Yeah, that's a common use in online marketing.
More rare, but it also happens, is you during a conversation talking about a product or solution and then start seeing ads at it. Has it ever happened to you?
2. Invade your personal and family privacy
There are systems that can invade your privacy on the internet in various ways, as indicated above. If you have not given explicit consent, then you are in the presence of unacceptable or even illegal practices.
How I give or withdraw my consent
Nowadays you may not give permission to collect some types of personal data. However, it is common for people to install for example an App on their mobile phone and accept the conditions without reading them. That's risky! You may be authorising listening to conversations, access to photos, videos and other recordings!
Most websites and search engines (and social networks) have options to control the information they record about you. In these options you can limit your personal data collected.
For example, at the moment the google, which is the main search engine, has already implemented a function that allows it to “refuse” the collection of information (at least in Europe).
But if you want to be 100% sure that your navigation is anonymous, then use a search engine that guarantees total anonymity.
Are there search engines that guarantee privacy on the internet?
Yes, several! Because in addition to most search engines allowing you to select privacy options on the internet, there are search engines that ensure they do not collect any personal data or online activity log.
For example if you use Google - Google - Engineering consulting and browse a page, this search engine identifies which systems are registering your data. In addition, it has an option that allows filtering the information log. They say on the first page that “we do not collect or share your personal information.”! Undoubtedly to consider.
In addition, with this search engine, you avoid the tons of advertising that have been featuring Chrome google, among others. Thus, their research is natural and not invaded by entities that pay to appear in their searches.
There are many other browsers with these characteristics. For example, Microsoft Edge (bing.com), by default, filters several systems that collect data from people. However, you can also configure the same as Google Chrome to ensure greater privacy.
One of the reasons why Google - Google - Engineering consulting it's just privacy. In addition, you can also opt for safer browsers like Edge, Brave, Mozilla Firefox, Tor, etc.
In addition to traditional engines with privacy options, there are options specifically built to not store data such as:
- Google - Google - Engineering consulting: It does not store personal information and blocks trackers automatically.
- Startpage: Uses Google results, but without registering the user.
- Qwant: European engine that does not track navigation.
- Brave Search: Provides native privacy integrated into the Brave browser.
Browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Brave, Tor Browser and Microsoft Edge properly configured, they also offer high levels of protection.
Many online sites show a window for you to opt for privacy options. Yes, it is a nuisance for users to be on every page they visit to choose from. However, this arises from the data protection regulation.
In most cases, if you ignore this window, then your data is saved.
But if you refuse, are you sure the data and cookies are not recorded? Well, it does. There are many systems to do this, but they all work 100% yet.
“Cookies” and Internet Tags
Websites can collect and process information about visits, such as the pages you visit, the site you came from and some of the research you conduct. Such information is used to help improve the content of the site and to collect aggregated statistical data on individuals who use it.
By doing so, cookies that can collect the name of the user domain, its internet service provider, its operating system and the date and time of access. A “cookie” is information that is sent to your search engine and stored on your computer’s hard drive. Cookies do not damage your computer.
If you are worried about using cookies, many browsers allow you to reject them. In most cases, a visitor may refuse a cookie and continue browsing the web sites.
For example, if you leave a comment on our website you may choose to store your name, email address and website on cookies. This is for your convenience not to have to re-fill your data when leaving another comment. These cookies will last a year.
If you visit the login page, a temporary cookie will be set to determine whether your browser accepts cookies. This cookie does not contain personal elements and will be deleted when you close your browser.
When signing in, some cookies will be set to store your session information and screen view choices. Sign-in cookies last a year. If you select “Remember Me”, your session will persist for two weeks. At the end of the session, login cookies will be removed.
So many are harmless. They are usually indicated as “essential cookies”.
In short, although many cookies are harmless (e.g. to remember the login), others collect detailed data for advertising campaigns.
Common Cookies:
- Session cookies (try to close the browser).
- Persistent cookies (are stored for future visits).
- Third party cookies (used by advertisers to track behavior across multiple websites).
Tip: Enable the option to block third-party cookies in your browser!
How to request deletion of personal data?
You can address a deletion request to each entity directly, as most already have a channel for that purpose.
In addition, institutions began to appear that can help with this internet privacy request and in a very simple way. For example you can use the Mine. Yeah, well, besides helping him with the order, they also do a search of the places where his data goes!
Online Shopping and Personal Data Protection
When shopping online, it is essential to ensure that your personal and financial data is protected. Prefer virtual stores using SSL certificates (identifiable by the padlock in the address bar) that comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Check that the website presents a clear privacy policy and offers consent options for the processing of personal information.
Avoid providing unnecessary data and use secure payment methods such as virtual cards or intermediate platforms (e.g. PayPal). Adopting these practices helps protect your information against identity theft and fraud.
Social Network Privacy: Care to Have
Social networks are an important part of modern life, but they also represent one of the largest sources of personal data collection. From publications, photos, location, to interactions with others, almost everything is registered, analyzed and often shared with third parties for advertising purposes or other commercial interests.
Protecting your privacy on social media is crucial to avoiding abuse, protecting your identity and maintaining control over your online life.
1. Review Privacy Settings
Most social networks, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn, offer specific settings to control who sees what you post. Some good practices include:
- Set the profile as “private” whenever possible.
- Restrict viewing of publications only for friends or direct contacts.
- Choose who can find your profile via email or phone.
- Limit location sharing.
2. Control Applications Linked to Your Accounts
Many users connect apps and games to social networks without realizing that they are granting access to large amounts of data. Check regularly:
- Which applications have access to your account.
- Repeal permissions for apps that do not use or appear suspicious.
3. Beware of What It Posts
Even with private profiles, there is always the risk of information becoming public. Never share:
- Personal documents (such as citizen card or passport).
- Real-time location, unless strictly necessary.
- Details of schedules or trips that may facilitate malicious actions.
4. Attention to Custom Ads
Social networks use your browsing data to customize ads. To reduce this practice:
- In ad settings, disable activity-based customization outside the platform.
- Use browser extensions that block trackers (such as uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger).
5. Use Two Factor Authentication
Two factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your profile. Even if someone finds your password, you will need an additional code to access your account.
6. Request Data Reports
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to request a copy of the data you store about you. This practice is useful to understand:
- What kind of information do they collect.
- How it's used.
- Whether or not you want to keep your presence on the platform.
7. When Needed, Delete Old Accounts
If you no longer use a certain social network, it is best to delete the account. Abandoned accounts can become easy targets for attacks and data leaks.
Top 10 Internet Security Rules
To navigate safely, there are basic rules that everyone must follow. Look at the top ten rules!
1. Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Create long passwords by combining uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols. Never reuse the same password in multiple services.
2. Activate Two Factor Authentication (2FA)
Whenever available, enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
3. Update Your Devices Regularly
Keep the operating system, browsers, and applications updated to correct security vulnerabilities.
4. Beware of Phishing and Suspected Emails
Distrust unsolicited messages that ask for personal or financial data. Always check the sender and avoid clicking unknown links.
5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks Without Protection
Open networks are dangerous for the transmission of sensitive data. If necessary, use a VPN to protect your connection.
6. Install and Update Security Programs
Use antivirus, anti-malware and firewalls to defend your device against threats.
7. Limiting the Sharing of Personal Information
Just share what is strictly necessary and only on trusted websites and platforms.
8. Make Regular Backups
Keep up-to-date backups of your important data to protect against ransomware losses or attacks.
9. Check SSL Certificates
When shopping or entering sensitive data, confirm that the site starts with “https://” and has a lock on the address bar.
10. Be Careful with Downloads and Applications
Download only from official sources and check permissions requested by installed applications.
The Future of Internet Privacy: What's to come?
Internet privacy is undergoing a significant transformation. Emerging technologies such as Web3 propose a decentralised internet where users will have greater control over their own data.
Blockchain-based projects promise new security and transparency models. In addition, new legislation is being developed in several countries to strengthen privacy protection, such as the Digital Services Regulation in the European Union.
Trends such as decentralized storage and the use of self-sovereign digital identities can redefine the way we interact online, placing privacy as a fundamental pillar of the Internet of the future.
Privacy in our online store NAcloset
Our shop NAcloset. with, decided to be at the forefront of internet privacy. Thus, we remove most systems by maintaining only the system that allows basic access statistics. Number of site visits and similar.
Despite this having an impact on disclosure actions, your privacy is more important to us!
You can easily check this out, just for example test our website on Google!
In addition, for most websites you may request the deletion of your personal data or even request a report on the recorded data.
Conclusion – Internet privacy
It is a fact that today many institutions know more about you than you do yourself! Yeah, they record a huge amount of information about you and accumulated over years!
Fortunately, thanks to the legislation that it is appearing, as well as various cases carried over in courts, this situation is being minimised. But be sure, these practices still exist a little everywhere.
Preserve your privacy on the Internet!