5 Proven Ways to Protect Data from Tracking

As of 2016, it is estimated that nearly 89 percent of the American population use the internet. It is unfortunate that most cases of identity theft and stolen payment information happen on the internet as well. This shouldn’t be a surprise, really. Considering that tracking usually occurs on network servers, you as an the average user can only do little to protect data. But that isn’t to say that keeping your data secure is impossible.

In fact, here are 5 proven ways to protect your data from tracking:

Tip #1: Protect data by switching to physical memory

When it comes to file storage, Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, iCloud, and related cloud services have become the go-to of web users. Because this method requires the internet to store files on network servers, you can be tracked in two ways – while using a public network to access data, or if the servers of your cloud service provider gets hacked due to poor security. Transferring files between computers and devices can be just as unsafe when done online.

Going old school with data storage could make all the difference to protect your data. By switching to a hard drive or any physical storage, you can drastically reduce your chances of being tracked. The same holds true for data transfers. It would be ideal to use portable memory like USB and external drives.

Tip #2: Use a desktop-based email provider

Web-based clients let you access emails with browsers, but since they’ll be stored in clouds, you can still be tracked. A desktop-based client which saves emails locally to a computer provides a better alternative for keeping your data safe.

Tip #3: Do your banking off the internet

Banking is probably one of the most dangerous things you can do on the internet. It makes your credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts vulnerable to tracking and mining. The only way to avoid these is to limit your bank transactions offline.

Tip #4: Be careful with social media sites and file sharing services

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, along with file sharing services such as Flickr, Instagram, and YouTube have one thing in common – they store your photos, videos, and personal information over the cloud. Altogether, these file collections make you an easy target for cyber criminals who might steal your data. That’s why you need to be careful with the information you share and upload online. If possible at all, don’t use these services to lower your chances of being tracked.

Tip #5: Avoid cloud-based word processors

Google Drive and other cloud-based word processors provide the added benefit of collaborating with people in real-time. After Evernote was hacked in 2013, everyone’s worst fear about cloud was cemented. Using a locally installed word processor such as Microsoft Word and Notepad can save you the trouble.