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How to Remain Anonymous on the Internet
When it comes to our digital lives, we often focus on what we should share, rather than how much we should share. In an age where our online presence can have a real-world impact, it’s important that you take steps to protect your identity. Whether you’re looking to get a new job, hoping to make friends in a new city, or trying to keep your account from being hacked — your digital identity is something that you need to take seriously.
After all, in this day and age, it’s impossible to separate your online presence from your real-life one. Keeping your online digital identity anonymous does not mean you have to give up on the fun parts of being connected online; you simply need to be aware of your options and how you want the rest of the world to see you.
To remain anonymous online without missing out on all the fun and many things the internet has to offer, you must note certain things, and they include:
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Don’t Reveal Your Name or Birthdate
Something that many people don’t think about is that your name, birthday, and other information that can be found on a birth certificate are linked to your social security number. For privacy reasons, social networks do not allow users to use these details. Instead, use an alternative such as “Firstname Lastname” or a made-up name that you’ve created and use that across all of your accounts. Keep in mind that anything uploaded to the internet is public and can be found by anyone.
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Don’t Upload Photos of Your Identification
If you’re looking to apply for a new job or meet new people online, be careful about uploading photos of your identification. For example, if you’re using Instagram or working with any India bet cricket platform you are yet to verify, don’t upload a photo of your driver’s license or passport; instead, use a selfie or a photo of something else. The same goes for uploading photos of your health insurance card or other sources of identification.
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Use a Password Manager
In today’s digital landscape, you need to practice safe browsing habits and make sure that your passwords are protected. While it’s okay to use the same password for a few accounts, you should use a different password for each one. If you have a hard time remembering all of your passwords, consider using a password manager that can generate and store unique passwords for you.
Two of the most popular password manager brands are LastPass and 1Password. When choosing a password manager, look for one that is compatible with a variety of browsers, offers two-factor authentication, and has a mobile app.
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Add Two-Factor Authentication
If you have an account with a major social media platform, you should set up two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection to your account. With two-factor authentication, an authentication code is sent to your phone. This means that even if someone has your login information, they won’t be able to log in unless they also have your phone.
If you’re using a website or app that requires you to enter in your social security number, you should also consider setting up two-factor authentication. To do this, you’ll need to contact the company and ask how to set it up. Some websites allow you to receive the authentication code via text, while others require an app or special hardware.
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Don’t Sync Everything to One Platform
These days, it’s easier than ever to link your social media accounts together so that you can share content across platforms. While it might seem like a good idea to link everything together, it can lead to problems down the line. If one account is hacked, they will have access to everything. If you must link your social media accounts, only link the ones that you absolutely need.
For example, you don’t need to link your Instagram account to your Facebook page. There are some benefits to linking your accounts together, such as syncing your posts and comments between platforms so that you can publish once and have them appear across all of your accounts. Before linking your accounts, make sure that you have control over what’s being shared across platforms.
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Don’t Forget About Browser Extensions
Browser extensions can help protect your privacy and make sure that you aren’t sharing things that you don’t want to make public. For example, the Privacy Badger blocks third-party trackers that try to collect your data, content blockers stop social media widgets from tracking you across the internet, and ad-blockers shut off the advertisements that pay for most of your online experiences.
Conclusion
Keeping your online identity anonymous does not mean you have to give up on the fun parts of being connected online; you simply need to be aware of your options and how you want the rest of the world to see you. When it comes to your digital life, you should focus on what you should share, rather than how much you should share. In an age where our online presence can have a real-world impact, it’s important that you take steps to protect your identity.
With these tips and tricks, you can protect your privacy while still enjoying all of the fun things that come with being connected online. From protecting your social media accounts from third-party trackers to setting up two-factor authentication, these tips and tricks will help keep your information safe.