Web Browser Privacy
Web Browser Basics
2/16/2024
A web browser allows to you access websites on the internet. It enables you to interact with a website by sending and receiving data between your web browser and the website. When visiting a website it is important to make sure you are visiting the HTTPS version of that website, not the HTTP version. HTTPS stands for “Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure”. If you look in the address bar, located at the top of your web browser and see HTTPS at the beginning of the web address then you know you are securely connected to a website with a valid SSL Certificate (Secure Sockets Layer).
There are multiple web browsers available for use. Some are “Open Source” and some are not. Below are three examples of “Open Source” web browsers. If you'd like to read more about them, simply click their names and you'll be taken to their respective websites. They're free!
*What is “Open Source”? This is software that developers make public so the source code can be inspected openly by other developers. Other developers can contribute to a particular project by looking for software bugs or issues and submit fixes which helps to improve security and performance and, in turn, enhancing the user experience
Web browsers collect information about your browsing activity. Websites collect that information as well. Many people think turning on Incognito mode, or Private mode will keep their information private while they are on the internet. However, this is not the case.
Incognito mode and Private mode are a “Client-Side” technology, meaning they only work on your computer. “Server-Side” refers to the servers on the internet that send your computer information. Here’s how it works:
You turn on Incognito or Private mode on your web browser. You surf the internet, you make some purchases, you read some news, you watch some videos.
Since you turned on Incognito mode or Private mode your web browser has been instructed not to keep website history or cookies.
Cookies and website data are automatically deleted when you close your web browser at the end of your session. Information you entered into any forms will not be stored. This method is only useful in preventing someone from gaining access to the information that would have been stored in the web browser on your computer. However, the websites you visited during your session store information about you and your session. They can record the date/time of your visit, your web browser version, the plug-ins you use, the operating system you use, your IP address, your computer's location, and much more. These websites reside on servers located around the world. You can’t delete the information they collect and store. Some of this information is used to build a profile on you, follow you on the internet, and target you with ads.
While you can’t completely stop websites from collecting information, you can limit the amount of information collected by using a privacy focused. web browser to help preserve your privacy.
Other steps you can take are to adjust your web browser’s behavior.
Cookies:
Setting your browser cookie settings to block third party cookies will give you some tracking protection. Most browsers have other settings you can change to increase security and privacy.
Browser updates:
It is good practice to check for browser updates regularly. Or if you prefer, you can set your browser to check for and install updates automatically. This way you are sure to always have the latest version and security updates.
A web browser’s homepage can be set to open to a particular search engine, if you prefer. Here are three examples of privacy oriented search engines. If you'd like to read more about them, simply click their name to be taken to their respective website.
In closing:
It’s best to do your own research and find the browser that works best for you. You may have to try out a few before you find one you like. You may even decide to use more than one! There are many browsers available. And now that you have a little more info on the topic hopefully choosing will be a little easier, and a little more private!