How to Keep Your Data Private and Browse the Internet Anonymously

At this point we need to mention security because a malicious individual could potentially abuse the proxy they run to gather data about what you’re doing online, so make sure not to enter bank details over an untrustworthy free solution. Likewise many webmasters distrust people who register on their site via a proxy server (Proxies are often used by spammers and trolls too), so don’t be surprised if you end up being banned just for that.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

VPN’s effectively operate like a network within a network. They use public telecommunications infrastructure, such as the internet, to provide individual users with secure/encrypted access to an organization’s network. Remote workers often use VPN’s to connect with their office network while at home and multiplayer gamers can also use it to create a kind of virtual Local Area Network (LAN) between friends over the internet.

But, not unlike a Proxy Server, VPN’s also make for an excellent tool when somebody wants go online and surf the internet anonymously or gain access to UK content/services while outside of the country (alternatively you could use one to access content in other countries, such as Hulu in the USA). While connected through a third party VPN your real connection details would remain almost completely hidden from view and any activity is usually encrypted.

A VPN is normally easy to connect with (i.e. the ‘Network and Sharing Centre’ under Windows Vista/7), often requiring just a username, password and vpn server name (“Domain“). A mix of both free and paid (commercial) solutions can be found online, although there are many different types and they don’t all work in the same way.

Most free solutions are slow and quite restrictive, although even some paid services have similar problems. Check the VPN’s usage allowances and maximum speeds very closely as both could hinder your performance and flexibility. A few of the better known services are listed below (unordered).

VPNHQ
http://vpnhq.com

Relakks
https://www.relakks.com/?cid=gb

PrivateTunnel
https://www.privatetunnel.com

AccessVPN
http://accessvpn.com

ItsHidden
http://itshidden.com/

CyberGhost
http://cyberghostvpn.com/

Anchor Free
http://anchorfree.com/

At this point it’s worth mentioning that some web-based VPN’s still suffer from a flaw that can expose your IP address unless you disable IPv6 in Windows Vista/7. For example, this affects those who use IPv6 in combination with PPTP-based VPN’s like Ipredator or Relakks. The OpenVPN standard is not believed to be affected. For additional security we’d also recommend changing your ISPs DNS servers (as mentioned earlier).

General Advice

It’s a good idea to avoid downloading and installing Java (i.e. for runtime java web applications) unless you need it, which is not to be confused with the standard JavaScript that a lot of websites use for performing basic functions (supported at default by most browsers). Most people don’t need Java Runtimes anymore and they are usually an optional install.

Sadly some Java based web applications will grab a lot of personal data from your system and the runtimes can even be exploited, unless you keep them updated (usually enabled by default), by malicious websites to install viruses or other nasty malware. Many malicious Trojan and phishing attacks use Java apps as a means to invade computer systems.

Likewise it’s a good idea to avoid installing unfamiliar third-party browser plugins, unless absolutely needed, and especially browser toolbars. Both can leak your personal data and toolbars are notorious for doing it. Just avoid them. Your browser will normally run faster without the extra bloat anyway.