GHID | How to be "invisible" on the internet. What to do if you don't want to be spied on online anymore

First of all, it should be noted that 100% privacy cannot exist on the internet. Every computer, every laptop, phone, network leaves a mark on wherever you surf.

Secondly, if you use social networks like Facebook, Instagram, movie services like Netflix, HBO Go or Amazon Video, or music apps like Spotify or Deezer, they will record your preferences anyway so you can recommend other products or advertise to you.

That being said, here's what you need to do to protect your privacy on the Internet.

1. Switch to Linux

Piracy is still widespread in Romania. The problem is that downloading Windows operating systems from the Internet can bring hacked versions, in which cybercriminals inject various viruses or malicious programs.

If you bought a laptop or desktop with Windows 10 on it from a specialty store, then it is genuine. On the other hand, you have to keep in mind that Microsoft also monitors what you do online, as the giant has legal problems because of this in the Netherlands and France.

The problem is that users can't turn off these settings.

Linux is free, but you need some knowledge to install a Linux distribution.

2. Use virtual private networks

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are another way to protect your privacy. They can block online tracking and trick search engines or sites into showing them another location.

Virtual private networks are usually for money, but there are some good free alternatives, such as TunnelBear or Windscribe.

The Opera browser has such an integrated VPN, the service being free and unlimited.

3. Use the Tor browser

If you're looking for something online and then an ad for that product is following you all over the internet, well, that's because you're being tracked by cookies. These are small pieces of software that sites place in the browsers you use.

Browsers like Chrome and Edge are produced by companies that follow you online and then deliver the most relevant ads. It's about Google and Microsoft.

But there is a browser that is much better when it comes to privacy. This is Tor Browser. It is available on both Windows and MacOS and Linux, and a test version is also available on Android.

Authorities around the world do not like the Tor browser because it is used by cybercriminals and drug and arms traffickers on the Internet.

4. Install extensions that block ads and trackers

Websites are often extremely difficult to load due to aggressive advertisements that slow down a lot.

This can be easily fixed by installing ad-blocking extensions. The most used are AdBlock and AdBlock Plus and can be installed on both Chrome and Firefox, as well as Edge and Opera.

Some mobile apps have the same function, and they filter ads from the apps you use.

Other extensions block attempts by online sites to spy on you while browsing the Internet. Hoxx VPN Proxy or SetupVPN Lifetime Free VPN are free for Firefox.

In fact, the Firefox 63 browser has the ability to block online trackers, that is, those programs that track you on which pages you enter.

5. Search for information through DuckDuckGo

Ever since privacy issues have invaded the internet, a search engine has become increasingly popular. This is DuckDuckGo. Sure, it's infinitely smaller than Google, but its creators boast that DuckDuckGo doesn't spy on its users.

DuckDuckGo also has a Chrome extension if you want to protect your privacy.

6. Use Signal or Telegram to chat

The most used messaging apps are WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, while iPhone owners use iMessage.

The problem is that Facebook tracks what users are doing so that they can then deliver the best targeted ads. At the same time, WhatsApp gives data to the secret services when requested, as recently stated by a director of Telekom Romania. BlackBerry, in turn, cooperates with law enforcement around the world.

So if you want really private conversations, use Signal and Telegram.

Signal is the favorite app of Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who revealed in 2013 how the latter spies on the internet.

The Signal application is made by a foundation, and its creator is Moxie Marlinspike, a cyber researcher who was previously head of security at Twitter. Signal is available on Android, iPhone, Mac and Windows.

Telegram has over 200 million users worldwide, and its creator is Pavel Durov, a Russian who emigrated to the United States. He fled Russia after another of his creations, the social network VKontakte - "Russia's Facebook" - fell into the hands of Vladimir Putin's friends. Telegram is available on Android, iPhone / iPad, Windows Phone, PC, Mac, Linux and has a Web version.

iMessage is made by Apple, and discussions are encrypted on both iPhone and iPad, iPod Touch or Mac line of computers.

Ten great things about the internet that you didn't know. Privacy is an illusion