Yes even your internet searches
We are under an assault from governments, corporations and the criminal element... it is vital to work at protecting yourself in all you do.
Did you ever search for an item, then have most of the ads on other browser pages reflect items you searched for... kind of creepy for sure...they are watching and targeting you and you actions.
Tor Option:
A great benefit from using Tor is that it provides anonymity for you when you browse the web. It allows surfing without tracking by others internet service providers, websites, even to a small degree the government. Tor can also be used to access services which are blocked by some internet providers and/or governments.
Tor is free to download and install and only has minor inconveniences like connectivity issues, slow transfer speeds and blockage of some functionality... but these are minor and you can easily adapt to them. Tor is a great browser for you anonymity.
It also employs a safer search engine that helps you protect your privacy even further...
Free download at: https://www.torproject.org/
DuckDuckGo
A better search engine
DuckDuckGo is not a browser as is the Tor Project, however is much safer and secure than the other common search engines that people use, like; Google, Yahoo Search, and Bing.
Search leakage is a programmed function, sends your Internet address, browser information, and search terms to that website when you click the link, this tells the website and the search engine that you what you initially searched for.
DuckDuckGo fixes this privacy invasion
As it does not collect any personal or identifiable information about you. It also redirects your search and click actions in a manner that prevents your search request and term information from being sent to that website. So the websites will still know that you visited, but will not gain the trail information or know how you found them.
As other search engines collect information about how you use them, including: your search terms or words, the date and time you searched, your Internet IP address, your browser specs and even your account information (when you have an account on that service and logged in). These factors allow them to track and profile you, as well as helping to "personalize" your searches about what you are interested in.
But even though this invasion of privacy (you willingly and unwittingly share), is scary and invasive, the larger issue is when your personal information collected from you is shared with others. Your searches could be and are deliberately released "for research purposes", which can be leaked or stolen by hackers. It can even be tapped into or funneled to law enforcement organizations upon request.
DuckDuckGo avoids these privacy issues by properly securing and anonymizing data. They still comply with law enforcement requests but can forward no information as they are not collecting it (most do not worry about this as they are not criminals or engaging in nefarious deeds, but many things can go wrong in life, this is just another way for future protections in an incorrect issue). As the search engines are not legally required to collect your personal information, if they don't have it, then they can't leak it, lose it, or give it to law enforcement agencies, just something to think about.
Add it link here:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/duckduckgo-for-chrome/bkdgflcldnnnapblkhphbgpggdiikppg
Personal Security is your job
Do not rely on others to keep you safe, protect you or coddle you... you are on your own in this world, act accordingly!
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Image Credit: kremalicious, entrepreneur