How to be anonymous on the Internet
This page is created for users who are concerned about others monitoring their Internet browsing, or want to remain anonymous while they browse the web. Realize there are different degrees of anonymity and following these steps do not guarantee 100% anonymity. If you're attempting to conceal your identity to do something illegal or inappropriate while on the Internet, this page is not for you.
Below lists different methods to help protect your identity while on the Internet.
Privacy basics
For most users, following some basic rules helps with your anonymity on the Internet.
- Do not disclose any private information, unless absolutely required. Sometimes, when it is required such as your last name, only fill in partial information such as your last initial.
- Don't fall into e-mail and web phishing traps. Become familiar with the signs of phishing and don't disclose private information in an e-mail.
- If you're using Microsoft Windows, familiarize yourself with spyware and have at least one program installed to protect the computer.
Public anonymous proxy
When browsing the Internet you're browsing from your computer or router assigned IP address, this IP address can track your general location and helps identify your visit. To help keep your computer anonymous, you can use a web-based proxy to browse the web. A web-based proxy lets you use an alternate computer to load a website and then display the results on your computer through the browser. Below is a short list of some anonymous web-based proxies.
If you're in an area you feel your connection may be compromised or sniffed (e.g., connecting to the Internet at a Wi-Fi hotspot). Using an HTTPS proxy is a great way to help encrypt data coming from the proxy to your computer that is not encrypted, helping to prevent any eavesdropping. If you're using a proxy web service such as Proxify, you can also use an HTTPS connection.
If you're using Mozilla Firefox as your browser and find yourself frequently needed a proxy, there are several good proxy add-ons available.
The proxy you're using to browse the Internet may keep a log of visitors. If a legal authority wants to obtain identifying information to locate you, it may be possible. If you are entering sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, credit card information, the person in control of the proxy could capture and use that information.
Boot from Anonym.OS LiveCD
Anonym.OS is a LiveCD that boots from a CD (compact disc) and uses a variant of OpenBSD that's helps keep a user anonymous while browsing the Internet.
Tor
Tor was created for the U.S. Navy with the purpose of protecting government communications. Tor works to help protect your privacy using a network of virtual tunnels to pass information over the Internet.
Whonix
Whonix is an operating system focused on anonymity, security, and privacy. It consists of two parts: One solely runs Tor and acts as a gateway, the other, is on a completely isolated network.
Alternate computer or connection
Finally, connecting to the Internet using someone else's connection, e.g., cafe, library, school, work, etc. can also keep you anonymous. When using someone else's connection, you're logging in as their IP address and not your address.
However, if you had to use a login to access the computer or network, that login could be traced back to you.
Private mode or Incognito mode
Most browsers today offer a private mode or incognito mode. While this mode does not keep you anonymous to anyone with authority to request server or search logs, it does keep what you do locally anonymous.
Other software products
There are also several non-free software products for users who find the suggestions above don't meet their needs. Below lists a few of these services.