Your online usage and behaviour can be tracked

When you go online, especially on websites like Google, Facebook, or online stores like Amazon, your actions are often recorded.

What does that mean? Well, these websites keep track of things like what you search for, the social media posts you create or 'like,' and even the items you look at or buy. They do this to show you ads that are tailored just for you.

So, the next time you see an advertisement that seems to "know" exactly what you've been interested in, it's likely because your online behavior has been observed and used to create personalized ads. This is another reason why being cautious and knowledgeable about your online privacy is important.

Only give personal details to secure websites

When a website asks for personal information like your name, home address, birthday, or credit card numbers, you'll want to make sure that site is both real and safe.

How can you do this? Take a look at the top of your web browser, where the website's address is displayed. You should see either a little padlock symbol or the letters "https://" before the actual web address.

If you don't see a padlock or "https://", then the website isn't using encryption to protect your information. In that case, it's best not to enter any of your personal details.

eSafety Tip

Only share your personal information with websites that you're familiar with and trust. Just seeing "https://" in the web address isn't always enough—you should also make sure the website is genuine.

If you're ever in doubt, a good step is to find the company's contact number through a separate search and give them a call to verify that their website is legitimate. If you can't get ahold of the company, or if their answer doesn't reassure you, you might want to think about looking for the product or service on a different, more trustworthy site.

Taking that extra precaution to verify a website's legitimacy not only gives you peace of mind but also adds an additional layer of safety to your online activities. 

Approving website cookies

When you go to a website for the first time, you might see a message asking you to "Approve cookies." A cookie is like a small digital tag that gets saved in your web browser, kind of like a little "I was here" note for that website.

The next time you go back to that same website, it will check for that cookie. If it finds it, the website might show you a more personalized experience, like a list of items you recently looked at.

It's worth mentioning that cookies don't store personal information like your name, where you live, or your address. When you're asked about cookies, you can usually choose to block them if you want.

You also have the option to go into your browser's Settings and block all cookies right from the start, adding an extra level of control over your online experience.

Using incognito or private mode

Many web browsers offer a feature called "incognito" or "private browsing." When you turn this on, your browser won't remember the websites you visit or any login information. However, it's important to keep in mind that your Internet Service Provider, often called ISP, can still see where you're going online.

Using this private browsing mode can actually cut down on the number of personalized ads that pop up while you're surfing the web, offering you a more neutral browsing experience.

So, if you're concerned about websites tracking your online behavior or want to do a search without being bombarded by targeted ads, using this private browsing mode can be a helpful tool. It's an easy way to add an extra layer of privacy to your internet activities. 

Private browsing in Chrome and Edge

In the Chrome browser on your computer, you can activate private browsing, known as "Incognito mode," by clicking the three little dots in the upper-right corner to bring up a menu. From there, select "New Incognito Window."

You'll see a new window pop up that has a dark-colored top bar and a little icon, letting you know you're in Incognito mode.

If you're using the Edge browser, the process is similar. Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner and then choose "New InPrivate Window" to go into private browsing. 

These options make it easy for you to browse privately, no matter which of these two popular web browsers you're using.

Private browsing in Safari

To engage private browsing in Safari on an Apple computer, you'll start by clicking "File" on the top-left corner of your menu bar. From the dropdown menu that appears, select "New Private Window."

A new window will then open, featuring a dark-colored top bar and a message letting you know that you're now in private browsing mode. This confirms that your online activities in this window will be more private and not recorded in your browsing history.

This options make it easy for you to browse privately, no matter when using this popular web browsers.

Home Wi-Fi is safer than public Wi-Fi

When you're at home and you connect your device to your own Wi-Fi network, entering a password adds a layer of security. This makes it generally safe to input personal details and perform sensitive tasks, like online banking or accessing government websites.

However, when you're out and about, you might find Wi-Fi networks that either have no password or use a temporary one—like the networks at coffee shops or airports. These types of public Wi-Fi are not as secure. It's crucial to be cautious and avoid entering any personal information while connected to these less secure networks.

Being mindful of the Wi-Fi network you're using is a simple yet effective way to protect your personal information from potential risks. 

Mobile data is safer than public Wi-Fi

When you're on the go and using your smartphone, it's generally safe to rely on your mobile network data for internet access. This is because the connection is unique to you, making it more secure for entering personal details.

However, just like when you're browsing on your home computer, advertisers can still track your activities online even when you're using mobile data. To reduce this, you can also use incognito or private browsing modes and block cookies in your smartphone's web browser for added privacy.

So, even when you're on the go, you have options to enhance your privacy and make your online experience more secure. 

Your internet location vs. your real location

When you browse the internet and visit a website, your device shares some basic location information with that site. This usually includes the country you're in, and sometimes even the nearest city.

This location information can lead to what's known as "geoblocking." Some websites might restrict your access or direct you to a country-specific version based on your location. For instance, if you're in Australia and you visit Netflix.com, you'll be shown the Australian version of Netflix, complete with shows available in Australia. You won't be able to access the U.S. version of the site because of this.

Being aware of geoblocking can help you understand why certain content might not be available to you, and why you might see different offerings on the same website depending on where you are. 

The internet can be used safely and securely

Generally, the internet is a safe place if you're cautious and sensible in how you use it. For an added layer of privacy and security, you might consider using a Virtual Private Network, often referred to as a VPN.

Using a VPN can offer you more peace of mind, especially when browsing in public or unfamiliar locations. It's a valuable tool for anyone looking to take their online privacy to the next level. 

To learn more about what a VPN is and how it can benefit you, stay tuned for the next module titled "What is a VPN?"

WELL DONE!

This concludes the section on "Why Protecting Your Privacy Online Matters." You've gained insights into how your browsing habits can be used for targeted advertising and how your location can influence website access through geoblocking.

By understanding these foundational concepts, you're already taking steps towards a safer, more private online experience. 

Coming up next, we will delve into "What is a VPN?" Here, you'll discover how using a Virtual Private Network can enhance your online privacy and minimize the limitations imposed by your geographical location. This will elevate your internet usage to an even more secure level. So, stay tuned to gain additional tips and know-how that can empower you to navigate the digital world more confidently.