The protection of personal data such as web profiles or buying behavior is essential on the Internet. Our tips show how you can effectively protect your online identity.

According to a recent study by the University of Hohenheim, three-quarters of German Internet users are concerned or even very concerned that they have no insight into what is happening with their data on the Internet. Sixty-two percent of those surveyed also fear that their personal information might get into unknown hands. Numbers that should not take lightly. It is precisely why intelligent measures and solutions are in demand today more than ever that guarantee all-around protection of their privacy, even for technical laypeople.

“Bought something online somewhere and you will be followed.” A striking and straightforward statement that Chancellor Angela Merkel made during a panel discussion at night last November. And at the same time, an account created confusion for both consumers and the web business world. While some suspected scare tactics, others assumed a lack of expertise. Sure, fear is a bad advisor. Besides, the protection of personal data in Germany also has a comparatively high priority on the Internet. And yet, the days of carefree surfing sessions are numbered. Because the increasing personalization of web offers has an apparent downside in addition to all the comforts. Simply deleting cookies from the browser cache is no longer enough to leave the traceability of your buying and surfing habits undetected and to allow anonymity in the web world guarantee.

Popular data collections – also for third parties, both consumers and the chancellor reflect with their concerns, which a look behind the scenes of the excellent tracking and personalization professionals confirms. For example, when setting up a new Google account, the terms of use say: “If you use Google services such as Google Search or Google Maps, we collect various types of content and usage data.” This includes your personal data, cookies and location data, Device IDs and the IP address. 

Source: @bermixstudio

Google further explains: “This data is also recorded when you visit websites of other providers and use apps on or in which our services are used, such as Google Ads, Analytics or YouTube (source).” Due to the widespread use of Google Analytics alone – over 90 percent of all websites are directly or indirectly linked to this tracking tool – almost complete personal monitoring is possible. Against the background that Google’s data protection declaration brings unnamed partners and, in addition to the use of cookies, also vaguely “similar technologies” for tracking into play, the overall picture is dubious. The consumer no longer has insight into where and by what means traces be recorded on the Internet. What is certain is that his profile is registered with an enormous range and without any technological transparency.

Source: @sammisamuel21

Internet espionage is making headlines around the world. You may be wondering who is watching, where you are online, and what websites you are visiting. These concerns are justified. After all, where you are online and what you read on the Internet is nobody’s business.

But in the 21st century, information is the new currency – which you have probably already noticed, as it is becoming increasingly difficult to protect yourself from all the prying eyes. But don’t worry. There are several things you can do to remedy the situation. Here are some tips on how to protect your online privacy. “Hello everyone, I’m going away this weekend. The new boss is driving me crazy, so I’m going to travel, spend a lot of money and enjoy life.” Do you or your loved ones leave information like this sometimes? If so, you’d better think again.

What does this information tell us about you?

A lot of personal information if you’re not careful. The message posted above can be extremely informative depending on who is reading it: criminals may think this weekend is an opportune time to break into the writer. Prospective employers may choose not to offer the new position. And a credit card company will get the most recent exam the credit card application received particularly carefully (source: VPNLuxury).

How can I keep this information under lock and key?

It’s simple: don’t give too much information online. Once something is on a website, it can be re-sent, retweeted, and distributed thousands of times over. You can also restrict who can access your information by setting your privacy settings so that only friends can read your news. But you should still know who you are “friends” with online so that you do not complain about the management of your company to people who work on the management board!