Page 59 - CA_165_V2.0_C9_Flipbook
P. 59

Tracking Scripts


                 Tracking Scripts are small pieces of code embedded in websites that collect data on user behaviour. These
                 scripts can track interactions like clicks, scroll depth, form submissions, and even mouse movements,
                 providing in-depth insights into how users engage with a site.
                 User Agents

                 A User Agent is a string of text sent by your browser to a web server that provides information about

                 your browser type, operating system, and device. Websites can use this information to customise content
                 or track users across devices. Websites track users using User Agents for device and browser info, while
                 Private Browsing keeps activity local, and Anonymous Browsing hides identity and activity using tools like
                 VPNs and Tor.

                 Private Browsing ensures that no browsing history, cookies, or temporary files are saved on the device
                 after the session ends. It helps keep activity private on shared or public devices, but it doesn’t hide your
                 identity from websites or prevent tracking by third parties.

                 Anonymous Browsing goes further by hiding your identity and Internet activity from websites and online
                 services.  Tools  like  VPNs  mask  your  IP  address,  and  Tor  routes  your  traffic  through  multiple  servers,
                 making it harder to trace your location and activity. It provides a higher level of privacy compared to
                 private browsing.

                 Incognito Browsing (or Private Browsing in some browsers) is a feature that prevents your browser from
                 saving your browsing history, cookies, and temporary files. This ensures that after the session ends, there’s
                 no trace of the websites you visited on the device. It’s useful for maintaining privacy on shared or public
                 devices.

                 Proxy servers act as intermediaries between the user and the Internet, masking the user’s IP address and
                 location. While proxies can offer some level of anonymity, they don’t encrypt data, making them less
                 secure than VPNs.

                 VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts Internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, hiding the
                 user’s IP address and securing data from hackers and third parties. VPNs provide a higher level of privacy
                 compared to proxies and are widely used for anonymous browsing.

                   HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY?

                 To protect your privacy online in the UK, it’s important to clear cookies regularly or use incognito mode
                 to ensure your browsing activity isn’t saved on your device. You can also use privacy-focused browsers or
                 install plugins that block tracking scripts and prevent third-party data collection. Additionally, consider
                 using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to hide your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic, providing
                 an extra layer of security and anonymity. Enabling browser settings that limit or block third-party cookies
                 can further prevent websites from tracking your activity across different sites. While tracking methods
                 help websites analyse user behaviour and enhance the user experience, being aware of them allows you
                 to take proactive steps in safeguarding your personal data.







                                                                                                 Cyber Safety    57
   54   55   56   57   58   59   60   61   62   63   64