Tips to Search Securely in Google
Whether you are planning to research new material online or if you are simply browsing for private documents and information on your own computer, searching securely allows you to stay protected while also keeping your search history private. Searching securely online or through your own computer can be done by taking precautions with the browsers you choose to use, the websites you are utilizing the search and also the internet privacy settings you have in place with your own connection
Securing Your Internet Connection
Securing your own home internet connection can help you to keep others from viewing any information on your computer or even accessing your computer’s microphone, camera and documents themselves. Adding a security key password to your internet connection can be done directly from your own computer and also from the service provider you have chosen for your internet connection. Without a secure connection, anyone who is tech savvy can easily connect to your internet, using up bandwidth and potentially slowing down your connection altogether. Additionally, those who are capable of hacking and stealing information can easily gain access to your documents and sensitive personal information if you have an internet connection that is unsecured.
Understanding Cookies
Cookies are bits of information that are stored within your own hard drive and oftentimes sent to third-parties of those who own websites to help with tracking users and remember search history or log-in details. Cookies can be disabled within browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and even Internet Explorer. You can choose to routinely clear the cookies and cache from your web browser by accessing the tools or settings options that are available.
Utilizing Private and Incognito Browsing Modes
Another option to help with securely browsing online regardless of whether you are logging into websites or simply conducting a search you do not want stored is to use private and incognito browsing options. New versions of Firefox, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer all offer the option to browse securely with the use of a private browsing mode. Using a private browsing mode does not allow your computer to store cookies or save your search history. Although private and incognito browsing modes are ideal for searching securely, they also do not remember log in information, which can slow down the amount of time it takes to browse various websites and social networks. Incognito browsers do not store cookies and also prevent websites from storing cookies and your information as well, keeping your search history private and withheld at all times.
Proxies
Using web proxies is a way to access websites without leaving a trace of your actual IP address, although many ISPs (Internet service providers) may still have access to your search history and the websites accessed with the use of their services. Although Internet service providers most often have privacy policies in place, government agencies can request to access your information in the case of a legal matter you may be involved in. Using a proxy website can help with keeping any trace of what you are searching for as hidden as possible from those accessing your computer or anyone who may be interested in your internet search history.
Searching securely will not only allow you to feel safer and more protected when you are browsing online, but it also keeps your data and search history from being sent to unwanted advertising agencies and additional website owners that may be targeting specific groups or looking to gain insight into their own visitors. Searching securely is a way for you to ensure you data is kept safe at all times regardless of what you are browsing for, both online and off.
