Many Internet users are wondering why so many applications and websites need to know our geolocation without special need. And, more importantly, what is being done with this information?
The question is: how to access popular websites, but at the same time block geo-tracking of your laptop or smartphone?
10 useful tips to protect your geolocation data
The below information gives you an idea of what you can be done to make sure that your geolocation is not being tracked. Some methods in this list are complex, others are simple. Separately, they are not very effective. Only complex protection can guarantee the maximum success.
1. Turing off geo-tracking or the transfer of data about your location
The easiest method to protect information about your current location is to block this function on the device. This is very easy to do, most browsers, phones, operating systems and applications give you the choice of "disable location services." Sure, this will only partially prevent the detection of the location of your device, but this step is an important brick in the security wall and it is recommended to use it. After taking this first step, you can move forward and go to your browser settings and enable the Do Not Track feature in the HTTP header for all your outbound connections.
2. Monitor DNS-leakage
Regularly check your DNS service for the leakage of personal data. DNS or Domain Name Server is a system in which local device addresses turn into IP addresses that other servers and routers can use to send and receive information. Just google for "DNS leak testing" and you will get a lot of services that will help you. You can also check what leaks your browser may cause by visiting a website called Browserleaks.com.
3. Turn off cookies
One way to prevent a data leak is to clear the cookies or completely turn them off. It does not solve all the problems of tracking your location, but it will protect you in some way. Of course, disabling cookies has a negative side. If you frequently visit the Amazon website, cookies will be installed on your device, you will receive the best offers from Amazon, but your actions and location will be tracked.
4. Managing Plugins
Browser plugins are weak points in many security systems that can allow data to be lost even if other important security measures are taken. Hostile plugins track the scope of your interests. To maintain a high level of anonymity, it is recommended avoiding plugins altogether. If this is not possible, the best solution is to configure your system so that it always requests permissions to launch the plugin, or, run it in a sandbox for additional security.
5. Turn off JavaScript
JavaScript is a powerful computer technology, but it has many vulnerabilities. JavaScript is able to deliver detailed information about you and your device to any server in the world. The real problem with JavaScript is that almost every website on the Internet uses it It's not that easy to stop using it. The best solution is to use software that will check the list of domains that can run JavaScript these are sites that you often visit. You can also create whitelist of domains in your browser.
6. Use antitracking solutions
There are many types of software with antitracking features, for example: Privacy Badger by EFF - helps prevent online surveillance. It identifies websites that try to track you, remembers them, and blocks repeated attempts.
7. Stay away from Google tracking
Google represent the Internet for many of us. Everyone who uses the Internet interacts with Google in some way. We all use it to search for information or websites. Many people do not think about how many reasons and ways to track users this search engine has.
8. Disable the WebRTC
WebRTC, or real-time communication, allows a web browser to request real-time information from other servers or browsers. Even with IP masking software, Firefox users can tweak this setting directly in the browser by going to setting about: config and turning the media.peer.connection to False. Other people need to install special software such as uBlock Origin to prevent this type of data leakage.
9. Social networks
To keep your location secret, you should avoid social networks. Provide a minimum of information about yourself and your location to prevent tracking geolocation. Avoid using the geo-tag feature and do not write about your real location on social networks.
10. Using VPNs or virtual private networks
A VPN or virtual private network is the best way to hide your location wherever you are. VPN encrypts your data and sends it through secure remote servers. It also masks your real IP address. After trying all other methods to protect the geolocation data, a VPN technology will fill the remaining holes in your security wall.
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