Privacy is and always will be an issue on the inter-web, and it is and should be a right for anyone who surfs the internet. Heck, that’s why bathrooms have doors and locks, debit cards have PIN codes, libraries have cubicles… all to protect your privacy. So it’s really no surprise that everyone expects privacy and security when surfing the Internet. A lot of people actually think their online browsing activities are entirely anonymous, because after all, no one can really see you on the World Wide Web, right? Well, no!

Unfortunately, that is far from the truth. Internet surfing is not exactly an anonymous thing, even though you sitting at home or in your office in complete privacy, may seem to be. First, your Internet Service Provider or ISP has the complete ability and tracking ability to log all the site you visit based on your IP (Internet Protocol) address. Your IP address is your footprint on the web and it’s how your computer connection to the internet is identified every time you use it. Also, the websites that you happen to visit can also easily track your IP address, and it can also log it for future reference. Your IP address however does not specify your actual name, but it’s not really that difficult for the owner of a website you’ve visited to link your particular IP address to your ISP.

How Safe Are You?
So it’s safe to say most internet users want and value complete anonymity online, making it a truly unique and private experience. The internet is a melting pot where all walks of people from anywhere around the globe with internet access can instantly connect, communicate and share information with each other… in real time. Usually on the internet, your alias is your only identity. The thought of remaining anonymous has allowed people to practice complete freedom of speech and use the web as a tool of complete unbiased expression.

When the activities are legitimate, the Internet creates an open forum where anyone can correspond with each other who share similar interests, and openly discuss issues, that if spoke face to face, may cause embarrassment, reprimand, or even persecution in some cases. The web truly can be at times the worlds largest bathroom wall. The Internet also offers a resource to research unbiased sensitive topics, such as rid of acne, hair or weight loss, without having to reveal your identity. So it’s quite easy to see why everyone would want to protect their true identity.

Yet another reason why some may want to remain anonymous online may be protection from their employers, government or corporations. Businesses for example use anonymous surfing to spy or research on their competition without getting caught, while lawyers use it to visit sites to help them make a stronger case for their clients without leaving a digital footprint. You at home may want to surf anonymously just to stop aggressive marketing companies collecting your online information.

How Can You Go Anonymous?
So you’re wondering,how do you surf anonymously? The only way is to hide your IP address or ‘cloak’ it by using anonymous web browsing technology. Anonymous web browsing programs entails the use of what is know as a proxy. Proxies are placed between your IP address and the particular website you are wanting to visit. What happens is your computer connects to the proxy server instead of connecting directly to the website. The proxy server then “reconnects” to that website, effectively hiding your IP address. The website in question only sees the proxy servers IP address. It’s important you use a proxy server that is reputable and one you trust since the proxy server will know your IP address.

Although the only method of anonymous surfing involves using a proxy server, there are several different ways to go about it. The first is through another website. You visit the website offering the proxy server and then just type the URL of the website you want to visit. You will then be forwarded to that website through the proxy server.

Another method using a proxy requires downloading a software application. This is a program, usually in .exe format that handles everything associated with the proxy server, so all you have to worry about is browsing.

The third option is using an anonymous web proxy service. This entails you having to configure your browser so you’re using the anonymous web proxies Ip, but once done, it should be hassle-free anonymous surfing. These services are all are public, free or for a fee.

If you decide to use a web proxy service, here are some things to be aware of:
1. Reputable services should set up a dedicated TLS or SSL tunnel for you. This means that network sniffers won’t be able to track your surfing habits.

2. Choose a proxy service that supports the protocols that you want to use. Some services only offer FTP, while others only support HTTP. Some may also offer HTTPS, but not all. So check.

3. A good proxy service should go beyond hiding your IP address. It should also remove websites that use: pop-ups, cookies, banners, and referrer information. It should also be an option for you to configure which of these elements you want or don’t want to block.

Regardless of what proxy method you choose to surf the internet anonymously, you will surely feel a lot more safe knowing your privacy isn’t being compromised every time you surf.