Hidden web tracker may attack your privacy

Hidden trackers can follow you around the Internet and watch much of what you do online, but there are simple tools you can use to help block them.

What are web trackers?

Simply put, web trackers are pieces of code that let companies spy on your online activity across the web, resulting in detailed data profiles about you. These profiles are based in part on what websites you visit, what you click on, and more. When you visit a website, first-party and third-party trackers are likely lurking in the background, monitoring your behavior. These are the two types of tracking you should be aware of. First-party tracking means tracking from the owner of the site you’re visiting or from any of its service providers that are only allowed to use the data as the owner of the site instructs. This type of tracking is usually expected.

How do third-party trackers put my privacy at risk?

Each bit of third-party tracking code embedded in sites and apps can expose pieces of your personal information to the company behind the associated tracker. Further, if the same tracker is littered across many of the websites and apps you use every day, it’s easy to see how the company behind it can combine the data its tracker collects to create a massive data collection of a lot of your online activity.

How can I prevent getting tracked?

To thwart hidden third-party tracking as described above, you need a tracker blocker. 

Another thing to watch out for is ineffective tracker protection. Major desktop browsers are stepping up their privacy promises but still lack effective tracking protection without fiddling with a lot of settings. These browsers typically reduce tracking by restricting trackers (e.g., third-party cookies) after they’ve already loaded on a site you’re visiting. But that’s too late as a lot of significant personal information can be leaked just by loading them. Better solutions (like tracker blocker) prevent trackers from ever loading at all, which also has the added benefits of reducing WiFi and mobile data consumption and can make web pages load about twice as fast.

A private Internet is a better Internet, and a better Internet is better for all of us.

Direct Publication Source: https://spreadprivacy.com/how-do-hidden-web-trackers-put-my-privacy-at-risk/