How do you stop ISP from seeing what you browse?

Beyond the VPN: Taking Control of Your Privacy From Your ISP

We all know the feeling – searching for something online and then being bombarded with eerily relevant ads. It’s a stark reminder that our online activity isn’t as private as we might hope. While VPNs are often touted as the silver bullet for online anonymity, the reality is a bit more nuanced. Your ISP, the very entity that grants you access to the internet, can still observe a surprising amount of your digital comings and goings. So, how do you truly shield your browsing habits from their prying eyes?

It starts with understanding the limitations of a VPN. While it encrypts your data and masks your IP address, effectively hiding your activity from websites you visit, your ISP can still see:

• The amount of data you’re using: Heavy downloads or streaming will still register, even if the content itself is hidden.
• The time and duration of your internet usage: When you’re online and for how long remains visible.
• Connection to a VPN server: Your ISP knows you’re using a VPN, even if they don’t know what you’re doing with it.

Therefore, achieving true online privacy from your ISP requires a multi-layered approach:

1. Encrypt Everything:

• HTTPS Everywhere: This browser extension forces websites to use HTTPS encryption whenever possible, securing the data transmitted between you and the website.
• End-to-End Encrypted Services: Opt for email providers (like ProtonMail) and messaging apps (like Signal) that offer end-to-end encryption, ensuring only you and the intended recipient can read the content.

2. Embrace Privacy-Focused Browsers:

• Tor Browser: This browser routes your traffic through multiple relays, making it extremely difficult to trace back to you. Be aware that it can be slower than conventional browsers.
• Brave Browser: Built-in features like ad and tracker blocking minimize data collection and provide a more private browsing experience.

3. Consider Alternative DNS Servers:

• Public DNS resolvers: Switching from your ISP’s default DNS server to public options like Cloudflare DNS or Google Public DNS can offer better privacy.
• DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH): This protocol encrypts your DNS requests, making it harder for your ISP to see what websites you’re trying to access.

4. Practice Good Digital Hygiene:

• Limit Data Sharing: Be mindful of the information you share online and adjust privacy settings on social media platforms.
• Regularly Clear Browsing Data: Delete cookies, browsing history, and cache regularly to minimize data footprints.

It’s important to remember that achieving complete anonymity online is nearly impossible. However, by adopting these strategies and staying informed about online privacy best practices, you can significantly limit your ISP’s ability to monitor and track your browsing activity, taking a significant step towards reclaiming your digital privacy.