When browsing the Internet we can leave a trace that can compromise our privacy. That information can be used by third parties and could even serve to launch malware campaigns against us. Keep in mind that privacy is one of the most important factors and that we should better protect, but it is not always possible. In this article we are going to talk about some online tools that you can use to better understand what trace do you leave on the Internet.

Tools to see the trail on the Internet

We can help ourselves with some online services that inform us about what type of trace we can leave on the Internet. They are useful to know to what extent our personal information it can be compromised and thus take measures so that this does not happen. The objective is to ensure that our data is always protected.

AmIUnique

One of these online services that we can use is AmIUnique. It allows us to find out to what extent they can track us on the Internet. Specializes in displaying the trace we leave through the browser, as it could be through Chrome or Firefox. In this way, developers could have more information to design good tools that better maintain privacy.

Through what they are known as fingerprints, Browsers can collect data on a remote device in order to identify us. They could obtain valuable data such as:

-Which browser and which version we use
-Device operating system
-Screen resolution
-Architecture type
-Accessories and fonts
-Microphones or camera
What it does AmIUnique is to collect that fingerprint from the browser. It shows us all the information thanks to a cookie that it stores and will remain for several months. Lets see if in the future that fingerprint has become more or less unique. You can enter through its link and you will see a screen like the next one.

You have to click on the button View my browser fingerprint to access the corresponding fingerprint. In this way you can get results as you see below.

As you can see, it is capable of finding out the operating system we are using, what browser we have or what version we use. We can review this from time to time and see if our browser identifier is more or less unique. Also, you can install extensions for Chrome and Firefox and keep a constant review.

Device info

Another very simple online tool that you can use is the Device Info tool. Lets know what type of trace we leave on the Internet and thus have a greater knowledge about what are we exposing simply by browsing, by opening a web page. To use it you simply have to enter its Web page.

As you can see, just by entering its website you will find a first screen as it appears in the image above. There you will find data such as the type of device, operating system, browser and its version, IP address, etc. This is all that a website can collect upon entry.

What you really see is the fingerprint of your browser. It is the information that has been collected. If you go down you will see much more data. For example, you will see the exact location, even with the coordinates, as well as much more information that it detects from the equipment you are using to navigate.

Cover Your Tracks

One more online service that you can use to see the type of trail you leave when browsing is Cover Your Tracks. It is a simple page that you can enter and start to show you data similar to what we have seen previously. Once you are inside, you have to click on Test Your Browser.

This process lasts a few seconds and you will quickly see information related to the data and how it could track you. It also tells you if you are protected or not against tracking. There you will see typical information such as the browser you use, the version, the type of operating system, extensions that you may have installed in the browser, location…

In short, you will see data that can be collected when you browse the network. This will help you to have a better understanding to know at all times how they could track you and be able to take action in case you want to be more protected on the net, without exposing so much information.

What to do not expose data when browsing

As you can see, when browsing the Internet you can expose very different data. Sometimes this could even put your real risk at real risk privacy if you don't take steps to avoid it. Therefore, we are going to give some advice not to expose data on the Internet or, at least, keep privacy as protected as possible.

Use VPN

A first option to improve privacy when browsing the Internet and avoid exposing data is to use a VPN. What this type of program does is encrypt connection. This will prevent a potential intruder on a public network you connect to from collecting data on which sites you visit, passwords, etc.

You can use many VPNs, as there are both free and paid. However our advice is to use only those that are of guarantees. You can try ExpressVPN or NordVPN, for example. There are both for computers and mobile devices.

Use a private browser

You will also find many browsers available to surf the net. Not only are Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, we can say that they are two of the most popular. You will find others many options that could help improve your privacy on the Internet. Therefore, you can try another alternative.

¿What private browser to use? One of the most popular is Tor. You are going to navigate through nodes and that is going to make it difficult for them to track you on the Internet. Of course, navigation is going to be slower.

Avoid installing unsafe extensions

You can install many accessories to the main browsers. Some are used to organize tabs, read PDF files, link them to other online services ... But you should be aware that not all are reliable. You may even be installing extensions that are going to put your Internet security at risk.

Our advice in this case is to avoid installing plugins that may be fraudulent. Use only extensions of guarantees, which do not collect personal data, which are updated and always downloaded from official and safe sites, such as the Chrome store.

Have the equipment in good condition

On the other hand, it is essential that you have the equipment correctly protected. You can use a good antivirus, such as Microsoft Defender or Avast. In this way you will detect possible malicious software that reaches your system. You can increase security and prevent them from damaging your equipment without you noticing.

But having the team in good condition is also update it. Many threats that can expose your data will take advantage of security flaws. Always install all the updates that are on the network and in this way you will be more protected.

In short, as you can see there are tools that will help you see how your data can be exposed on the Internet. It is essential that you take measures to maintain privacy and thus avoid problems that affect your data and your systems.