Blog | G5 Cyber Security

Stop Internet Tracking

G5 Cyber Security

TL;DR

This guide shows you how to block software that tracks your internet activity. We’ll cover checking for unwanted programs, using browser extensions, adjusting privacy settings, and strengthening your network security.

1. Check Your Computer for Unwanted Programs

  1. Windows: Open ‘Settings’ (Win + I), go to ‘Apps’, then ‘Apps & features’. Look through the list for anything you don’t recognise or didn’t install yourself. If you find something suspicious, select it and click ‘Uninstall’.
  2. macOS: Open ‘Finder’, go to ‘Applications’. Drag any unwanted applications to the ‘Bin’. Empty the Bin afterwards.
  3. Use a Malware Scanner: Download and run a reputable anti-malware scanner like Malwarebytes (free version is often sufficient). This can detect tracking software that hides itself. 
    # Example command for installing Malwarebytes on Linux (using apt):
    sudo apt update
    sudo apt install malwarebytes-cli

2. Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can block trackers and enhance your privacy.

  1. Privacy Badger: Automatically learns to block invisible trackers. Available for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
  2. uBlock Origin: An efficient ad blocker that also blocks many tracking scripts. Available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and others.
  3. Ghostery: Lets you see which trackers are on a page and block them. Available for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.

3. Adjust Browser Privacy Settings

Most browsers have built-in privacy features.

  1. Chrome: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Privacy and security’. Enable ‘Do not track’, block third-party cookies, and clear browsing data regularly.
  2. Firefox: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Privacy & Security’. Set ‘Enhanced Tracking Protection’ to ‘Strict’ or ‘Custom’ (and configure cookie settings). Clear history on exit.
  3. Safari: Go to ‘Preferences’ > ‘Privacy’. Enable ‘Prevent cross-site tracking’ and block all cookies.

4. Strengthen Your Network Security

Protecting your network makes it harder for software to monitor your activity.

  1. Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address.
  2. Change Your Router Password: Use a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi network.
  3. Enable WPA3 Encryption: If your router supports it, use WPA3 encryption for better security. Check your router’s manual for instructions. 
    # Example command to check current wireless settings (Linux):
    iwconfig wlan0
  4. Firewall: Ensure your computer’s firewall is enabled. Windows Firewall and macOS Firewall are built-in.

5. Check Installed Software Permissions

Review the permissions granted to installed software.

  1. Windows: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Privacy’. Review app permissions for Camera, Microphone, Location, etc., and disable access for apps that don’t need them.
  2. macOS: Go to ‘System Preferences’ > ‘Security & Privacy’ > ‘Privacy’. Check which apps have access to various features (Location Services, Contacts, Calendars, etc.). Revoke permissions as needed.

6. Regularly Update Your Software

Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities.

  1. Operating System: Keep your operating system (Windows, macOS) up to date.
  2. Browsers: Ensure your web browser is always the latest version.
  3. Other Software: Update all other software on your computer regularly.
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