How to be anonymous on the Internet

This page is created for users who are concerned about others monitoring their Internet browsing, or want to remain anonymous while they browse the web. Keep in mind that there are different degrees of anonymity and even following these steps do not guarantee 100% anonymity. If you're attempting to conceal your identity to do something illegal or inappropriate while on the Internet, this page is not for you.

Below is a list of different methods to help protect your identity while on the Internet.

Privacy basics

For most users, following some basic rules helps with your anonymity on the Internet.

Do not disclose any private information, unless absolutely required. In some cases, when it is required such as your last name, only fill in partial information such as your last initial. Don't fall into e-mail and web phishing traps. Become familiar with the signs of phishing and don't disclose private information in an e-mail. If you're using Microsoft Windows, familiarize yourself with spyware and have at least one program installed to protect the computer.

Public anonymous proxy

When browsing the Internet you're browsing from your computer or router assigned IP address, this IP address can track your general location and helps identify your visit. To help keep your computer anonymous, you can use a web-based proxy to browse the web. A web-based proxy allows you to use an alternate computer to load a website and then display the results on your computer through the browser. Below is a short list of some of the available anonymous web-based proxies.

If you're in an area you feel your connection may be compromised or sniffed (e.g., connecting to the Internet at a Wi-Fi hotspot). Using an HTTPS proxy is a great way to help encrypt data coming from the proxy to your computer that is not encrypted, helping to prevent any eavesdropping. If you're using a proxy web service such as Proxify, you can also use an HTTPS connection.

If you're using Mozilla Firefox as your browser and find yourself frequently needed a proxy, there are several good proxy add-ons available.

The proxy you're using to browse the Internet may keep a log of visitors. If a legal authority wants to obtain identifying information to locate you, it may be possible. If you are entering sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, credit card information, the person in control of the proxy could capture and use that information.

Boot from Anonym.OS LiveCD

Anonym.OS is a LiveCD that boots from a CD and uses a variant of OpenBSD that's helps keep a user anonymous while browsing the Internet.

Tor

Tor was originally developed for the U.S. Navy with the purpose of protecting government communications. Tor works to help protect your privacy by using a network of virtual tunnels to pass information over the Internet.

Whonix

Whonix is an operating system focused on anonymity, security, and privacy. It consists of two parts: One solely runs Tor and acts as a gateway, the other, is on a completely isolated network.

Alternate computer or connection

Finally, connecting to the Internet using someone else's connection, e.g., cafe, library, school, work, etc. can also keep you anonymous. When using someone else's connection, you're logging in as their IP address and not your address.

However, keep in mind that if you had to use a login to access the computer or network, that login could be traced back to you.

Private mode or Incognito mode

Most browsers today offer a private mode or incognito mode. While this mode will not keep you anonymous to anyone with authority to request server or search logs it will keep what you do locally anonymous when active.

Other software products

There are also several non-free software products for users who find the above suggestions don't meet their needs. Below is a listing of a few of these services.