by Kimberly Rux

When you open up your internet browser, it’s not just a blank canvas waiting for your commands. Nope, it’s more like a savvy little detective, quietly gathering clues about who you are, what you like, and where you’ve been on the web. Yep, that’s right, your browser knows a lot about you.

First off, let’s talk about cookies. No, not the delicious kind you dunk in milk, but the little bits of data websites drop onto your browser. They track your online activities, remembering your preferences, login details, and even what items you’ve added to your shopping cart. It’s like having a little digital trail following you around the internet.

Then there’s your browsing history. Every site you visit, every link you click, it’s all recorded in there. Your browser knows if you’ve been checking out cat videos on YouTube or researching the best pizza joints in town. And let’s not forget about your search history too. Google knows what you’ve been curious about, whether it’s the latest celebrity gossip or how to fix a leaky faucet.

But it doesn’t stop there. Your browser can also collect information about your device, like your IP address, operating system, and even your location. It’s like it’s building a profile of you, one click at a time.

Now, before you start feeling like you’re living in a digital fishbowl, there are things you can do to manage your privacy settings and keep your online experience safer. Most browsers offer options to clear your cookies and browsing history regularly. You can also use private browsing modes, like Chrome’s Incognito or Firefox’s Private Browsing, which don’t save your history or cookies as you surf the web.

If you want to take things a step further, you can use browser extensions or plugins to block tracking cookies and ads. And don’t forget to check your browser’s settings for any privacy controls you can tweak, like disabling location tracking or preventing third-party cookies.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how much information you’re comfortable sharing online. Your browser might be a nosy little detective, but with the right tools and settings, you can keep your digital footprint to a minimum and browse the web with peace of mind.

Kim Rux joined Southridge Technology in 2018 as a technician and has since transitioned to Marketing Director and Operations Administrator. Known for her technical skills and dedication to mentoring, she fosters a collaborative workplace culture. Kim’s creativity and strategic thinking have significantly enhanced Southridge’s marketing efforts. Outside of work, she enjoys photography and spending time at home reading and cooking with her partner, Spencer, and her feline companion, Kat.

Southridge Technology is a Connecticut based, whole-systems management IT service provider specializing in cyber-security and industry compliance; business continuity; WAN management, communications, and email hosting; cloud storage and backup solutions; and live, local, real-time monitoring and emergency response 24/7/365. We support organizations whose sizes range from one desktop to systems with over 400 endpoints. Our clients include both non-profit and private industries throughout the Northeast.