By   January 6, 2020

There are many different forms of tracking like those websites that know exactly who you are and your exact location the second you sign in.
Do you know how tracking networks gather up info for their profiles of your browsing history through different websites over time? Tracking is normally used by all of the advertising networks and they use it to pinpoint ad targeting. If you go to a business website and see an ad for that business later on but on another website, then that is a great way to see they have found your location and your browsing history. This works as its own GPS SOS system in order to track consumer behaviour and changes in the dynamic environment.

The IP address is the best way to identify where you are located is by your IP address. Your IP address identifies you and it is likely that your computer shares the Ip address with a different device in your office or home. Your IP address can let a website know your geographical location. If you have seen a spam ad that makes it look legit by mentioning your area that is how it is done.

HTTP Referrer

When you click on a link your browser is able to load the web page and tell that website where you have navigated from. All this information is all contained inside the HTTP referrer header. This referrer is sent when it loads a webpage. If a certain webpage contains a tracking script, then your browser will tell the tracking network what specific page you are viewing. Web bugs that are only one by one pixel use the HTTP referrer to track you without appearing on the web page at all.

Cookies and tracking

Cookies are very small pieces of info that websites will store inside your browser. There are plenty of legitimate uses like when you sign into the online bank website there is a cookie that will remember your login information. Your location can also be tracked by these cookies as if you enter your address into an online form it will be stored along with other personal information. 
Often you will find that trackers can get a hold of your address and then they are placed into a large database and are then sold to third parties who will spam you with offers and advertisement. This can be done with your phone number and email. Ever wondered why you get so many spam emails and how they got your address. Do not open spam emails as they can have further tracking cookies and scripts that can take over your computer along with damaging viruses.

Woman holding map

You can remain safe online but if it is important to only enter your personal information where you really have to and ensure that the website is legit and official. This helps safeguard your privacy and prevents websites from executing GPS alert system services on your personal details or your location. There are many anti-virus software’s that can help to keep your identity, location and personal information safe like Norton services. These are a program that you download and install, and they will work in the background while you browse. Some will notify you if the site appears to be fake or spam.

VPNs are also good they aid in changing your IP address to make you appear in whatever country you choose. These are good when you want to protect your identity you just pick a country and connect to that service. These normally have a monthly subscription.