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Until recently, people had little control over how companies used their online data. But, with data privacy now a human right, people are pickier about who can access their data and how they use it.  

Every time you visit a website by typing its address on the address bar, your browser history holds a record of information like the name of the site, its location, and when you visited it. Unfortunately, third parties can access this data, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft and data misuse. Simply deleting your Internet Explorer browser history is not enough to safeguard your data. 

This article explains how to keep your internet activities private and delete your web browser history for good. 

Can you permanently delete your browsing history?

Most people don’t know that clearing your browsing history doesn’t actually delete it. 

Even after you’ve clicked on the “clear browsing history” option in your selected browser, there’s still a record of every Google search from the beginning of time. This information can be accessed by third parties like your internet service provider, the websites you visit, and advertisers. So, clearing your browsing history is not enough to safeguard your data. 

While clearing your browser history has benefits like better application efficiency, you should invest in useful online tools like McAfee’s identity theft protection, which can better protect your data online.

Before diving into how to clear your browser history, let’s talk about why you should give importance to deleting your data for good. 

Why you should delete your browsing history

Just like you have to clear out the dust from your vacuum cleaner to continue cleaning, you should clear the data on your browser so it remains speedy and efficient.  

Your browsing history records are cluttered with cache files, cookies, search history, and autofill data. All this digital clutter fills up your Random Access Memory (or RAM), slowing your PC, Apple iOS device, or Android device’s functioning. 

You might see pop-ups on websites telling you that they use cookies. Without giving it much thought, you might click the “OK” or “Accept cookies” button and continue browsing the site. But do you know how these cookies are used? 

Cookies are temporary internet files that store browsing data and preferences to make your future online experiences easier. For example, this helps you personalize your search results to an extent. The cache stores parts of pages, websites, or images you visit, enabling the pages to load faster the next time you open them. 

These types of files sound like they help you have a better internet experience, so why should you delete them? 

Here are some reasons to clear your browsing history, cache, and cookies: 

• It protects your personal information from other people who use your device and third parties on the internet. 
• It clears your device storage and helps your applications run more efficiently. 
• It prevents you from using old forms. 

However, simply clearing the cache and cookies is not enough. This method will clear space on your device and erase some references, but the data is still saved on your device as free space. You should use tools to permanently delete your browsing data from the hard drive because: 

• This truly protects your data from hackers, which clearing browsing history does not achieve. 
• It prevents your information from being tracked, which is common despite the privacy laws in different states and countries. 

So, it’s crucial to properly wipe your data if you’re serious about protecting your privacy online.  

What does private/incognito mode in browsers do?

Many people switch to incognito mode when making an embarrassing Google search because it seemingly leaves no trace of the search on your device. But, does using incognito mode or a private browsing window protect your data and ensure your privacy & security? 

When you use an incognito or private browsing mode, the tracking cookies on the websites you visit are blocked by default, and your cookie data and search history are deleted from the browser as soon as you close the window. Essentially, it auto-deletes your browser history as soon as you close the window. 

However, your browser actions are still visible to the websites you have visited and your internet service provider (ISP). In addition, data from your browsing activity is saved to any accounts you’re logged into (like your Google account), even when using incognito mode. 

Your internet service provider and other third parties have easy access to your browser activity irrespective of whether you’re in private browsing mode. This means using incognito mode is not enough to protect your online privacy. 

How to delete internet history, by browser

If you’re worried about what someone might see on your laptop or you notice your applications slowing down, we’re here to help. We’ll show you how to quickly clear your device’s browser history from some commonly used internet options. 

There’s no fixed or recommended time for deleting your browsing history, cache, and cookies. It’s all relative to your system’s storage space and personal preferences. Refer to this step-by-step guide whenever you feel like it’s time to clear junk from your browsers. 

Google Chrome

To delete your browser history on Google Chrome: 

1. Open the Chrome browser on your laptop or computer. 
2. Click the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner. 
3. Find an option that says “More tools” and select “Clear browsing data” under it. 
4. Now, you’ll see an option to choose a time range near the top of the screen. To delete everything, select “All time.” If you want to delete history from the past hour, select “Last hour.”  
5. Next, check the boxes saying “Cookies and other site data” and “Cache images and files,” and click “Clear data.” 

Some of your settings might be deleted when clearing your browser history. For example, you might have to re-sign into your accounts. 

If you want to delete cookies and cache for a specific site, you can learn how to change more cookie settings in Chrome.  

Mozilla Firefox 

To delete your browsing, search, and download history on Mozilla Firefox, follow these steps: 

1. Click “Menu” and select “History.” 
2. Select the “Clear recent history” option. 
3. In “Time range to clear,” choose “Everything” from the drop-down menu. 
4. Select “Cache” and other items to delete in the options list. 
5. Ensure the files you want to keep are not selected. 
6. Click “OK.” 

Now, you have quickly deleted your browser history on Mozilla Firefox. 

Microsoft Edge 

To clear your Microsoft Edge browsing data from just the device you are currently using, turn off sync before clearing the data. The selected data will be deleted across all of your synced devices if sync is turned on.  

Follow these steps to turn off sync: 

1. Select Settings. 
2. Click “Profiles.” 
3. Select “Sync” and click “Turn off sync.” 

To clear browsing data on Microsoft Edge: 

1. Select “Privacy, search, and services” under settings. 
2. Click “Clear browsing data” and then “Clear browsing data now.” 
3. You’ll see an option to choose which types of browsing data to clear. Select the data you want to delete. For example, you can select browsing history and cookies, but keep the saved passwords and autofill data unchecked. 
4. Choose a time range from the drop-down menu. 
5. Select the “Clear now” option. 

This is how to clear your browsing data on Microsoft Edge in a few simple steps. 

Safari

Here are simple steps to clear browser cache and cookies on Safari 8.0 through 10.0. These steps apply to your Apple laptop running macOS, but an iPad or iPhone might have slightly different steps. 

1. On the upper-left corner of your screen, click “Safari” and then choose “Preferences.” 
2. Click the “Privacy” tab and select “Remove all website data.” 

That’s all! You’ve now deleted your browser history on Safari. 

Opera 

To clear cache and browser history in Opera: 

1. Press the Control, Shift, and Delete buttons on your keyboard. 
2. Select the timeframe of your choice. If you want to delete your entire browser history, select “Since Installation.” 
3. Select “Images and files in cache.” 
4. Click “Delete browser data.” 
5. Refresh the web page. 

There you have it! It’s simple and free to erase your browser history, cache, and cookies, and you should regularly do so. 

How to protect your privacy online

Now you know how to delete your browser history to keep your device running smoothly and limit how much data advertisers and companies can collect about you. 

However, you may be concerned about the identity traces still being captured without your knowledge. 

If you’re serious about maintaining complete privacy with your online data, invest in advanced tools to safeguard your online information and prevent identity theft. 

Get the online privacy and protection you need from McAfee 

McAfee helps keep your digital data private and protected from identity theft. Access various tools to safeguard your online spaces by investing in McAfee+. This service includes antivirus software for unlimited devices, complete data cleanup from your hard drive and browser, and much more. In addition, this product comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.  

 

The post How to Delete Your Browser History appeared first on McAfee Blog.

All your online activity creates a trail of data. And that data tells a story. The story of you. 

The websites, apps, and services you use throughout the day all collect data. They may collect data about your behaviors, interests, and purchases—along with what you’re doing, for how long, and where, largely without your knowledge. They may also collect personal information, information you provide, such as health records, your Social Security Number, banking info, your driver’s license number, and more. This can include further health data, such as the kind that gets tracked from a smartwatch or wearable device. 

“So what?” 

I’ve heard plenty of people say exactly that about data collection. And plenty of others simply resign themselves to the reality of data collection. “What’s out there is already out there.” They feel like there’s not much they can do about it. If anything at all. And does it really matter? 

It absolutely matters. 

That is, it matters if you hate spam calls and texts. If you’re worried about identity theft. If you’re worried that practically anyone can purchase a detailed picture of your personal information from an online data broker and use it as they like. 

Indeed, your data tells the story of you. And plenty of others are interested in your story. Businesses and advertisers for one, so they can market to the most targeted of your needs and interests. Yet also hackers, scammers, spammers, and thieves—and in extreme cases, stalkers as well. 

While it’s true that you cannot control how each byte of data about you and your family is shared and processed, you’re not helpless! In many cases, you can control how you share your data by taking a few steps. Your data is precious, and you deserve to be selective about who you share it with. 

That’s the reason you’ve seen McAfee roll out so many protections for your privacy and identity, with several more to come. While there are so many tools for data collection today, so are the tools for you to take control. 

Looking at our own McAfee+ online protection plans, they offer you identity theft and fraud protections such as Personal Data Cleanup, identity monitoring, along with credit monitoring, a VPN that can help keep your online activity more private, $1M in identity theft coverage and support from an identity restoration specialist … the list goes on. These are tools everyone can benefit from in the face of the current threats out there.  

The evolution of McAfee+ reflects the nature of online threats today. Increasingly, the target is you—your privacy, your identity, and all the things that they unlock.  

Three things you can do right now that help make you more private online 

1) Use a complete security platform that includes a VPN, password manager, and web protection 

Another simple yet powerful step is to protect your devices with comprehensive online protection software. This will help defend you against the latest virus, malware, spyware, and ransomware attacks plus further shield your privacy, and minimize web tracking (think advertisers) with a VPN. In addition to this, it will also create and store strong, unique passwords, and offer web protection that can help steer you clear of sketchy websites that may try to steal your data. 

2) Review your privacy settings for the devices, platforms, and apps you use 

Start with the devices and apps you use most. Different devices and apps will have their own privacy settings, so give them a look and see what your options are. You may be surprised to find how you can limit which information advertisers can use to serve up ads to you. You may find that some apps have GPS tracking turned on, even though they don’t need it to function. All of this adds up to data that companies may collect, share, or resell—depending on their privacy policy. Again, start with the devices and apps you use most then expand from there. It’s also a good opportunity to delete apps you don’t use anymore—along with the data associated with them. 

3) Clean up the personal data posted about you online  

One major privacy leak comes at the hands of online data brokers, companies that collect and resell volumes of exacting personal information about millions of people. In fact, they make up a multi-billion-dollar industry that spans worldwide. Additionally, there are so-called “White Pages” and “people finder” sites that post information like names, addresses, and other public records that anyone can access. With all this information collected in a central location that’s easily searched and accessed, these sites can be an ideal resource for hackers, spammers, and thieves. McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup can help you take control. It scans high-risk data broker sites and lets you know which ones are selling your data, and depending on your McAfee+ plan, it can remove it for you too. 

Yes, you can take control of your privacy 

Yet you can take even more control of your privacy. As part of our McAfee Safety Series, we have an entire guide dedicated to the topic of online privacy, the McAfee Digital Privacy Guide. It shows you ways that you can take control of your digital privacy, insight into what information you may be creating, and how you may be passing it along—whether you know it or not. 

In all, your privacy is your own. We believe that what you share and don’t share, who you share it with and who you don’t, and for what reason … should be your decision.  

It’s your story. Take control. And we’re here to help. 

The post How to Protect Your Personal Data appeared first on McAfee Blog.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today levied fines totaling nearly $200 million against the four major carriers — including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon — for illegally sharing access to customers’ location information without consent.

The fines mark the culmination of a more than four-year investigation into the actions of the major carriers. In February 2020, the FCC put all four wireless providers on notice that their practices of sharing access to customer location data were likely violating the law.

The FCC said it found the carriers each sold access to its customers’ location information to ‘aggregators,’ who then resold access to the information to third-party location-based service providers.

“In doing so, each carrier attempted to offload its obligations to obtain customer consent onto downstream recipients of location information, which in many instances meant that no valid customer consent was obtained,” an FCC statement on the action reads. “This initial failure was compounded when, after becoming aware that their safeguards were ineffective, the carriers continued to sell access to location information without taking reasonable measures to protect it from unauthorized access.”

The FCC’s findings against AT&T, for example, show that AT&T sold customer location data directly or indirectly to at least 88 third-party entities. The FCC found Verizon sold access to customer location data (indirectly or directly) to 67 third-party entities. Location data for Sprint customers found its way to 86 third-party entities, and to 75 third-parties in the case of T-Mobile customers.

The commission said it took action after Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) sent a letter to the FCC detailing how a company called Securus Technologies had been selling location data on customers of virtually any major mobile provider to law enforcement officials.

That same month, KrebsOnSecurity broke the news that LocationSmart — a data aggregation firm working with the major wireless carriers — had a free, unsecured demo of its service online that anyone could abuse to find the near-exact location of virtually any mobile phone in North America.

The carriers promised to “wind down” location data sharing agreements with third-party companies. But in 2019, reporting at Vice.com showed that little had changed, detailing how reporters were able to locate a test phone after paying $300 to a bounty hunter who simply bought the data through a little-known third-party service.

Sen. Wyden said no one who signed up for a cell plan thought they were giving permission for their phone company to sell a detailed record of their movements to anyone with a credit card.

“I applaud the FCC for following through on my investigation and holding these companies accountable for putting customers’ lives and privacy at risk,” Wyden said in a statement today.

The FCC fined Sprint and T-Mobile $12 million and $80 million respectively. AT&T was fined more than $57 million, while Verizon received a $47 million penalty. Still, these fines represent a tiny fraction of each carrier’s annual revenues. For example, $47 million is less than one percent of Verizon’s total wireless service revenue in 2023, which was nearly $77 billion.

The fine amounts vary because they were calculated based in part on the number of days that the carriers continued sharing customer location data after being notified that doing so was illegal (the agency also considered the number of active third-party location data sharing agreements). The FCC notes that AT&T and Verizon each took more than 320 days from the publication of the Times story to wind down their data sharing agreements; T-Mobile took 275 days; Sprint kept sharing customer location data for 386 days.

Update, 6:25 p.m. ET: Clarified that the FCC launched its investigation at the request of Sen. Wyden.

New pop-up art display honors Autism Awareness Month at Sophos UK.

CISA’s RVWP program sent 1754 ransomware vulnerability notifications to government and critical infrastructure entities in 2023, leading to 852 devices being secured

The US Federal Trade Commission will send $5.6m worth of refunds to the spied-on customers of the Amazon-owned home camera company

Command-and-control wares try to sneak onto systems disguised as various vendors; payloads vary, but Sophos customers are protected

A cruise ship is searching for the colossal squid.

As usual, you can also use this squid post to talk about the security stories in the news that I haven’t covered.

Read my blog posting guidelines here.

Kashmir Hill has a really good article on how GM tricked its drivers into letting it spy on them—and then sold that data to insurance companies.

An advisory from Cisco Talos has highlighted a sophisticated cyber-espionage campaign targeting government networks globally