What websites you visit know about YOU!
Have you ever woundered what information is collected from websites you visit? Websites generally collect at least four pieces of information from your web browser:
- IP address - Each computer on the Internet is assigned an IP (Internet protocol) address. This is a unique numerical label that identifies your computer.
- Domain Name - The Internet is divided into domains, and every user's account is associated with one of those domains. You can identify the domain by looking at the end of URL; for example, edu, gov, org, or com. Many countries also have specific domain names.
- Software details- Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, and other web browsers interpret and display web pages differently. Therefore, websites need to determine which web browsers you are using. For your convenience websites can also determine what operating system you are using. This information allows you to automatically download files designed for Windows, Mac, etc.
- Page visits-Information about which pages you visited, how long you stayed on a given page, and whether you came to the site from a search engine is often available to the organization operating the website.
Most of the information collected from websites is used for marketing purposes, statistics, and traffic flow. However, you need to be aware that this information is being collected. Limit the amount of personal information you supply, limit cookies, and most importantly be careful which websites you visit.