Most people think that if they install anti-virus software on their computers that they are fully protected.  Unfortunately that just isn’t the case anymore.  The bad guys have become more and more sophisticated at installing malware on your computer and tracking your every move online.  If you do a lot of e-tail shopping or online banking you are particularly vulnerable.  But it’s not just criminals who spy on your surfing habits.  This data is gold for marketing companies that can make a lot of money with your information.   A great way to turn the tables on these folks is to use a proxy server.

You are probably asking yourself “what does a proxy server do?”  When you connect to the Internet the server you use has a unique identification number, called an IP address.  With that number someone can trace all your Internet activity back to your computer and your geographical location.  When you connect to the Internet through a proxy, your IP address is hidden.  Your information shows as the proxy’s information instead. This can be particularly useful to get around firewalls at your company.   TV networks often block local sporting events based on IP locations because they want you to attend the local games.  This tool allows you to easily get around those blocks.

When you buy proxy software there are a few things to look for.  It should be easy to install with no configuration necessary.  You should have guaranteed access with super fast service and no censorship.  After all, what good is protecting yourself if you can’t actually use the Internet the way you’d like?  Look for unlimited bandwidth and no file or image restrictions.  The service should have top notch security.  It should use a large number of IP addresses that rotate randomly and data encryption for unsecured locations.  Some services set a low price but then subject you to ads when you use it.  Don’t give them your business.

Just as using the Internet daily has become a fact of life, so should using a proxy server to protect yourself.  Connect through a proxy in order to hide your surfing and shopping habits from those who want to use that information for their own personal gain and to cause you harm.  Also use it to get around firewalls to visit the sites you want to see.  Look for a proxy server that is easy to use, has extra-tight security, and no ads or restrictions on its use.   You’ll be able to surf and shop to your heart’s content knowing that you are fully protected.

Again, the Internet is a great place, and an irreplaceable tool in the Information Generation’s repertoire. It goes without saying though that every good thing has a flaw, and the Internet’s thorn is quick a scary and dangerous one. This thorn could put a hole into your very life and your very identity: who you are! Don’t get philosophical now, saying the Internet could change you and ravage your morals and values; identity is meant in a social way. Whether it be your reputation, or the more ominous social security number, when you do any business on the Internet, both are being put at risk.

Imagine you are on a social networking site; while there are many to choose from, (MySpace, FaceBook, etc.) let’s use MySpace. You have a profile there with a secure user name and password, and you talk to friends, keep up with family, post information and status updates about yourself, and post pictures with all of these people in them. While you are communicating on this website, you get a message from an old high school buddy, and you add them as a friend and begin to message with them. If your “friend” has enough high-tech gadgets, he could hack into your account, and use it to make a fool of you, or steal important personal information, such as your password. Chances are, you use the same password for everything; and there goes your online bank account!

The only way to avoid this is to utilize a change IP proxy. This IP changer will do as its name suggests; it will change your IP and enable you to be anonymous and incognito while surfing the net. Your changed IP address will also prevent your old high school friends from getting more information from you than you would share at a normal reunion.