This is a continuation of the articles VPNs are not invisibility cloaks and What do they know about me?
There are several ways that you could potentially be tracked across multiple sessions, either online or offline. Some possible ways that this could happen include:
- Cookies: When you visit a website, the site may store a small piece of data called a cookie on your computer. This cookie can contain information about your browsing activity, such as the pages you have visited and the items you have purchased. When you return to the site in a future session, the cookie can be used to track your activity and personalize your experience.
- IP address: Your internet service provider (ISP) assigns you a unique IP address whenever you connect to the internet. This address can be used to identify your device and track your activity across multiple sessions.
- Personal information: If you provide personal information, such as your name, email address, or phone number, to a website or service, that information can be used to track your activity across multiple sessions.
- Location data: Many devices, such as smartphones and laptops, have GPS capabilities that can be used to track your location. This data can be used to track your movements and activity across multiple sessions.
Enter the MAC address
A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to the network interface of a device, such as a computer, smartphone, or router. It is used to identify the device on a network and to allow communication between devices. While a MAC address is not personally identifiable information, it can potentially be used to track your activity and location in certain situations. Here are a few ways that a MAC address could be used to track you:
- Wi-Fi networks: If you connect to a Wi-Fi network, your device’s MAC address may be recorded by the network’s router. This information can be used to track your activity on the network and potentially link it to your device.
- Network devices: If you connect to a network device, such as a printer or smart TV, your device’s MAC address may be recorded by the device. This information can be used to track your activity on the device and potentially link it to your device.
- Location tracking: Some devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have GPS capabilities that can be used to track your location. In some cases, the device’s MAC address may be used in conjunction with location data to track your movements and activity.
To protect your privacy and prevent tracking across sessions, you can use tools such as private browsing mode, browser extensions that block cookies and tracking, and a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection. It is also important to be careful about the personal information you share online and to carefully review the privacy policies of websites and services before providing any personal information.