Internet safety has never been more important than it is today. We use the Internet for almost everything, from our social lives to our business transactions.

No matter how safe you may feel, it’s important to remember that the information you leave behind after using the Internet is largely unprotected. Here, we’ve listed a few measures you can take to prevent fraud, identity theft, or even prying eyes.

1. Sandbox

Almost everyone has clicked a download link on their Internet browser. When you download new software directly from the Internet, it can be hard to tell how safe the file will be. Luckily, you can try using a sandbox. A sandbox is a virtual space where you can install and try out new apps before downloading them directly onto your computer. This test run will ensure that you aren’t the victim of any malware that may be lurking in these files and will help you weed out the bad from the good.

2. VPN

A VPN is essential for just about anyone. It’s the simplest way to protect yourself while browsing the Internet. Basically, a VPN works by creating a false IP address, making it appear you’re browsing the web from another city or even another country. For those times when you may be using a shared IP address (usually on a public WiFi network), using a VPN will shield your data from any other people using the same network. Same counts for doing online calls via Skype. There are ways to call securely via Virtual Phone Numbers from EasyRinger.

3. Try switching from Google.

For those of us who have become concerned with data harvesting (you’ll most likely recognize this in the form of targeted ads on social media), a good way to remain more anonymous is to try using a different search engine. Google, most people’s engine of choice, is known to store and categorize data on pretty much everyone who has ever searched for, well, anything. Using a website like DuckDuckGo.com will mean your Internet searches remain anonymous and are never logged.

4. Try using Seedbox for your file transfers.

A seedbox is a must-have alternative to other less secure methods of torrenting. Whether you’re looking to download large files or upload and transfer them, a seedbox is the safest and most secure option. Acting as a remote server, a seedbox shields your IP address at all points in the download process. If you’re wondering how to set up a seedbox, you’ll be walked through the process in a comprehensive way when you purchase your first one. Most companies make this very simple, so you can start downloading and uploading as soon as possible.

5. Use anonymous mode on the Internet.

Most computers and web browsers come with an anonymous mode that’s easy to switch on. Using this feature means that your Internet browsing history can never be traced back to you and won’t be saved on your computer. This is a good option if you need to use a friend or family member’s computer. On Google Chrome, simply press Ctrl + Shift + N to open an ‘incognito’ window. In Firefox, it’s ‘New Private Window,’ and in Internet Explorer, you’ll find the feature under Safety > InPrivate Browsing.

There you have it! By implementing these simple measures, you’ll no longer need to worry about anyone tracking your path on the Internet.