Lightbeam Firefox add-on
Look, we all know it happens. Every web site you visit collects data on you, and will try to leverage that into ads and getting you to click other websites. Of course, over time this creates a profile on you. For me, I don't really care. For some, this is a pretty big deal. So for the crazies out there who won't drive a GPS-enabled car because the government can track you (I know a couple people like that) Mozilla will become your new best friend!
There is a new Firefox add-on called Lightbeam. It's a free, quick install, and it runs quietly in the background. It monitors your internet use, and shows the different 3rd party sites that are tracking you. It does it in a pretty graphic format too, that is super easy to use. I literally just installed it, and visited 2 sites, Google and Blogger. From that, 31 3rd party sites connected with me. That is absolutely insane!
Look, there is just no way around it. The internet offers literally unlimited options to learn, purchase, explore, entertain, connect to friends or whatever. For the most part it's ALL FREE! If you want this awesome tool, you have to accept that there are people trying to make a buck off you. Keep your passwords safe, use virus/webscan software, and don't visit file stealing sites or porn. You'll be fine.
In the meantime, switch to Firefox (it's the best browser anyway) and install this little add-on. It's very, very interesting.
1 comment:
Though I do appreciate FF, these extensions can be found for any browser. I use ghostery on torch browser (which is chromium based) and it does fine. Truth is, most of us aren't doing anything that could get us in trouble, but it's the idea that someone has access that is frightening.
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