Internet users think that whatever happens on the web after closing the browser or clearing the browsing history remains completely private. On the other hand, any piece of digital data coming from or going to a home network passes through the Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Being the main entrance point to the web, providers keep a detailed log of network traffic. ISP logging is something that helps in data tracking to find out what kind of data providers track, collect, and possibly sell for profit.
In order to understand how internet tracking works, it is possible to compare an Internet provider with a postal delivery company. A postal service employee may not read the contents of the letter he delivers but knows all its details: name, sender and recipient addresses, date and time of delivery.
When using HTTPS encryption, a website hides its content from prying eyes but does not hide the DNS requests and IP addresses which are used for connections.
ISP’s track and archive digital trails for a number of reasons:
Using an open connection poses the following serious threats regarding information tracking and privacy issues:
Eventually, the data gathered by means of logging DNS would show everything related to one’s private life, politics, health, and financial status.
While clearing local browsing history helps to delete the logs from a personal device, it leaves absolutely no trace of erasing the logs from the remote ISP’s server.
Using a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) or switching to a secure DNS service allows creating a protective layer around the browsing activity of the user.
Internet Provider sees everything that happens in its client’s virtual life through the eyes of an omnipresent guardian. Understanding what is ISP logging helps to understand why standard browser tools are not enough for securing digital privacy.
Recognizing the threats associated with internet privacy risks related to default web routing, a person can take proper actions to protect their browsing activity.
