Meaning of ISP?
The term Internet service provider (ISP) refers to an organization or a company that renders access to the Internet. These services can be rendered to both private and commercial customers. ISPs provide their customers with internet access, making it possible for them to surf the web, carry out business transactions, and connect with friends and family. – This access comes at a fee–. Other services such as web hosting, email services, television, and phone services may also be provided depending on the ISP. ISPs may also be called IAP (Internet Access Provider).
How Does ISP Work?
The Internet is a wide connection of networks. These networks connect in different ways to form the Internet. Every computer connected to the Internet is a part of a network. However, to gain access to the Internet you need to be connected to an ISP, and to have a secure connection you should log in to 192.168.100.1, which will grant you access. These ISPs need the below-stated things to function properly.
IP Addresses
All devices on the Internet have a distinct identification number known as IP Addresses. The IP (Internet Protocol) is a pre-defined instruction programmed in a service. These programs are what computers use to convey over the Internet.
IP Addresses consist of numbers. These numbers are called Octets. Octets are split into two sections called Net and Host. The Net section is used to identify the network a computer is assigned to while the Host identifies the actual computer on the network.
Backbones
Backbones are generally fiber optic compartments. These compartments have numerous fiber optic cables connected to increase capacity and speed.
Most ISPs control their high capacity backbones, connecting them to different NAPs all around the world, making it possible for everyone to connect to the Internet irrespective of their locations, making the Internet a network of networks.
Routers
Routers serve as a pathway for sending and receiving messages on the Internet from one computer to another. It determines where the Information is going to, ensuring that the Information does not go where it is not needed while making sure the Information gets to its intended destination.
Regardless of how many networks it’s being attached to, the router carries out its primary functions without traffic, which is very important, being that the Internet is a huge network with millions of users.
Servers
The Internet is possible to access because of servers. They provide services to other machines or clients. Our computers can only access information on servers.
There are Web Servers, FTP servers, email servers, and so on, making it possible to gain Information on its related field.
Can Your ISP Spy on You?
This has been an inevitable question on the mind of every Internet user. But as scary as this might seem, the answer is yes, although not in the way you think. They keep track of your frequently visited websites, how much time you spend on a web page, your offline and online activities.
The Information gathered on you is usually limited due to some legal laws. Other Information could be gathered through your social media. This Information gathered could be used to make profits by the ISP.
How to Stop Your ISP from Spying On You?
Now that we have established the fact that you’re ISP can spy on you or track your internet footprints, the next question would be how to stop them. Although there are measures you can take to prevent your ISP from tracking your digital prints, total elimination may not be obtained except proper drastic measures are taken.
Here are some measures to prevent your ISP from spying on you:
● Use a VPN
One of the best and most effective ways to prevent your ISP from tracking your internet activities is by encrypting your internet traffic with the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Number). A VPN service provides encrypted servers that route your traffic and changes your IP address making you active but anonymous.
Although VPN is the most effective way to eliminate ISP tracking, you must, however, subscribe to a premium policy just to be sure your tracks are completely erased without any storage.
● Use HTTPS
Websites with HTTPS in their URL are encrypted and can also protect your data from the ISP.
However, HTTPS does not create perfect anonymity. It protects a certain part of your surfing tracks, revealing the site visited and the amount of data you download from it.
It is advisable to use a VPN and HTTPS if you want total privacy.
● Use TOR
Tor is a browser that provides you with a protected IP address that is different from your original IP address and allows you to surf the Internet without digital footprints through its multiple servers that are individually managed by volunteers.
Although Tor can hide your activities from your IPS, it only works on browsers making other files or software vulnerable. However, Tor is not 100% secured because you have no idea which server your traffic is going through. It is critical to bear in mind that the ISPs are all about making profits, and these profits come from selling your data to marketers, and they use them for adverts.
Ever wondered how your web browser seems to know the right kind of videos to suggest for you? Or the right way of product to display on your suggestion box. Well, I guess your questions have been answered. With the above-listed methods, your privacy and anonymity level will enhance while you surf the Internet.
