Did you know cybercriminals and big businesses use your search data to make money? Are you looking to limit the exposure of your search data? Swisscows is a private search engine that can help protect your data and keep it safe from malicious actors. Switch to Swisscows and take back control of your search engine data!
By using a private search engine like Swisscows, you can protect yourself from unwanted intrusion. If you aren’t convinced, learn seven reasons to anonymize your search with Swisscows and switch your default search engine. It might be one of the best private search engines on the market.
There are other secure search engine options on the market, like Ecosia, but in this post, I’ll look at Swisscows. I’ve written about Swisscows if you want to know more about the company.
What is Swisscows Search Engine
Swisscows is a Google alternative search engine that ensures data security and privacy when searching and finding results. Unlike Google, it does not store data, build history, or deliver ads based on collected personal data. Swisscows technology is built in such a way that the storage of users data is not possible. Swisscows offers an anonymous search engine free of charge, has data protection, does not store search queries, nor has limits on search queries.
It also protects users from inappropriate content, and explicit results are omitted. The engine is powered by a unique combination of Bing and Hulbee’s proprietary technology, which provides a fast and reliable result for each search query.
Why Do Search Engines Track You
For many websites tracking their users is essential. User tracking is the practice of collecting users data on user behavior while they are visiting a website, searching or using a web-based application. This data is often collected to provide a tailored online experience and show targeted advertisements but is also used to power many other online services, such as website analytics. With the rise of Big Tech, website tracking has become a significant cause of concern for online privacy.
They collect data points such as IP addresses, browser type, device type, and browsing activity across different sites. This data is used for many purposes, such as providing users with more relevant search engine results, targeted advertisements, and even charging different prices for the same products.
However, the prevalence of website and search tracking and the need for transparency about the data collected, how its used, and who has access to it means regulations are needed to standardize and enforce the practice. This has led to the introduction of international laws and regulations to limit the amount of data websites can collect about their users.
The two main types of website tracking are first-party and third-party. First-party tracking is when the website collects data about you, such as pages you have visited. Third-party tracking is when other sites are collecting data about you. Third-party tracking is used mainly for advertising purposes and is generally more intrusive.
Furthermore, many third-party cookies are used for advertising, an activity many sites are not transparent about. It’s the lack of transparency that is one of the main reasons why laws around the world are now regulating website tracking. Website tracking, particularly third-party tracking, is potentially intrusive.
This is why it has become the target of data privacy laws worldwide. Many laws, such as the EU’s GDPR, require websites to be more transparent about the data they collect and how they use it.GDPR especially requires businesses to get explicit permission from users to collect and use their data.
For example, the GDPR requires websites to provide clear information on the data they collect and why and how it will be used. Websites must also provide an easy way for users to withdraw their consent. However, these laws might not cover all types of web tracking.
GDPR does not cover on-site tracking, such as when websites offer personalized recommendations based on browsing and search data. It is important to remember that while website tracking is regulated globally, the specifics of what websites can and cannot do vary by country.
For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act requires websites to be more transparent about how they use data and why and gives users the right to access, delete, and control their data. To summarize, website tracking is widespread and used for various purposes. Users must stay informed about how data is collected and used and know the laws and regulations governing web tracking.
Many options are available to protect users’ privacy, such as private search engines, browser extensions, and two-factor authentication. Private search engines do not track users’ searches and anonymize the data. Browser extensions such as ad blockers, tracker blockers, and cookie blockers can be used to stop websites from tracking you. Finally, using two-factor authentication adds a layer of security by requiring users to enter an additional code or password when logging in to a service.
Dangers of Search Engine Tracking You.
Search engines are constantly collecting user data to provide better search engine results and target search ads to users. This data can include location information, IP addresses, search engine query histories, click-through history, and online fingerprints. This data is often stored in large databases, and users can be assigned numbers to provide anonymity. Data can be stored for an extended period, up to 9 months in the case of Google, and longer for other search engines.
Cybercriminals can exploit this data to conduct illicit and unlawful acts that endanger your online life. It can be used to steal your money from bank accounts or to gain access to your private information. Marketing and research firms can also use it to profile you, which can be intrusive and, at the very least, annoying.
To protect yourself from search engine tracking, it is vital to use a privacy-focused search engine. These search engines do not track your activity or store your personal information. You can also turn on private browsing mode in your browser, which will not store your browsing data.
It is also essential to read the privacy policies of any search engine you use, as these policies will tell you what data is collected and how it is used. It is also essential to stay current on the latest search engine privacy news, as the industry constantly changes.
The right search engine is key to protecting and securing your data. By using a privacy-focused search engine and turning on private browsing when necessary, you can ensure that your personal information is secure and that you are not a victim of search engine tracking.
Some popular search engines track and sell your data to the highest bidder, so many people now use private search engines like Swisscows private search when browsing the Internet.
A no-tracking search engine won’t track or store your data and will keep your personal information safe from third-party companies. Ghostery Private Search is a private search engine that does not log your search history and has been designed with privacy in mind. It is also free as a browser extension or as part of the Ghostery Privacy Suite.
How Do Cybercriminals Use Your Search Data
Cybercriminals often use captured search data to target unsuspecting victims. Search engine data refers to the information websites collect about their visitors, such as their IP address, browser type, location, search history, demographics, passwords, job titles, and other collected information. It is usually used to customize the user experience and provide more relevant content. But hackers can also use it to access personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and bank accounts.
Dark web forums are another common source of information for hackers. These forums are used to dump data after a successful data breach. This data usually includes email addresses and passwords, phone numbers, social security numbers, names, and physical addresses. In some cases, hackers might even dump credit card details. The stolen information can then be bought and used to build a user profile for their target.
Reason #1: Use Private Search Engines to Protect Credit Rating
Schemes like search history sniffing attacks allow hackers to access a person’s contact details like their phone number and address, and they can use it for phone-based scams. For instance, they may send a text message saying that the apartment at the person’s address has an unpaid debt. The hacker can access valuable data if the person clicks on the fraudulent link, pays the ransom, or succumbs to a money extraction scheme.
Reason #2: Use Private Search Engines to Protect Friends and Families
The type of damage a hacker with stolen data depends on the information stolen. If it can identify, locate, or contact someone, it’s known as Personally Identifiable Information (PII). With this data, a hacker can apply for loans or credit cards and file fake tax returns in the person’s name. They can even use your background to pretend to be you to access protected systems for unrelated reasons.
Reason #3: Use Private Search Engines to Prevent Impersonation
Hackers can also use your search data for phishing scams. In phishing, a hacker will send you an email or text pretending to be from a company or person you know. The email or text message usually includes a link to a malicious website. If you click the link, the hacker can access your data. They will use your search history to sweeten the scam by including items or services you’ve been searching for.
Reason #4: Use Private Search Engines to Reduce Scammer/Phishing/Vishing Potential
Social media is among the most common ways hackers get information about their targets. A hacker can easily find their name, phone, workplace, and email address by opening a person’s LinkedIn profile. On Facebook or Instagram, a criminal can find personal details like marital status, photos with kids, and names of relatives and friends. This information can be enough for a hacker to build a user profile and use it for social engineering and other attacks on other people. I can also be used to set up a dummy social media account to pretend to be someone else.
Reason #5: Use Private Search Engines to Protect Others
Another way hackers can use your data is through “credential stuffing”. This is when hackers use your login information obtained through data breaches to access your accounts. To prevent this, it’s important to never reuse the same password on multiple sites and always to use two-factor authentication when possible.
Hackers create these fake accounts to gain access to your personal information. Also, keep in mind that some of the hackers are good at creating and blending in. They might pose as friends or family members, and you won’t even know. The most common way hackers use your search data is by using it for identity theft.
By gathering your search data, hackers can build a profile of you that includes personal information such as your name, date of birth, phone number, Social Security number, and address. With this information, a hacker can easily steal your identity and use it to open bank accounts or credit cards, file for tax refunds in your name, or even open a new phone line.
Reason #6: Use Private Search Engines to Prevent Identity Theft
While online news organizations and retailers are not cybercriminals, they use (or misuse) search data. Algorithms are used in news curation to provide personalized and relevant content to users. Google uses its vast datasets stored in search history for each person to tailor the search results according to its user’s needs and preferences but often presents unwanted or one-sided information.
Search history is used to analyze different elements of the user’s online activity, such as their previous searches, websites they have visited, documents they have stored on their Google Drive, and places they have visited using Google Maps. This data is used to provide more tailored search results page and put relevant content in front of the user. For example, Google uses machine learning algorithms to analyze user preferences and anticipate inclinations.
Retailers also use it to use mobile advertisers to target an audience. Using search history, Google can display targeted and relevant search ads to its users, thereby maximizing ad revenue for businesses.
Reason #7: Prevent or Reduce Bias in Your News Feeds
To protect yourself from becoming a victim of cybercrime (and unwanted biased information), stay up to date with the latest security measures and keep your device protected with anti-malware, anti-virus, and the latest protection features in browsers and software. You should always be aware of the links and websites you visit and never click on suspicious links. You should also be mindful of how much information you share on social media and ensure you always use the same password on multiple platforms.
Bottom line – using a secured private search engine protects you from these invasions.
Overall, being vigilant and aware of how cybercriminals and big businesses use your search data is essential.
What to Look For in a Private Search Engine
When looking for a private search engine, it is important to consider a range of factors.
- The search engine should be transparent in its privacy policy and not bombard users with targeted ads.
- It should also be situated geographically outside the EU and the US to ensure data security and privacy.
- Additionally, it should maintain user privacy by not tracking data, delivering relevant search results, having an easy-to-use interface, and providing settings options for a customized experience.
- There are a few important criteria to consider to ensure you use the best private search engine.
- First, the search engine should have a strict privacy policy. This means it should not store any data or use tracking cookies.
- In addition, it should not collect any information, such as IP addresses or user agents.
- Second, the search engine should deliver accurate and relevant search results. In terms of accuracy, it should be able to identify the most relevant results that match the user’s query. In terms of relevance, it should be able to provide results that are not only related to the search query but also to the user’s interests or preferences.
- Finally, the search engine should have an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to search and navigate the search results. The interface should also include settings options for a more customized experience. This includes, for example, options for limiting search results by region, language, or by age of the content. By considering these criteria and evaluating private search engines against them, users can choose the most suitable search engine for their needs, ensuring their data remains secure.
- Supported by mission and vision
- Positive real user reviews
- Have been out for a few years
- Is transparent about its funding and backing
- Positive better business bureau ratings
- Any positive rating from Cybersecurity rating firms such as SecurityScorecard, myCYPR, Panorays, BitSight, FortifyData, RiskRecon, Black Kite, and UpGuard.
A private search engine is a tool that helps protect our data and identity from the prying eyes of hackers and other malicious actors. Generally, a private search engine should maintain your privacy by not tracking any data, delivering relevant search results, having an easy-to-use interface, and providing settings options for a more customized experience.
How is Swisscows Different than Google?
Swisscows also offers several other features that make it different from Google.
In terms of its search capabilities, Swisscows has several advantages over Google. Firstly, it has a built-in user interface that makes searching quicker and easier. Secondly, its index-based country search and Swisscow’s semantics ensure intelligent and fast searching. Thirdly, it offers advanced search features such as its exclusive cooperation with Bing, and its Semantic Map, essentially a tag cloud of related terms.
In summary, here is a list of features distinguishing Swisscows search from Google search;.
- Swisscows is as good as other search engines and is designed to be 100% safe from pornography and the display of sexual content, while Google stores data to understand users’ likes and dislikes.
- Google has an all-in-one surfing search engine that absorbs data, while Swisscows is a private search engine that offers a user interface to make a big change for users.
- Google stores data to reuse it for advertisements, while Swisscows does not store data, build search history, or deliver ads based on collected data.
- Swisscows does not use cookies or other tracking technologies and does not store data, build search history, or deliver ads.
- Swisscows has an exclusive cooperation agreement with Bing and has over 20 years of experience and research in search technologies.
- Swisscow’s semantics ensure intelligence for index-based country Search that is fas
- Swisscows also offers image search, music search, a German-English translator, and a Digest summarising documents.
Conclusion
You can tell from this article that racking and search privacy are increasingly important topics, so staying informed and practicing good cybersecurity hygiene by changing your default search engine to a privacy-focused search engine, engaging in private browsing, and two-factor authentication is essential.
Using a secure private search engine like Swisscows Search and following the best security practices, users can protect their search data from getting into the wrong hands and being misused by companies. It is one of the best private search engines I have used. Ultimately, website tracking and search data privacy are complex issues; we must protect our data and privacy.
