You probably think your internet browsing history is private, especially when you’re using your own computer at home. But every time you visit a website, search for financial information, or log into an online account, some information travels through your internet service provider (ISP). That raises an uncomfortable question: Can your internet provider see what websites you visit, and how much of your online activity is actually private?
The answer is yes, in many circumstances, but there’s an important difference between seeing which websites you access and seeing exactly what you do on those sites. According to a Federal Trade Commission report, some major internet providers collect extensive information about their customers, including browsing-related data used for advertising. Understanding internet provider privacy can help you protect sensitive financial information without wasting money on security products you don’t necessarily need.
