Hunter Storm | The Hidden Dangers of the Internet

Things Schools Should Actually Teach | The Hidden Dangers of the Internet You Didn’t Know About

Most people think they understand online risks, but there are hidden dangers few people ever talk about. Beyond basic scams and hacks, the internet is full of unseen threats. This guide exposes lesser-known hidden dangers of the internet and how to protect yourself.

Digital Fingerprinting | You’re Being Tracked Without Cookies

Even if you block cookies, websites can still track you.

How it works:

Websites collect device details (screen size, fonts, time zone, browser settings).
This creates a unique “fingerprint” that identifies you, even with a VPN.
Companies and advertisers track you across different sites without cookies.

How to Protect Yourself:

Use Firefox or Brave Browser (they block fingerprinting).
Disable JavaScript on suspicious websites (fingerprinting requires it).
Use a privacy-focused search engine (DuckDuckGo, Startpage, etc.).

Pro Tip: If a website still knows who you are after clearing cookies, you’re being fingerprinted.

Your Data is Being Bought & Sold by Data Brokers

Companies collect and sell your personal information legally.

What’s happening?

Data brokers collect data from public records, social media, and online purchases.
They sell your home address, phone number, and browsing habits to advertisers, governments, and businesses.
Even if you’re careful, others can expose your info (like friends tagging you in posts).

How to Protect Yourself:

Use data removal services (DeleteMe, Incogni).
Avoid using your real name & phone number on unnecessary sign-ups.
Opt out of major data broker sites (here’s how).

Pro Tip: If you’ve ever gotten personalized ads, data brokers probably sold your info.

Malvertising | When Ads Contain Malware

You don’t need to click an ad to get infected just viewing a page can be enough.

What’s happening?

Hackers buy ad space on legitimate websites (news sites, forums, etc.).
The ad delivers malware or spyware in the background without clicking.
Even reputable sites can unknowingly host infected ads.

How to Protect Yourself:

Use an ad blocker to block malicious ads.
Avoid using Flash or outdated browser plugins.
Don’t download files from popup ads or random links.

Pro Tip: If a site bombards you with pop-ups, leave immediately.

Fake Software Updates That Install Malware

Pop-ups telling you to “Update Now” might be fake.

What’s happening?

Scammers use fake “update” pop-ups to install malware.
They target browsers, Flash Player, or antivirus software.
Clicking the “update” button downloads ransomware or spyware.

How to Stay Safe:

Only update software from official websites or app stores.
If you see a browser pop-up saying “Update Now,” ignore it and check manually.
Enable auto-updates in software settings.

Pro Tip: If an update alert doesn’t come from inside the app itself, it’s probably fake.

The Deep Web vs. Dark Web | What’s the Difference?

Most of the internet isn’t indexed by search engines.

What’s happening?

Deep Web: Regular websites that require logins (email, bank accounts, private forums).
Dark Web: A hidden network only accessible via Tor. It is used for anonymity, but the anonymity also attracts illegal activity.
Not all of the dark web is bad. Whistleblowers and journalists use it for privacy and personal safety.

How to Stay Safe:

Never visit the dark web without knowing what you’re doing.
Don’t download random Tor browser files (they may contain malware).
Avoid any site that asks for Bitcoin in exchange for services likely a scam.

Pro Tip: If a website can’t be found on Google, that doesn’t mean it’s “bad,” but be cautious.

Free VPNs That Steal Your Data

Not all VPNs protect your privacy. Some sell your data.

What’s happening?

Many free VPNs track and sell your browsing history (defeating the purpose of a VPN).
Some VPNs leak your real IP address without you knowing.
Free VPNs often inject ads or malware into your browsing.

How to Stay Safe:

Use trusted VPNs like ProtonVPN, Mullvad, or IVPN.
If a VPN is “free forever,” it’s making money off you another way.
Check for independent audits before trusting a VPN provider.

Pro Tip: If you’re not paying for a VPN, you’re the product. Learn more in my article, The Dark Side of Free Services | What You’re Actually Paying With.

Social Engineering | The Biggest Hidden Danger of the Internet

Hackers don’t just break into systems. They trick people into giving up access.

What’s happening?

Scammers pretend to be tech support to get passwords.
Fake social media accounts impersonate friends to ask for money.
Hackers pose as employees to gain access to company networks.

How to Stay Safe:

Never share login info over email or phone.
Verify who you’re talking to before giving sensitive info.
Think before clicking social engineering thrives on urgency.

Pro Tip: If someone pressures you for personal info, assume it’s a scam.

How to Protect Yourself from Hidden Internet Dangers

Use Privacy-Focused Browsers & Search Engines
Firefox + Privacy Extensions (uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger).
Search with Brave, DuckDuckGo or Startpage.

Monitor Your Digital Footprint

Check if your data is leaked on HaveIBeenPwned.
Remove personal info from data broker websites.

Be Skeptical of Anything “Too Good to Be True”

Free VPNs? Free software? There’s always a catch.
“Win a free iPhone!” pop-ups? Always fake.

Pro Tip: The best defense is knowledge. If you know these dangers, you won’t fall for them.

The Internet is a Minefield | Navigate It Wisely

The internet isn’t dangerous if you know what to watch out for.

Online dangers go beyond viruses and scams, tracking. Data leaks, and social engineering are real threats.
Be mindful of what you click, install, and share.

Use privacy tools to minimize tracking and data leaks.

Stay informed knowing these hidden dangers gives you an advantage.

Glossary

Dark Web: A hidden part of the internet that requires special software (Tor) to access.
Deep Web: Parts of the internet that aren’t indexed by search engines.
Digital Fingerprinting: A method websites use to track users without cookies.
Malvertising: Malware spread through online ads.
Social Engineering: Manipulating people into giving away private information.

Are You Ever Really Invisible Online?

Think you’re anonymous online? Most people aren’t. Lack of anonymity is just another one of the hidden dangers of the internet. Up next, we’ll break down how tracking works, what privacy tools actually help, and whether true anonymity is even possible. The Truth About Online Anonymity | Are You Ever Really Invisible?

Unlock the Secrets of the Digital World with Our Engaging Article Series | Things Schools Should Actually Teach

Dive into our lively collection of articles designed to boost your digital savvy and cybersecurity know-how. From demystifying the differences between websites and platforms to mastering online privacy, our series offers practical insights to help you navigate the internet like a pro.

About the Author | Hunter Storm | Technology Executive | Global Thought Leader | Keynote Speaker

CISO | Advisory Board Member | SOC Black Ops Team | Systems Architect | Strategic Policy Advisor | Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Quantum Innovator | Cyber-Physical-Psychological Hybrid Threat Expert | Ultimate Asymmetric Advantage

Background

Hunter Storm is a veteran Fortune 100 Chief Information Security Officer (CISO); Advisory Board Member; Security Operations Center (SOC) Black Ops Team Member; Systems Architect; Risk Assessor; Strategic Policy and Intelligence Advisor; Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Quantum Innovator, and Cyber-Physical-Psychological (Cyber-Phys-Psy) Hybrid Threat Expert; and Keynote Speaker with deep expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies.

Drawing on decades of experience in global Fortune 100 enterprises, including Wells Fargo, Charles Schwab, and American Express; aerospace and high-tech manufacturing leaders such as Alcoa and Special Devices (SDI) / Daicel Safety Systems (DSS); and leading technology services firms such as CompuCom, she guides organizations through complex technical, strategic, and operational challenges.

Hunter Storm combines technical mastery with real-world operational resilience in high-stakes environments.

Global Expert and Subject Matter Expert (SME) | AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum, and Strategic Intelligence

A recognized subject matter expert (SME) with top-tier expert networks including GLG (Top 1%), AlphaSights, and Third Bridge, Hunter Storm advises Board Members, CEOs, CTOs, CISOs, Founders, and Senior Executives across technology, finance, and consulting sectors. Her insights have shaped policy, strategy, and high-risk decision-making at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, quantum technology, and human-technical threat surfaces.

Projects | Research and Development (R&D) | Frameworks

Hunter Storm is the creator of The Storm Project: AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum, and the Future of Intelligence, the largest AI research initiative in history.

She is the originator of the Hacking Humans: Ports and Services Model of Social Engineering, a foundational framework in psychological operations (PsyOps) and biohacking, adopted by governments, enterprises, and global security communities.

Hunter Storm also pioneered the first global forensic mapping of digital repression architecture, suppression, and censorship through her project Discrimination by Design: First Global Forensic Mapping of Digital Repression Architecture, monitoring platform accountability and digital suppression worldwide.

Achievements and Awards

Hunter Storm is a Mensa member and recipient of the Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award, reflecting her enduring influence on AI, cybersecurity, quantum, technology, strategy, and global security.

Hunter Storm | The Ultimate Asymmetric Advantage

Hunter Storm is known for solving problems most won’t touch. She combines technical mastery, operational agility, and strategic foresight to protect critical assets and shape the future at the intersection of technology, strategy, and high-risk decision-making.

Hunter Storm reframes human-technical threat surfaces to expose vulnerabilities others miss, delivering the ultimate asymmetric advantage.

Discover Hunter Storm’s full About the Author biography and career highlights.

Securing the Future | AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum computing, innovation, risk management, hybrid threats, security. Hunter Storm (“The Fourth Option”) is here. Let’s get to work.

Confidential Contact

Consultations, engagements, board memberships, leadership roles, policy advisory, legal strategy, expert witness, or unconventional problems that require highly unconventional solutions.