Alternatively called a web beacon, tracking bug, invisible GIF, 1 by 1 GIF, or pixel tag, a web bug is a 1x1 pixel image used to track a user reading a web page or e-mail. After the image loads, the time it was read, how long it was viewed, the IP address, and browser used can be tracked. For example, the file __utm.gif is a small image file loaded on web pages with Google Analytics to help keep track of page views.

To prevent a web bug from tracking Internet activities disable cookies and see if your browsers has web bug blocking add-ons. To prevent a web bug from tracking e-mails most e-mail clients today will warn users when an e-mail is attempting to load images, which lets you accept or prevent images from loading. You can also disable HTML e-mails or only accept plain-text e-mails.

Security terms, Tracking, Web

  • How to protect yourself while on the Internet.
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