The creepy website that tracks your every move: ClickClickClick reveals how much browsers know about you

ClickClickClick details actions in real-time, both in writing and vocally
For example, if you move the mouse, it will write 'subject has moved right'
The unnerving tool does not do any damage to your computer, but is a reminder to be wary about who is watching you on the web

Published: 16:35, 21 November 2016 | Updated: 17:19, 21 November 2016

e-mail

View comments

While you might think that clearing your browsing history is enough to keep your activity private, a new website could make you think again.

A creepy website called ClickClickClick has been developed to show how your online behaviour is constantly being measured by your browser.

The website details your actions in real-time, from your movements on the page, to the other websites you have visited, in the hope of creating awareness on privacy in a playful manner.

A creepy website called clickclickclick has been developed to show how your online behaviour is constantly being measured by your computer. The website details your actions in real-time showing just how much your browser knows about your behaviour online

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The website – which does not cause damage to your computer - is very simple, with a white screen and large green button, reading 'Button.'

But from the second you visit the page, it starts detailing your actions in real-time.

For example, the website will write 'Subject has visited seven websites before coming here' or 'Subject has clicked the button five times.'

As well as typing out what you're doing in real time, the site also encourages users to turn on their sound, allowing them to hear an English voice comment on every behaviour.

After a few minutes of this, the website will give users the option of seeing their 'achievements' – a list of all the activities it has tracked so far, and those that it is yet to observe.

Clickclickclick.click was developed by VPRO, a Dutch media company, and Studio Moniker, an interactive design company.

Roel Wouters, a designer at Studio Moniker, told MailOnline: 'We wanted to create awareness on privacy in a playful manner.

'We took the idea that all your online behaviour can have value literally.

'We listed all possible interactions we could come up with. We interpret these interactions in a direct and specific way by mirroring them back to the user.'

The website – which does not cause damage to your computer - is simple, with a white screen and large green button, reading 'Button.'

But from the second you visit the page, it starts detailing your actions in real-time.

For example, the website will write 'Subject has visited seven websites before coming here' or 'Subject has clicked the button five times.'

As well as typing out what you're doing in real time, the site also encourages users to turn on their sound, allowing them to hear an English voice comment on every behaviour.

After a few minutes of this, the website will give users the option of seeing their 'achievements' – a list of all the activities it has tracked so far, and those that it is yet to, but capable of, observing.

The technology used to create the site isn't anything revolutionary, and could be used by any web developer.

The simple tool does not do any damage to your computer, but is a reminder to be wary about who is watching you on the web (stock image)

Mr Wouters said: 'All these interactions are basic HTML 5 browser events – basically it's all javascript.

'They are in the hands of every web developer today.'

The simple tool does not do any damage to your computer, but is a reminder to be wary about who is watching you on the web.

FIVE STEPS TO MORE SECURE ONLINE OPERATIONS

Even using this checklist can't guarantee stopping every attack or preventing every breach. But following these steps will make it significantly harder for hackers to succeed.

And it will help us all develop security consciousness and ultimately better cyberhygiene.

1) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Most major online services, from Amazon to Apple, today support 2FA.

When it's set up, the system asks for a login and password just like usual – but then sends a unique numeric code to another device, using text message, email or a specialized app.

Without access to that other device, the login is refused. That makes it much harder to hack into someone's account – but users have to enable it themselves.

2) Encrypt your internet traffic. A virtual private network (VPN) service encrypts digital communications, making it hard for hackers to intercept them.

Everyone should subscribe to a VPN service, some of which are free, and use it whenever connecting a device to a public or unknown Wi-Fi network.

3) Tighten up your password security. This is easier than it sounds, and the danger is real: Hackers often steal a login and password from one site and try to use it on others.

To make it simple to generate – and remember – long, strong and unique passwords, subscribe to a reputable password manager that suggests strong passwords and stores them in an encrypted file on your own computer.

4) Monitor your devices' behind-the-scenes activities. Many computer programs and mobile apps keep running even when they are not actively in use.

Most computers, phones and tablets have a built-in activity monitor that lets users see the device's memory use and network traffic in real time.

You can see which apps are sending and receiving internet data, for example. If you see something happening that shouldn't be, the activity monitor will also let you close the offending program completely.

5) Never open hyperlinks or attachments in any emails that are suspicious.

Even when they appear to come from a friend or coworker, use extreme caution – their email address might have been compromised by someone trying to attack you.

When in doubt, call the person or company directly to check first – and do so using an official number, never the phone number listed in the email.

- Arun Vishwanath, Associate Professor of Communication, University at Buffalo, State University of New York

Click

Blogs