How to Erase a Footprint of Internet Activity on a Server

Most Internet activity leaves a footprint. Cookies, saved passwords, the browser cache and downloaded files all contribute to a record of Internet activity. Removing these traces erases an Internet footprint and increases users' privacy. Server systems act just like personal computers in their data collection, storing information in various places. Depending on how the server communicates with other computers on the network, you may need to perform these steps on each individual system to completely remove the records.

Clear your personal browsing history. Most web browsers include an option for automatically removing personal information, removing the necessity of manual removal. To access this option in Internet Explorer, click the “Safely” button and choose “Delete Browsing History.” In Chrome, click the "Tools" menu and select “Options.” In the “Under the Hood” tab, click “Clear Browsing Data.” To delete information on Firefox, click the “Tools” menu and select “Clear Recent History” to select a time frame for deletion.

Remove information from any server-side Internet tracking software. Programs such as SurveilSTAR, IEHistoryView and Track4Win report the Internet usage of computers connected to the server. Delete the logs from the specific program’s interface, or ask the network administrator to review and remove them.

Remove any unnecessary downloaded files. By default, downloaded files store in the “Downloads” folder inside the user’s root folder in Windows, and into the download folder or the user’s desktop in Mac OS X. Check the folder even if you have not downloaded any files, as some websites and malicious software may clandestinely download information.

Run an antivirus scan to locate any malware on the networked systems. Spyware often corrupts a user’s security by reporting Internet usage and history to a third party. Quarantine or remove the infections to keep the Internet footprint secure. Tracking cookies are a common form of malicious record-keeping, and clearing the personal browsing history or running an antivirus scan should remove them.