Google analytics – Is It a Real Security Risk?
Almost all websites use Google Analytics. For the website owner, it is the most powerful tool that gives a single bit of data about audience, behavior, conversions and acquisitions.
Since it is a powerful suite of a tool, it is simple and free to use. Being the most popular tool to measure web analytics, it collects a massive amount of data while making Google’s position strong as a powerhouse of data.
As a result, during any browsing period, it becomes easy to track users activity. Whenever we talk about Google Analytics and privacy, it is not that website owners must worry but the danger might be for website visitors.
Thought the website privacy policies are in place, we don’t know how much we are tracked and how will it help us?
In this article, we are going to delve into the security implications of using Google Analytics and associated privacy policies. Additionally, it will give you a brief about the pros and cons of Google’s analytic features.
What Is Google Analytics?
It is a free web analytics service providing statistics and analytical tools for the purpose of digital marketing. It is mostly geared towards small and medium websites which are always in competition to get the best SEO and search engine rank worldwide.
It is helpful in analyzing the website traffic in real-time in order to know user interaction with the website. It enables website owners to analyze visitors, with an aim to interpret and optimize the website’s performance.
By default, it tracks all URLs, web destinations, digital media, banner, ads, e-mails, etc.. Also, integrate with other Google products and in short actively notices your every browsing activity.
However, many cybersecurity experts have always raised concerns about the privacy issues in Google Analytics related to data. One by one we will take a look at it.

Pros of Google Analytics
It is a true behemoth of information that’s why people working in a digital marketing agency rely on this powerful Google’s tool. Google Analytics gives you brief information on the following:
- Creating custom reports
- Show real-time traffic data
- Runs PPC and CPC campaign
- Manage Traffic acquisition
- Checks Content efficiency
- Helps in keyword analysis
- Checks on landing pages
- Keep a proper checking on bounce rate v/s exit rate
- Keeps a report on new and unique visitors
- Also, understand how a client site perform on mobile phones
Cons of Google Analytics
- If your traffic volume is high, then you must use the premium version of Google Analytics that costs $150,000 per year.
- Though it is relatively simple, it is difficult to use as you need to remain regularly updated about the changes in Google’s algorithm.
- The tool works only to those websites that execute javascript files.
- The only campaign that connects directly with Google Analytics is Google Adwords
- Documentation of reports from Analytics is not clear.
- Cookie manipulation is an infamous con in web analytic tool of Google.
- The mobile experience lacks sometimes.
- There exist few sampling issues related to data of websites having more traffic.
What Are The Security Risks In Google Analytics?
All over the internet, you may find many articles telling you privacy concerns and security risks involved in Google Analytics. But, most of you are not having knowledge of the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
This add-on has the ability to prevent your data from being used by Google Analytics which solves all the issues related to privacy and data tracking.
Is Google Analytics Tracking Safe?
However, you must understand that this tool will only help you to stop data collection and tracking from Google Analytics. But, it won’t stop collecting information via other means.
Therefore, along with this browser add-on, Google Analytics tracking is safe.

Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System:
- Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads on the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cybercriminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs.
So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc. and Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla, and IE
- Keep your Windows Updated: To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update.By doing this you can keep your device free from virus.According to the survey, outdated/older versions of Windows operating system are an easy target.
- Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
- Regular Backup: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection.Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
- Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like ITL Total Security or a good Malware Removal Tool like Download Virus RemovalTool