Companies often have access to more data about you than you realize -- and many records used to profile you won't require your outright, knowing consent.

Whenever you browse a website, submit a search query, accept a cookie notice, make a purchase, post on social media, or even visit a location, your activity may be recorded. Now, a singular visit to a website doesn't tell a marketer much about you, your interests, or what you might be interested in buying -- but over time and multiple interactions, a detailed picture of you forms.

Your personal details, location, purchase history, income bracket, interests, and more may all be recorded and linked to your IP address, email, or social media presence.

These profiles, which may also be shared, sold, or traded between marketing agencies and other third parties, allow organizations to perform targeted advertising -- and use every psychological trick in the book to lure you to make a purchase.

While it can be difficult to keep your information out of the hands of agencies and brokers, below, you will find a breakdown of the most common ways you are being profiled online and how you can reduce the flow of your data.

Data is now currency. Your information and attention are huge revenue drivers for companies that provide services ranging from analytics and consumer technology to marketing and hospitality.