Having a VPN can help you to keep your data private and secure. Here are 20 ways in which people have found success with their online privacy using this new technology.
The “5 ways to protect your privacy online” is a guide that will help you to keep your personal information safe. It also contains 20 different tips on how to do so.
We will explain the significance of online privacy in this online privacy guide. In addition, I’ll discuss the steps you may take to keep yourself safe when utilizing the internet. You will undoubtedly know how to defend yourself after reading this.
Why Should You Be Concerned About Your Online Privacy?
The internet is a hazardous environment. It’s full with people that do awful things like:
- Fraud
- Theft of one’s identity
- The Gathering of Personal Information
- Blackmail
- Scamming
- Surveillance that isn’t lawful
- Hacking
Believe it or not, fraudsters and hackers aren’t the only ones with bad intentions on the internet. Your ISP or the government might potentially harm you. How? They have the ability to track your activity, sell personal information, slow down internet connections, and erect barriers.
With so many dangerous third parties on the internet, everyone should be concerned about their online privacy. Failure to do so might have a number of negative consequences. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so do all you can to keep yourself safe.
What Devices Are Involved in the Process?
You should be aware that your online privacy may be violated on every device you use to access the internet. From PCs to cellphones, malicious software, government surveillance, nefarious services, and hackers have access to everything. In reality, they might affect persons who utilize a variety of devices or peripherals, such as:
- Keyboards
- Mice
- Gameboys
- Machines that send and receive faxes
- PSPs
- Consoles
- Tablets
- Phones with limited functionality
- Routers
- Cameras that are digital
How to Keep Your Online Privacy Safe
Yes. I understand that surfing the internet may be frightening, particularly when you’re aware of all the dangers. Fortunately, there are a slew of options for safeguarding your online privacy. Let’s go through each one in detail so you can properly protect yourself when online.
1. Make Use Of A VPN
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Using a VPN to protect your privacy while online is the best option. When you choose the correct service provider, you may browse the web with complete anonymity. This is accomplished mostly via the use of security features such as RAM-disk servers, kill switches, and encryption protocols.
There are several VPN service providers to select from. Each has advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of. Before you buy a VPN, I recommend doing some research and not simply going with the cheapest one.
Some VPNs have been known to infringe rather than safeguard their customers’ privacy. They collect data invisibly and sell it to websites that give out customized advertisements. These websites may sometimes be used for more than just that. As a result, extreme caution is advised.
Fortunately, we have a guide on our website that can assist you in determining which VPN is ideal for you. Our staff has also written in-depth assessments of each of the main VPN services available. We’ve written articles on the many security aspects available with VPNs.
2. Use anti-malware and firewall software
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Many VPNs come with built-in ad and virus blockers to keep you safe online. However, it is still preferable to utilize third-party software since they are solely focused on security. The following are some excellent anti-malware programs:
- Norton 360 is a software program that protects your
- Malwarebytes
- Avira
- McAfee
- AVG
- TotalAV
- Bitdefender
Here are a few decent firewalls to consider:
- ZoneAlarm
- Security Management for SolarWinds Network Firewall
- Netdefender
- Home of OpenDNS
- Ultimate Defense System Mechanic
- Comodo Firewall is a firewall developed by Comodo.
- Glasswire
Firewalls and anti-malware software are not the same thing, in case you were wondering.
Firewalls operate as barriers for traffic entering a system, while anti-malware software protects your device from internal threats like trojan horses. One is not superior to the other. It is suggested that you use them both for maximum protection.
Use a password manager if you haven’t already.
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It’s not as simple as it seems to create and remember a secure password for all of your online accounts. Password managers are available to assist with this.
Software that generates and stores passwords for all of your internet accounts is known as a password manager. They function by using a master password to encrypt all of your passwords. It is that master password that you must remember in order to have access to everything.
Using a password manager has several advantages. One of the most important advantages is that you only have to remember one password. Aside from that, you won’t have to key in your whole Login information since they’ll be filled in for you automatically.
The following are some well-known password managers with a decent track record:
- Dashlane
- NordPass
- RoboForm
- LastPass
- Keeper
- RememBear
- KeyPass
- Password Requirements
I don’t advocate using password managers included into browsers like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. Because they store passwords in an unencrypted format, they can’t compete with specialist password managers. Furthermore, they are very unstable and have complex or unattractive user interfaces.
4. Authentication with two factors (2FA)
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Two-factor authentication, often known as 2FA, is a security feature that prevents outsiders from gaining access to your online accounts. It provides another layer of security, making it more difficult to log in.
This is often a PIN code, a secret question, or another password. Some 2FAs take it a step further and scan the user’s fingerprints.
The potential of this technology are, if anything, unlimited. As a result, it is employed in some form or another by many internet businesses, airport security networks, telecommunication firms, digital commerce, government organizations, and even dating sites.
5. Make Use Of Private And Secure Browsers
People who wish to keep their online privacy safe should use a secure and private web browser. Your private information is stored in most major browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox, and it may be acquired and misused by anybody, from hackers to government surveillance.
The following are examples of things that may be exploited against you in your browser:
- Login information
- Information that is automatically filled in
- Trackers and cookies
- History of browsing
It’s not enough to change your browser’s settings and go to incognito mode. Even if you do that, every website you visit will see your IP address and consequently your location. Using a VPN that properly keeps you anonymous is the best approach to conceal it.
It’s important to remember that not all web browsers are made equal. Some are superior than others. Here are a couple of the digital security professionals’ top picks:
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The Tor (The Onion Router) Network is a free, open-source network that allows users to communicate anonymously. It routes web traffic over a volunteer overlay network in order to keep user information hidden from prying eyes.
Tor Browser is a modified version of Firefox that is designed to function with the Tor network. It’s quite safe and, by default, shields you from browser fingerprinting. Despite this, the browser has its own set of flaws.
The Tor browser’s biggest flaw is its sluggishness. As a result, it’s a bad option for downloading and streaming media. Furthermore, due to script blocking, it causes certain websites to crash on default settings.
Finally, there are other flaws in the Tor network, including rogue exit nodes, significant latency, and complete reliance on US government financing. Many people believe that this dependency has put it in jeopardy.
You may, of course, utilize Tor without using the Tor network. However, doing so would contradict the point of using the browser in the first place. That is especially true if you use a VPN provider like NordVPN with Onion Over VPN enabled.
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Ungoogled Chromium is a good option for those who want to use Google Chrome without the privacy concerns. It’s the product of an open-source initiative aimed at creating a safer Chrome version.
Ungoogled Chromium has been adjusted to offer consumers more power, to remain visible, to promote privacy, and to increase security. It feels precisely like Google Chrome when I use it, which makes it a fantastic option in my opinion.
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Iridium is another another Chromium-based safe browser. Despite the fact that it does not have the same appearance as Chrome, it might be a good substitute. It works with Chrome extensions and provides a considerably higher level of anonymity.
Iridium has several benefits over Google Chrome in terms of privacy and security, but it also has some drawbacks. The most significant disadvantage is that it only supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. People who mostly utilize mobile devices are therefore out of luck.
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Pale Moon Browser is an open-source Firefox spin-off that focuses on speed and freedom of customisation. For individuals who want to express themselves, it provides a broad variety of customizing choices. Along with its native add-ons, the browser also supports several Firefox add-ons.
Pale Moon is available for Windows and Linux. If you prefer another platform, don’t feel left out. Other operating system versions are actively being developed.
Pale Moon Browser has received mostly good feedback. Despite this, some individuals have complained about their unfavorable encounters with it. Personally, I believe it is a good browser that is well worth checking out.
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Brave is the final web browser on our list. It is Chromium-based and defaults to privacy, security, and performance, according to Brandon Eich. It has its own ad blocker and fingerprinting protection, unlike most rivals.
Many people use Brave because it blocks advertisements, trackers, and scripts by default, protects against browser fingerprinting, and upgrades to HTTPS automatically.
Unfortunately, the browser, like anything else, has drawbacks. Despite having an ad blocker, it displays advertisements and overlays material that promotes itself on webpages. Regardless, it’s still a popular choice for individuals searching for easy privacy out of the box.
Issues with Popular Browsers
You’re probably wondering what’s wrong with your preferred browser. After all, you’ve probably been using it for quite some time. As a result, a high level of trust has been established. The following is a list of privacy concerns that major browsers have:
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Google Chrome is by far the most popular browser platform on the planet. It’s simple to use, has a broad range of compatibility, and is jam-packed with essential features. Unfortunately, it is a data collecting magnet, making it a poor privacy and security option.
Almost nothing you do on Google Chrome goes unnoticed. Almost all of your information is recorded in a data profile and utilized for targeted advertising. This is the primary source of revenue for the browser.
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Apple’s proprietary browser, Safari, is the default browser for its iOS and macOS operating systems. It isn’t a horrible browser, according to experts, since it doesn’t gather nearly as much data as Google Chrome. However, like with Apple, the issue is with its developers:
- In the PRISM Surveillance Program, I was able to secure a collaboration.
- Once been caught secretly hoarding Safari History of browsing
- Even when the browser was in private mode, it collected erased Safari history.
As you can see, there are several reasons to distrust Safari. However, on the plus side, it protects against cross-site tracking and bans third-party cookies by default.
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Microsoft Edge is primarily thought of as a successor for Internet Explorer, which was formerly the most used web browser on the planet. It’s wholly controlled by Microsoft and closed source, making it hard to know what goes on behind the scenes.
When it comes to protecting the privacy and security of its users, Microsoft has a poor track record. On request, it once provided up encrypted communications to the NSA. As a result, everything associated with the organization should not be relied upon to maintain high standards of privacy and security.
6. Ads And Trackers Must Be Blocked
Google, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and practically every other popular website or app offer billions of adverts every day.
Because these sites and applications aren’t “locked black boxes,” this is horrible for privacy and security. They keep track of everything you do online and utilize the information to deliver you personalized adverts.
What has been communicated so far is completely lawful. Many people think Google and Facebook’s monitoring algorithms are brilliant.
Though serving customized adverts may not seem to be a negative thing, there is a darker side to this. In rare cases, websites and programs are unable to detect fraudulent advertisements. These deceive you into believing they’re not adverts, infect your machine with malware, or install dangerous software without your knowledge.
As a result, it’s critical that you get an ad blocker, install it, and utilize it. You’ll be able to block trackers and the targeted advertising that come with them if you have one. As previously noted, certain VPNs have built-in ad filters. Anti-virus software is in the same boat. These ad blockers, however, aren’t the greatest since they aren’t entirely committed to the task.
I recommend using a blocker extension since they’re typically free, simple to install, and highly user-friendly. Among those with whom I’ve had positive encounters are:
- AdBlock Plus is a program that blocks advertisements.
- Origin of uBlock
- Ad Blocker for Opera
- AdBlock
You’ll be able to add even another degree of protection to your online experience with these extensions. This is particularly true if you use them in conjunction with a password manager, a secure browser, a VPN, and antivirus software.
7. Do not post information on websites that are not HTTPS.
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, and it is the standard protocol for exchanging data between a website and your web browser. It’s a tried-and-true technology that’s been around for a long time. Regrettably, it isn’t secure enough to protect your privacy.
Sites linked using HTTP should not be given any personal information. It would only improve the chances of it being collected if you did so. Simply check at your browser’s URL and see whether it starts with http:// to discover if you’re connected to a website through HTTP.
Only exchange personal information with websites that use HTTPS, a more secure version of HTTP.
When you access a website with it, a cryptographic key exchange takes place. Following that, all of your activities on that site will be encrypted and concealed. While others will be able to see which websites you visited, determining which specific pages you engaged with will be difficult.
8. Make Use of Safe Payment Methods
You are at danger with every internet transaction. As a result, it’s critical to be cautious about who you do business with online and to check your bank statements on a frequent basis. You should also use safe payment methods since they enable you to stay anonymous.
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Cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum and Bitcoin are gaining in popularity as alternatives to established trade methods. This is despite the fact that it has a poor image as a money conduit for terrorists, con artists, and drug traffickers.
Cryptocurrencies are safe since they are not regulated by banks. Payments made with them are completely untraceable. As a result, anybody who desires to remain anonymous will have no difficulty with them.
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The expression “cash is king” still holds true in today’s environment. Despite the introduction of several alternative media, cash has remained the most popular mode of payment across the world. Unfortunately, it isn’t commonly recognized online since there are no direct options for consumers and sellers to exchange it other than via retail partners.
Cash, like cryptocurrencies, allows for a high level of anonymity. However, it is not nearly as secure since you must still use it in person. Needless to say, it’s still a lot safer than using credit cards since no records are kept after each transaction.
9. Make Use Of A Safe Search Engine
Mainstream search engines like Google and Bing keep track of your IP address, query date and time, cookie ID, and query search phrases, among other things. They claim to be doing this to improve your user experience.
What you’re not informed is that websites sell records of your information to show you customized adverts. Aside from that, the documents are readily given to courts and governments that make a request.
Fortunately, there are search engines that do not gather personal information from users. Some instances are as follows:
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The most well-known private search engine is DuckDuckGo. It swears that it will never track any of its users. As a consequence, there are no user records kept, making every search event anonymous.
My experience with the search engine was satisfactory. It’s not quite as good as Google, but it does the job. It will appeal to anybody ready to forego convenience and quality in exchange for seclusion.
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StartPage is a fantastic alternative to Google. It’s a Dutch search engine that returns similar search results to Google. However, it pledges not to disclose or keep any of your information or use identifying cookies, and it anonymizes all of your searches.
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YaCy is a distributed search engine based on peer-to-peer (P2P) technology.
It’s a more recent search engine that isn’t as well-known as the others on our list. As a result, the assertions that it keeps no information have yet to be validated by specialists. With that stated, it seems to be quite promising and is definitely worth a go.
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Ixquick was created by the same individuals that created StartPage. As a result, the two appear very similar. The main distinction is that Ixquick does not provide search results from Google. It instead displays results from other search engines, such as Bing.
10. Avoid (or limit) the use of social media apps.
It would be ideal to avoid using social media applications like Facebook and Instagram entirely. This is almost certainly impossible, which is why you should be cautious about the kind of data you post on these networks.
Many individuals have been robbed after troublemakers learned of their whereabouts via social media. As a result, it’s advisable not to include your location in every Facebook post you make. It’s also a good idea to avoid posting your contact and financial information online since you never know who’s looking at your profile.
11. Make use of encrypted email
Email isn’t the most secure way to communicate online. The globe, on the other hand, rely on it for everything from shopping to business. It’s impossible to avoid sending emails as a result of this. Fortunately, there is a way to make the platform more secure.
First and foremost, you must stop utilizing free email services such as Gmail and Outlook. Secure email services like ProtonMail or Tutanota, which feature totally encrypted mailboxes, provide an option.
You may also encrypt the inbox of the email provider you’re using twice. Users of Gmail may use free or premium browser extensions that encrypt their messages and attachments completely.
12. Make Secure Messaging Apps a Part of Your Routine
Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, and Viber, for example, are all unsafe systems that do not safeguard your privacy. The businesses who control them have their own interests, making their handling of user data suspect.
Use applications like Signal or Telegram to ensure that no one can listen in on your talks. Both offer native applications for practically every major operating system and use end-to-end encryption.
Telegram, in particular, has a fantastic user interface that makes it really easy to use. It’s also a lot speedier than the majority of other digital messengers.
13. Maintain Confidentiality in Your Voice Conversations
Calls, whether on a landline or on a mobile device, are never secure. Nearly every country’s government makes it a point to record and listen to its people’ talks. You must be selective about the app you use to make phone calls.
There are several encrypted messaging applications that include a call capability. Telegram is my favorite since I already use it for talking. You may, however, utilize Signal, which is likewise secure and, more significantly, free to use.
14. Make use of safe cloud storage
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When you needed more storage, you didn’t have to spend a lot of money on an expensive SSD or HDD. The introduction of cloud storage services has made file storage more affordable and convenient than ever before. Regrettably, the majority of these services are insecure.
Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Dropbox, and Apple are the leading cloud storage providers. They’ve all worked with the National Security Agency on one or more instances. They even state in their terms and conditions that they retain the right to inspect your data and submit their results to the authorities if they are asked.
Here are some steps you can do to guarantee that your data on the cloud are safe:
- Before you upload your files, be sure they’re encrypted.
Encrypting your data before uploading is the easiest but most time-consuming technique to safeguard them in the cloud. For this, software tools such as EncFS or VeraCrypt are available. Experts evaluate these software programs in the majority of situations to verify that they can be trusted.
- Make Use Of A Secure Cloud Service
TeamDrive, SpiderOak, and Tresorit are all services that encrypt your files automatically before uploading them to the cloud. Each is compatible with iOS, Android, and desktop computers. They may be used to reduce the need for manual encryption and make life simpler.
One disadvantage of the aforementioned services is that they are closed source. As a result, there’s no way to learn about their inner workings. You have no option but to put your faith in them to securely encrypt all of your information.
15. Always keep your devices up to date with the latest software and operating system.
Developers are continuously striving to make their applications and operating systems more secure. To do this, they develop new features aimed at making the user’s experience safer. Each of these features is added to the system on a regular basis.
It’s critical to utilize devices with the most recent operating systems and to check for new updates on a regular basis. You’ll have access to the most up-to-date security measures, allowing you to preserve the highest levels of privacy.
16. Only download from reputable websites.
Never download anything from an untrustworthy website since you will almost certainly not obtain what you desire. Instead, you might unintentionally download and infect your computer with malware, putting your privacy at risk.
Always download from the official site of the application you want to use to secure your safety while doing so. It’s also a good idea to do some research on the website you’re receiving files from before downloading anything. You will almost surely prevent accidently infecting your device if you follow these easy procedures.
17. Avoid using public Wi-Fi.
Data theft is a common occurrence at public wifi networks. Connecting to them should be avoided at all costs, since it may result in a breach of your privacy. If you don’t have an option, though, make sure you’re utilizing a VPN. Though it won’t provide 100 percent protection, it will give a much-needed layer of security.
Files, Folders, and Drives Can All Be Encrypted
While the emphasis of this tutorial is on online privacy, protecting your locally stored information from harmful third parties is an important component of safeguarding your digital life. Encryption is the most effective method for doing this.
As previously said, several services encrypt your data automatically. AES Crypt and VeraCrypt are the most secure. I strongly advise you to download either one since they can both assist guarantee that every file on your computer is safe.
Always log out of your account.
Logging out of your accounts isn’t only for when you’re using someone else’s computer. Because you never know whether someone is attempting to remotely tap into your PC, you must log out every time you finish visiting your accounts.
Because remembering and typing in your account passwords numerous times a day is a pain, I recommend utilizing a password manager.
Block Location Services (20).
Many services rely on your location to function. Many people, however, do not request it but do it nonetheless since they have their own intentions.
If you want to keep your online privacy, never give these services access to your location. If this happens, always use a VPN service to hide your real location and make it seem as if you’re somewhere else.
Putting Everything Together
Even though the internet is a potentially hazardous environment, you should not be frightened to utilize it. There are several methods to safeguard oneself. If you take the steps outlined here, you’ll be safe when surfing the web.
It will take some time and work, but you can improve your digital privacy. And, in case you’re wondering, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for ensuring your privacy. The greatest thing you can do is not take any chances and do all you can to keep any malevolent third parties out of your life.
Our team is proud to have contributed to making the internet a lot safer place to be. We really hope you were given appropriate information on the significance of digital privacy and how to protect it.
The “online privacy articles” is a guide to help you protect your online privacy. It includes 20 different ways to protect your personal information on the internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 5 things you can do online to protect your privacy?
A:
1) Disable cookies. Cookies are used by websites to track your online browsing habits, which can be intrusive and cause privacy issues if theyre not managed properly.
2) Use a VPN service when connecting to the internet. A Virtual Private Network or VPN is an encrypted connection that creates a secure tunnel between you and another network over the internet, such as when using public Wi-Fi hotspots in coffee shops or other locations with shared connections like airports or hotels.
3) Be careful about what information you share on social media sites – this includes email addresses, phone numbers and anything else that might identify who you are (even just an avatar).
4) Dont use apps from companies who insist on data collection without letting users know how their personal information will be used; opt for more open alternatives instead of less private ones so people have agency over their own data rather than handing it off blindly to companies.
5) Delete all photos, videos and content stored on devices after viewing them once because most digital cameras create copies of any images taken even if deleted before downloading onto a computer/phone/tablet etcetera…
How can users protect their privacy on the Internet?
A: There are many ways to protect your privacy online, and the best way is to avoid using services that collect information about you without permission.
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