Do you consider yourself a regular internet user with nothing to hide? You still need to take measures to protect your privacy. Even simple activities like browsing for a new pair of shoes can reveal personal details that bad actors can use against you.
Fortunately, several tools can help keep your information safe from prying eyes.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
A VPN shields your online activity by creating an encrypted connection between your device and the internet. When you connect to a VPN, it assigns you a virtual location, making it appear as if you’re browsing from a different place than your actual physical location. This layer of anonymity can help keep your online habits private, even on public Wi-Fi networks.
Some VPN services can also scan files for malware before you download them and instantly alert you if your email address is leaked on the dark web.
Password Managers
Using a single, easily remembered password across multiple sites is risky, as it’s easier for hackers to guess or crack. If you suffer a data breach on a single platform, it will compromise your privacy across the web.
With a password manager, you only need to remember one master password. The tool does the rest, filling in strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. This reduces the chances of data breaches compromising everything.
It also saves you from having to remember an array of different credentials. Alternatively, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) suggests using three random words.
Secure Browsers
Most standard browsers collect information on your habits. But there’s a wide selection of secure browsers available that prioritise privacy. For example, Brave blocks ads and trackers by default, letting you browse with less risk of data exposure.
In addition, search engines such as Startpage and DuckDuckGo do not use your data to build profiles on you that they can sell.
Ad Blockers
Online advertisers often collect information on your behaviour. Using an ad blocker can prevent trackers from gathering those records. It can also speed up your browsing experience by blocking ad-heavy content. Many of these applications are customisable, so you can permit ads on sites you support while still protecting your privacy elsewhere.
Taking Control of Your Online Privacy
You can use the tools we’ve highlighted above to reclaim control of your online privacy. But to fully protect yourself, you should also develop secure browsing habits like managing your privacy settings on different platforms.
