Tips for digital privacy and online security
1. Use strong passwords and a password manager
One of the most common ways that hackers can break into your online accounts is by guessing or cracking your passwords. Therefore, it is important to use strong, unique passwords for every account you have. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long, include upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid common words or phrases. A unique password means that you should not use the same password for multiple accounts or services.
However, remembering dozens of complex passwords can be challenging. That's why you should use a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely. A password manager is a software program or app that creates random passwords for your accounts and saves them in an encrypted vault that only you can access. You only need to remember one master password to unlock the vault. Some of the best password managers are LastPass and 1Password.
2. Enable two-factor authentication
Another way to enhance your account security is by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. 2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring you to enter a second piece of information after entering your password. This could be a code sent to your phone or email, a fingerprint scan, or a physical device like a USB key. This way, even if someone steals or guesses your password, they won't be able to access your account without the second factor.
Many online services offer 2FA as an option in their settings. You can check whether a website supports 2FA on this website: https://twofactorauth.org/. You can also use an app like Google Authenticator or Authy to generate codes for 2FA instead of relying on text messages or emails.
3. Use a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that encrypts and routes your internet traffic through a remote server, hiding your IP address and location from anyone who might be snooping on your online activity. A VPN can help you protect your digital privacy by preventing your internet service provider (ISP), government agencies, hackers, or advertisers from tracking what websites you visit, what files you download, or what messages you send.
A VPN can also help you access geo-restricted content, such as streaming services or websites that are blocked in your country. However, not all VPNs are created equal. Some may collect your data, sell your bandwidth, or expose you to malware. Therefore, you should do some research before choosing a VPN provider and look for one that has a good reputation, a strict no-logs policy, and strong encryption standards. Some of the best VPNs are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
4. Use HTTPS and check for SSL certificates
When you browse the web, you should always look for the HTTPS protocol in the address bar of your browser. HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure and it means that the website you are visiting is using encryption to protect the data that is exchanged between your browser and the website's server. This prevents anyone from intercepting or tampering with your data, such as your credit card information, login credentials, or personal details.
You should also check for the SSL certificate of the website you are visiting. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and it is a technology that creates a secure connection between your browser and the website's server. You can tell if a website has an SSL certificate by looking for a padlock icon next to the address bar or by clicking on it to see more details about the certificate issuer and validity. If you see a warning message or a red cross instead of a padlock icon, it means that the website is not secure and you should avoid entering any sensitive information on it.
5. Use privacy-focused browsers and extensions
Your browser is the gateway to the internet and it can also be the gateway to your digital privacy. Many popular browsers like Chrome or Safari collect and share your browsing data with third parties for advertising or analytics purposes. They also allow websites to store cookies and trackers on your device that can follow you around the web and build a profile of your interests, preferences, and behavior.
To protect your digital privacy, you should use a privacy-focused browser that blocks ads and trackers, deletes your browsing history and cookies automatically, and offers other features to enhance your online security. Some of the best privacy-focused browsers are Firefox, Brave, and Tor.
You can also use browser extensions to add more functionality and protection to your browser. For example, you can use extensions like uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, or Ghostery to block ads and trackers, HTTPS Everywhere to force websites to use HTTPS, or DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials to search the web anonymously.
6. Be careful with social media and online platforms
Social media and online platforms are great for staying in touch with friends, family, and the world. However, they can also expose your personal data, location, activities, and opinions to a wide audience, including potential hackers, scammers, employers, or authorities. Therefore, you should be careful with what you post, share, or like on these platforms and who you interact with.
You should also review your privacy settings regularly and limit the amount of information you provide to these platforms. For example, you can disable location services, turn off facial recognition, opt out of personalized ads, or delete old posts that you don't want to be seen anymore. You can also use alternative platforms that respect your privacy and don't collect or sell your data. For example, you can use Signal or Telegram instead of WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger for messaging, ProtonMail or Tutanota instead of Gmail or Outlook for email, or Mastodon or MeWe instead of Twitter or Facebook for social networking.
7. Use encryption for your files and messages
Encryption is a process that scrambles your data into an unreadable format that can only be decrypted with a special key. Encryption can help you protect your digital privacy by ensuring that only you and the intended recipient can access your files and messages. Encryption can also prevent anyone from accessing your data if your device is lost or stolen.
You can use encryption for your files and messages in various ways. For example, you can use apps like Signal or Telegram that offer end-to-end encryption for your messages and calls. This means that no one else, not even the app provider, can read or listen to your conversations. You can also use apps like VeraCrypt or BitLocker to encrypt your hard drive or external storage devices. This means that no one else can access your files without the encryption key or password. You can also use apps like ProtonMail or Tutanota that offer end-to-end encryption for your email. This means that no one else, not even the email provider, can read or tamper with your email.
8. Educate yourself and stay updated
The last tip for improving your digital privacy and online security is to educate yourself and stay updated on the latest trends, threats, and best practices. The internet is constantly changing and evolving and so are the risks and challenges that come with it. Therefore, you should always be aware of what's happening in the online world and how it affects you and your data.
You can educate yourself and stay updated by following reputable sources of information such as blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or magazines that cover topics related to digital privacy and online security. Some examples are The Privacy Project by The New York Times, Life Kit by NPR, The CyberWire by The CyberWire Media, Wired by Condé Nast, or Reader's Digest by Trusted Media Brands. You can also join online communities such as forums, groups, or subreddits where you can learn from other people's experiences and share your own tips and questions.
By following these tips, you can improve your digital privacy and online security and enjoy the benefits of the internet without compromising your personal data or identity.
