Protecting your online data is crucial in today’s digital age. Using a privacy-focused web browser can help safeguard your information from prying eyes. These browsers block trackers and other invasive features such as the Facebook pixel, and many also block ads. They prevent third-party cookies and upgrade websites to https connections whenever possible. According to personaldata.info’s tests on browsers’ default settings, Brave emerged as the top performer in terms of privacy protection. Firefox is another strong contender, though it may require additional extensions to match Brave’s performance.
While Google is the go-to search engine for many people due to its highly relevant results, it’s important to note that these results are personalized using data about users. This data is also used to display targeted ads. For those concerned about their privacy, using a privacy-focused search engine is highly recommended. Startpage offers a great solution by returning Google results without the trackers and personalization. If you prefer to avoid Google results altogether, Mojeek and Brave Search are two excellent alternatives that prioritize user privacy.
While using the internet, your internet service provider (ISP), or network admin, can see your activity. Also, websites and apps can get your approximate location from your IP address. To avoid this, you can use something called a virtual private network, or more commonly known as a VPN. VPNs make encrypted connections between your device and a private server. All of the traffic sent and received from your device is then routed through this server.
This allows the content of your web traffic to be hidden while also masking your IP address. However, it is important to know that a VPN does not make you invisible. Your ISP may not be able to view your traffic, but they can still see that you are using a VPN. Also, not all VPNs are the same. Some are more private than others. This is why it is important to use a well-known VPN that does not keep logs. Because of its great free and paid plans, Proton VPN is a great option.
Autofill is a convenient feature that can save you time when filling out forms online. However, it’s important to be cautious when using it. Hackers may exploit autofill to steal your private information such as email addresses, home addresses, passwords and credit card details. While reputable websites will not use autofill to track or steal your information, it’s best to avoid using it on suspicious websites that may be attempting to phish for your private data.Click here to test what information your autofill might leak.
Account security is crucial in today’s digital age and using a strong password is essential in protecting your information. A weak password can leave your account vulnerable to brute force attacks, where hackers try every possible combination until they find the right one. This can result in unauthorized access to your personal data and potentially lead to identity theft or financial loss.
To create a strong password, use a mix of capital letters, numbers and special characters and make sure it’s at least 12 characters long. Avoid using personal information such as birth dates or social security numbers in your password as these can be easily guessed by hackers. Instead, use a random combination of characters that would be difficult for someone else to guess.
In addition to creating a strong password, it’s also important to regularly update it and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. This can help prevent hackers from gaining access to all of your accounts if one of them is compromised. Check out our password tools. for help making a password.
Social media allows us to share our lives with others, but it’s important to exercise caution when posting personal information. Details such as your birthday, email address and phone number should be kept private. It’s also wise to avoid sharing details about your daily routine or vacation plans as this can make you vulnerable to theft or other crimes.
In addition to being mindful of what you post, it’s also important to be aware of the data contained in the images you share. Using open-source intelligence techniques, individuals can extract a wealth of information from a single photo.
In summary, it’s best to limit what you share on social media and only post information that you would be comfortable with complete strangers knowing. By being cautious and mindful of your online presence, you can help protect your privacy and security.
Many big tech companies collect and store vast amounts of personal data on their users, which can be used for targeted advertising or even sold to third parties. This can lead to a loss of privacy and the potential for the misuse of personal information. Additionally, no data is 100% safe. If companies are collecting large amounts of information about you, there is always a chance that it could end up in the hands of hackers. Therefore, it is best to use services from smaller, privacy-respecting businesses or open-source software.
Keeping your software and devices up-to-date is an essential step in protecting your online privacy. Software developers and device manufacturers frequently release updates and patches that address security vulnerabilities and fix bugs. When you don't update your software or device, you are leaving yourself open to hackers who can exploit those vulnerabilities and gain access to your personal information. Additionally, updating your device and software ensures that you have access to the latest features and security measures that are designed to protect your data and privacy.
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