15 Things to Do to Improve Your Online Privacy
In today’s hyper-connected world, online privacy has become a necessity, not a luxury. As cyber threats increase, protecting personal data and staying safe online should be at the forefront of your digital habits. Below, we’ve compiled ten actionable tips to help safeguard your privacy online.
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
A staggering 81% of hacking-related breaches are due to weak or reused passwords, according to a Verizon report. Never reuse the same password across platforms. Opt for strong combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols, and make each password unique. Consider using a password manager to generate and store these securely.
2. Use VPN
When searching for app privacy, you will definitely come across VPN. Any application is a potential risk, and a VPN app reduces it. How? If you protect with VeePN, you can prevent DDoS attacks, maintain anonymity, protect your IP, quickly detect a phishing attack, keep your data safe and much more. VPN technology itself offers quite a lot of advantages, and providers like VeePN give additional bonuses, such as ad blocking, a no-logs policy or bypassing regional restrictions on any web services.
3. Review Privacy Settings on Social Media
Social platforms are treasure troves of personal data. Review your privacy settings regularly to control who can see your posts, personal information, and friend lists. Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn frequently update these settings, so staying vigilant is essential.
4. Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but often insecure. Cybercriminals can intercept your data over these networks. A safe solution is to use a VPN whenever you connect to public Wi-Fi. For example, the aforementioned VeePN encrypts your data and makes it harder for hackers to snoop. Although they can still intercept the data, they cannot read it.
5. Avoid Oversharing Personal Information
Have you ever filled out an online quiz asking for your pet’s name or favorite childhood memory? These seemingly harmless details are often answers to security questions. Sharing too much personal information can expose you to phishing attacks and identity theft.
6. Install Browser Extensions for Privacy
Privacy-focused browser extensions like uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, or DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials block trackers and prevent websites from collecting unnecessary data. These tools are free and easy to install, making them an excellent addition to your digital arsenal.
7. Update Software and Devices Regularly
An estimated 60% of breaches are due to unpatched vulnerabilities in outdated software. Hackers exploit these weaknesses to infiltrate systems. Keep your operating system, browser, and apps up to date to reduce risks. Enable automatic updates whenever possible.
8. Be Wary of Phishing Scams
Phishing scams account for over 90% of all cyberattacks, making them one of the most common threats online. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages requesting personal information. Check for suspicious email addresses, typos, or strange attachments before clicking anything.
9. Secure Your Home Network
Your home Wi-Fi should also be locked down. Change the default router password to something unique, use WPA3 encryption, and consider hiding your network’s name (SSID). This prevents unauthorized users from connecting to your network.
10. Delete Old Accounts
Inactive accounts you no longer use are a weak link in your digital privacy. If breached, they may provide a gateway to your current accounts. Regularly audit and delete old accounts, especially on platforms you no longer use.
11. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Even if hackers steal your password, they’ll need a second authentication factor, like a code sent to your phone. This simple step can significantly reduce unauthorized access.
12. Disable Location Tracking
Many apps and websites track your location, often unnecessarily. While it might seem harmless, location data can reveal patterns about your daily life, making you vulnerable to targeted ads or even physical threats. Disable location tracking for apps that don’t need it and turn off location services on your devices when not in use.
13. Be Selective with App Permissions
Apps often request permissions they don’t need, such as access to your camera, microphone, or contacts. Before granting these permissions, ask yourself: does the app truly need this information to function? For example, a flashlight app shouldn’t need access to your location or contacts. Deny unnecessary permissions to minimize data exposure.
14. Use Encrypted Messaging Apps
Switch to messaging apps that prioritize encryption, such as Signal or WhatsApp. End-to-end encryption ensures that only you and the recipient can read the messages, even if someone intercepts them. This is especially critical for sensitive conversations.
15. Set Up Alerts for Data Breaches
No matter how cautious you are, data breaches happen. Websites like HaveIBeenPwned allow you to check if your email or phone number has been compromised in a breach. Better yet, set up alerts so you’re notified immediately when your data is exposed. Quick action, like changing passwords, can mitigate further damage.
The Bigger Picture: Why Online Privacy Matters
Online privacy isn’t just about protecting personal data—it’s about controlling your digital footprint. Data breaches are on the rise, with 422 million individuals affected in 2022 alone. By following these tips, you minimize your risk of falling victim to cyberattacks, giving you peace of mind in an increasingly digital world.
Start implementing these changes today. Your future self will thank you.