How to protect your online privacy?

⦁ Use a VPN.

A virtual private network is the best tool for online privacy, security and freedom. It masks a user’s IP address, hides the online identity and prevents internet service providers, attackers and bounty hunters from monitoring your online behavior. The best VPN service, like iProVPN, will always be situated in a safe jurisdiction, will have a zero-logs policy, provide 256-bit end-to-end encryption and available 24*7 for customer assistance.

⦁ Manage internet cookies.

Internet cookies are small files websites store on your computer. Browsers primarily save cookies to personalize a user’s online experience. These data packets consist of information about your preferences, likes, dislikes and your common internet movements. For example, when you visit the website of a German university, you navigate to the header and translate the website into English. This information will be stored in your browser and the next time you visit this website, there are 75% chances your browser will load the page in English unless you delete the cookies. It is quite difficult to surf the internet and browse websites without cookies, therefore, it is a better idea to manage and remove them regularly, rather than deleting all of them together.

⦁ Use a secure browser.

A secure browser reduces digital fingerprinting and enables DNS over HTTPS. This is an advanced security and privacy feature which encrypts users’ search queries so they can’t be read or viewed by middle-men. Mozilla Firefox is a highly recommended browser because it’s built on open-source technology and makes conscientious efforts to keep user privacy and security intact. It regularly releases security updates and has tons of privacy extensions for users who desire digital safety.

⦁ Ensure secure streaming and torrenting.

Streaming, torrenting and online gaming greatly contribute to cybercrimes and identity thefts. Torrenteers stream on free VPN services and their IP addresses are often exposed. This helps attackers and middle-men bounty hunters to monitor, collect and process sensitive user data. If you want to ensure maximum privacy and security while also torrenting and gaming, you are advised to subscribe to a reliable VPN service. If you like streaming global content, buy best VPN to use in USA, because almost all geo-restricted content is easily available there.

⦁ Establish strong password habits.

Strong passwords are the cornerstone of internet security. No intruder can ever get into any social media account or banking platform without a password, which they illegally extract from user’s online behavior. Develop these password habits and teach them to your children too:

⦁ Use a high-standard WPA2-based Wi-Fi password, also called network security key.

⦁ Create complex passwords based on alphanumeric and special characters, not on your personal details.

⦁ Avoid using similar passwords on different platforms. If they are difficult to remember, use a password manager.

⦁ Enable 2 Factor Authentication on social media accounts, digital banking platforms and communication apps.

If you are using third-party password managers and 2FA apps, read their privacy policy, ensure they are ad-free and don’t sell your data. Most secure password management apps are Dashlane and Twilio Authy 2 factor Authentication.

⦁ Share limited information on social media.

Avoid sharing sensitive ‘Personally Identifiable Information (PII) via social media. Don’t provide your cellphone number, address and credit card number via FaceBook messenger or Instagram. Your receiver’s account can be hacked leading to serious data leaks and intruders can get to your physical address tracing your location.

⦁ Turn off ad personalization.

Platforms like Google Chrome and Facebook channel personalized ads. These platforms often process and share your data with third parties to create customized advertisements. It is advisable you disable personalized advertisements so that least if your data is shared, processed and sold to third-parties.

⦁ Ensure email security.

We exchange sensitive information via emails. CVs, resumes, datasheets, bank statements etc. Most emails are not end-to-end encrypted and can be read or viewed by anyone in transit. Here are 3 healthy email habits you should establish today:

⦁ Use a secure email provider that provides end-to-end email encryption.

⦁ If you want to continue Gmail and Outlook, make sure your sensitive files are password protected. Also, don’t use email to send that password. A video call or a text message would be better.

⦁ Set strict spam filters. Empty spam regularly and avoid opening suspicious emails.

⦁ Don’t click URLs from unknown senders. Avoid clicking links that are already marked suspicious/malicious by your email provider.

ProtonMail and Tutanota provide encrypted emails. They have free basic plans for individual users and premium versions for professionals.

⦁ Install an antivirus program.

An antivirus provides device-level security. Efficient antivirus programs are ad-free, generate reports before users would download apps, diagnose networks for malware and notify the user in case of data leaks and confidentiality breaches. Choose an antivirus program that:

⦁ Does not have ads

⦁ Does not crash with a VPN running in the background

⦁ Allows synchronization between different devices

⦁ Has versions for major operating systems and platforms

⦁ Acts offline too.

Bitdefender, McAfee Security and Avast are the most popular antivirus programs.

⦁ Avoid banking on public Wi-Fi.

Users have to insert sensitive information, user IDs and passwords for signing in digital banking platforms. Do not access these platforms and payment gateways when using public Wi-Fi service. These are weak networks and can be penetrated. If an attacker would spoof your online activity, he will conveniently get access to this banking information and you may have to face serious financial consequences. If the matter is urgent, make sure you are using a VPN to cover your IP address.

Antivirus, VPN and secure browsers are primary tools for cybersecurity. Establish internet hygiene and make sure your security suite has these programs for additional safety. Take back the control and enjoy online freedom like it’s meant to be.