Worried about the personal information you’re sharing online? Online privacy is a legitimate concern for anyone who uses the internet. Here are ways you can help protect your privacy online:
Table of Contents
- 1. Be Careful about What You Share On Social Media
- 2. Use a VPN
- 3. Use Strong Passwords And Two-factor Authentication
- 4. Be Careful Where You Click
- 5. Be Cautious About The Emails You Open
- 6. Browse Incognito Mode
- 7. Use a Different Search Engine
- 8. Block APPs From Tracking You
- 9. Install Quality Antivirus Software
- 10. Download The Latest Security Updates For Your Apps And Softwares
- 11. Secure Your Mobile Devices
- 12. Avoid Public Wi-fi
Be mindful of the personal information you’re sharing on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Think about what you’re posting and who might have access to it before hitting publish or send.
This includes information like your home address, phone number, and email address. You should also be cautious about sharing other sensitive information like your birthdate, employer, and relationship status.
2. Use a VPN
If you’re concerned about your online privacy, one of the best things you can do is use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it much harder for anyone to track or spy on what you’re doing online.
3. Use Strong Passwords And Two-factor Authentication
Make sure your passwords are strong and unique, and consider using two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
4. Be Careful Where You Click
When you’re online, be careful where you click. Hackers can use malicious links and attachments to infect your computer with malware or steal your personal information. If you’re not sure whether a link is safe, don’t click it. And if you’re ever prompted to download something, make sure you trust the source before proceeding.
5. Be Cautious About The Emails You Open
Beware of phishing scams where hackers try to trick you into revealing personal information or downloading malicious software. If an email looks suspicious, don’t click on any links or attachments.
6. Browse Incognito Mode
When you browse the web in Incognito Mode, your browser doesn’t save your history, cookies, or information you enter into forms. That means anyone who has access to your computer won’t be able to see what you’ve been up to online.
To browse in Incognito Mode:
- Chrome – Open Chrome and click the menu icon in the top-right corner. Select “New Incognito Window.”
- Safari – Open Safari and click the File menu. Select “New Private Window.”
- Firefox – Open Firefox and click the menu icon in the top-right corner. Select “New Private Window.”
- Microsoft Edge – Open Microsoft Edge and click the menu icon in the top-right corner. Select “New InPrivate Window.”
7. Use a Different Search Engine
You don’t have to rely on Google if you’re serious about your online privacy. You can try other search engines sometimes.
8. Block APPs From Tracking You
You can block apps from tracking you by changing the privacy settings on your phone or computer.
9. Install Quality Antivirus Software
Antivirus software can help protect your computer from malware, but not all antivirus programs are created equal. When choosing an antivirus program, look for one that offers real-time protection, automatic updates, and a user-friendly interface. And make sure to keep it up to date.
10. Download The Latest Security Updates For Your Apps And Softwares
One of the best ways to protect your devices from security threats is to keep your apps and operating systems up to date. By downloading the latest security updates, you can help patch any vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit.
11. Secure Your Mobile Devices
Your privacy is also at risk when you use mobile devices like phones and tablets. To help protect your information, make sure your devices are password-protected and that you only download apps from trusted sources. You should also be careful about the permissions you grant to apps — only give them access to the information they need to function.
12. Avoid Public Wi-fi
When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, anyone on that network can potentially spy on your internet activity. If you want to use public Wi-Fi, make sure the Wi-Fi is secure.