Online privacy: How to protect your identity online
Written by Daily Fix - Published 01-Jul-2023, last updated 21-Jun-2024
In today's digital age, it's more important than ever to protect your privacy online. With so much of our personal information stored online, and smartphones active as personal tracking devices, it's easy for companies, governments, and even criminals to track our every move.
From the videos you watch on YouTube to the searches you type into a search engine, all this information can be pieced together to build a frightingly detailed profile you you, your interests, your health, your fears and your day to day activities.
But there are steps you can take to protect your privacy online...
Use a VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location. This makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity, as long as you trust that the VPN provider isn't logging your internet activity and selling your data to a third party.
VPNs aren't the magic bullet, but they can be used as a line of defence in your battle to remain private online.
To find out more about VPNs and how they can help protect your privacy online, head over to our "What is a VPN" blog.
Use private browsing mode
When you're using private browsing mode, your browser won't save your browsing history, cookies, or other data. This can help to protect your privacy if you're using a public computer or if you're not sure who else might be able to access your computer. Private browsing mode is also know as ingognito mode.
Reasons to use private browsing mode
There are a few reasons why you might want to use private browsing mode:
- To keep your browsing activity private: If you are using a shared computer or device, you may want to use private browsing mode to keep your browsing activity private from other users.
- To prevent websites from tracking you: Some websites use cookies to track your browsing activity across different websites. This allows them to build a profile of your interests and show you targeted advertising. Private browsing mode prevents websites from tracking you in this way.
- To troubleshoot website problems: If you are having problems with a website, you can use private browsing mode to see if the problem is caused by your browser's add-ons or extensions.
And here are some of the benefits of using private browsing mode:
- Your browsing history will not be saved.
- Cookies will not be saved.
- Temporary internet files will not be saved.
- Website data will not be saved.
- Search history will not be saved.
It is important to note that private browsing mode does not make you completely anonymous online. Your internet service provider (ISP) and the websites you visit can still see your IP address. This means that they can still track your general browsing activity, even if they cannot see the specific websites you visit.
However, private browsing mode can help to protect your privacy in some situations. If you are concerned about your privacy, you can use private browsing mode in combination with other privacy-protecting measures, such as using a VPN or a secure browser.
Use an ad blocker
An ad blocker is a software that prevents ads from displaying on websites. Ad blockers can be installed as browser extensions or as standalone applications such as Pi-hole. As well as suppressing adverts on websites, an ad blocker can also help to prevent companies from tracking your online activity.
So there are several reasons why uou might want to use an ad blocker. These include:
- To protect your privacy: Some ads contain tracking pixels that can be used to track your browsing activity. Ad blockers can help to protect your privacy by blocking these tracking pixels.
- To improve your browsing experience: Ads can be annoying and distracting. They can also slow down your browser and make websites load more slowly. Ad blockers can help to improve your browsing experience by removing these distractions.
- To save data: Ads can consume a lot of data. Ad blockers can help to save data by blocking these ads.
- To support websites: Ad blockers can hurt the revenue of websites that rely on advertising. If you want to support websites that you enjoy, you can whitelist them in your ad blocker. This will allow ads from those websites to display.
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
Strong passwords and two-factor authentication can help to protect your accounts from being hacked.
Strong passwords
A strong password is a password that is difficult to guess or crack. It should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Here are some tips for creating a strong password:
- Use a variety of characters: Your password should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This will make it more difficult for someone to guess your password.
- Avoid using dictionary words: Don't use dictionary words or common phrases in your password. These are easy to guess.
- Make it long: The longer your password, the more difficult it will be to guess.
- Don't use personal information: Don't use your name, birthday, or other personal information in your password. This information is easy to find online.
- Don't reuse passwords: Don't use the same password for multiple accounts. If one account is compromised, your other accounts will be at risk.
- Change your passwords regularly: Change your passwords regularly, especially if you think they may have been compromised.
Here are some examples of strong passwords:
Th3R34l15N05h4R35
J@m350n@2314
7h1515455tr0ng!
Two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (or 2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring two forms of verification instead of just a password.
The first factor typically involves something you know, like your password or PIN code. The second factor involves something you have, such as a security key or a unique code sent to your mobile device. This combination makes it significantly harder for hackers to gain unauthorised access to your accounts.
By utilising 2FA, even if someone manages to obtain your password through methods like phishing or data breaches, they won't be able to log in without the additional verification step.
One popular form of 2FA is the use of security keys. For more information, read our guide to two factor authentication.
Be aware of privacy settings on your devices and apps
Make sure you understand the privacy settings on your devices and apps. You can usually find these settings in the "Privacy" or "Security" section of your device's settings.
Take the time to familiarise yourself with these privacy settings. Many devices have dedicated sections in their settings menu labeled as Privacy or Security where you can find these options. It's important not to overlook this step, as understanding these settings will empower you to make informed decisions about your digital privacy.
Within these privacy settings, you may find features that allow you to manage app permissions. This means that instead of granting blanket access to all of your device's functions and data when installing an app, you can choose which permissions the app can have. For example, you could grant access for a social media app to use your camera but restrict its access to your location data.
Apart from managing app permissions, privacy settings also offer capabilities like controlling notifications, restricting background data usage by certain apps, and enabling encryption for enhanced security. By exploring each option within these settings menus thoroughly, you can fine-tune your device's behavior according to your preferences while prioritizing your privacy.
Lastly, keep in mind that regularly reviewing and updating your privacy settings is essential. With new software updates or changes in regulations concerning data protection, it's important to stay informed about any developments relevant to safeguarding your online presence.
Taking advantage of the privacy management tools available on our devices and apps empowers us as users by giving us greater control over our digital footprint.
It may not be the greatest read of your life, but it's one of the most important ones if you're serious about privacy!
Use a secure email provider
A secure email provider is an email service that encrypts your emails before they are sent. This means that only the intended recipient can read them, even if they are intercepted in transit. Secure email providers also typically have strong security measures in place to protect your account from being hacked.
There are several reasons why you might want to use a secure email provider. These include:
- Privacy: Secure email providers help to protect your privacy by encrypting your emails. This means that your emails are not readable by anyone but the intended recipient, even if they are intercepted in transit.
- Security: Secure email providers also take steps to protect your account from being hacked. This includes using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and other security measures.
- Transparency: Secure email providers are often more transparent about their privacy practices than other email providers. This means that you can be sure that your data is being handled in a responsible way.
- Additional security features: Some secure email providers offer additional features that can help you to protect your privacy, such as the ability to send self-destructing emails or to encrypt your contacts.
If you are concerned about the privacy of your email, then using a secure email provider is a good way to protect yourself. There are a number of different secure email providers available, so you can choose one that meets your needs.
Some of the most popular secure email providers include ProtonMail, Tutanota and Mailfence.
Use an encrypted messaging app
An encrypted message app is a messaging app that uses encryption to protect the privacy of your messages. This means that only the intended recipient can read your messages, even if they are intercepted in transit.
Encrypted message apps use a variety of encryption algorithms to protect your messages. Some of the most common encryption algorithms used in encrypted message apps include AES, RSA and ECC.
Encrypted message apps also typically use a variety of security features to protect your privacy. Some of the most common security features used in encrypted message apps include:
- End-to-end encryption: End-to-end encryption means that your messages are encrypted from the moment you send them until the moment they are received. This means that even the app provider cannot read your messages.
- Self-destruction: Some encrypted message apps allow you to set messages to self-destruct after a certain amount of time. This means that your messages will be deleted from both your device and the recipient's device after a certain amount of time.
Here are some of the most popular encrypted message apps:
- Signal: Signal is a popular encrypted message app that is available for Android and iOS. Signal is open-source and non-profit, and it is considered to be one of the most secure encrypted message apps available.
- WhatsApp: WhatsApp is a popular encrypted message app that is available for Android and iOS. WhatsApp is owned by Meta, and it is not as secure as Signal. However, WhatsApp is still a good option for encrypted messaging if you are looking for a user-friendly app.
- Telegram: Telegram is a popular encrypted message app that is available for Android and iOS. Telegram is a good option for encrypted messaging if you are looking for an app with a lot of features.
When choosing an encrypted message app, it is important to consider your needs and the features that are important to you. You should also read the app's privacy policy to understand how your data will be handled.
Store your files in an encrypted cloud storage service
Encrypted cloud storage services offer users the ability to store their files securely in the cloud, shielding them from potential breaches and ensuring peace of mind.
One of the primary advantages of using an encrypted cloud storage service is the added layer of security it provides. Encryption algorithms are employed to scramble your files before they are uploaded to the cloud, making them virtually impossible to decipher without the encryption key. This means that even if a hacker were able to gain access to your stored data, they would still be unable to make sense of it without this key-an essential component that only you possess.
Some secure online cloud storage services include:
Sync.com
Sync.com offers zero-knowledge encryption, which means that even Sync.com cannot access your data. Is has a strong focus on security, with features like two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption.
Sync.com is easy to use and has a clean interface. At the time of writing they offer a free plan with 5GB of storage so that you can try out their service.
pCloud
Just like Sync.com. pCloud offers a variety of security features, including zero-knowledge encryption, two-factor authentication, and file recovery.
pCloud has a large storage capacity, with plans up to 5TB. It's easy to use, has a modern interface and offers a free plan with 10GB of storage.
Icedrive
Icedrive offers zero-knowledge encryption and a user-friendly interface. It has a strong focus on privacy, with features like end-to-end encryption and no data collection.
Icedrive fffers a free plan with 10GB of storage.
These are just a few of the many secure cloud storage services available. When choosing a cloud storage service, it is important to consider your specific needs and requirements. However, any of the three services listed above would be a good choice for those looking for a secure and reliable cloud storage solution.
Use a secure operating system
A secure operating system is an operating system that has been designed with robust security measures in place to protect against potential threats and vulnerabilities.
A secure operating system incorporates various features to safeguard user information and prevent unauthorised access. These features may include advanced encryption protocols, strict access controls, and robust authentication mechanisms. Furthermore, a secure operating system regularly undergoes rigorous testing and updates to address any newly discovered vulnerabilities or weaknesses. It also provides strong isolation between different processes running on the same machine to minimize the risk of one compromised application impacting others.
One major benefit of using a secure operating system is its ability to defend against malware attacks such as viruses, Trojans, and ransomware.
Examples of secire operating systems include:
Qubes OS
Qubes OS is a security-focused operating system that uses virtualization to isolate different applications and processes. This makes it very difficult for malware to spread from one part of the system to another. Qubes OS is also based on Linux, which is a very secure operating system in its own right.
Tails OS
TAILS OS is a live operating system that is designed for use on USB drives. It is based on Debian Linux and includes a number of security features, such as Tor for anonymous browsing and a hardened Firefox browser. TAILS OS is also designed to be very portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
OpenBSD
OpenBSD is a free and open-source operating system that is known for its security. It is based on the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) and has a very small codebase, which makes it easier to audit for security vulnerabilities. OpenBSD also has a strong community of security researchers who are constantly working to find and fix security bugs.
These are just a few examples of secure operating systems. There are many other options available, including Whonix OS, Debian, Kali Linux, BlackArch Linux and Pure OS, so you should do some research to find the one that is right for you.
It is important to note that no operating system is completely secure. However, the operating systems listed above have all been designed with security in mind and have a good track record of security. If you are looking for a secure operating system, then one of these options would be a good choice.
Be careful what apps you install
It is crucial to exercise caution and only download applications from reputable and trusted sources. By doing so, you can minimize the risk of inadvertently allowing harmful or malicious apps access to sensitive information.
Before installing any app, take the time to carefully examine its privacy policy. This document sheds light on what personal data the app collects from users and how it utilises that information. Understanding these details allows you to make an informed decision regarding the safety of your privacy.
Reputable app developers typically outline their data collection practices transparently in their privacy policies. Look for indicators that they prioritize user privacy by safeguarding collected data securely and not unnecessarily sharing it with third parties.
It is worth noting that certain types of apps may require access to specific permissions, such as location services or contact lists. Evaluate whether such permissions align with the app's intended functionality before proceeding with installation. Ask yourself why that app you've just downloaded to identify plants wants access to your microphone!
Additionally, stay mindful of overly invasive apps that collect excessive amounts of data unrelated to their core features. This excess collection could put your privacy at risk if your personal information ends up being mishandled or exploited without your knowledge.
Once an app has access to your personal data, it becomes difficult to regain control over who has access to it in the future. Therefore, exercising vigilance during the initial installation stage is crucial for protecting your privacy moving forward.
By adhering to these guidelines and remaining vigilant about which apps you install, you can significantly reduce the chances of compromising your personal information and ensure a safer digital experience. Be cautious and thoughtful when making decisions about downloading and using apps - safeguarding privacy starts with taking control over the information we willingly share online.
Only install apps from trusted sources. And before you install an app, make sure you read the privacy policy to see what information the app collects and how it uses that information.
Be aware of the security risks of using public Wi-Fi
You're enjoying a coffee and a chat with a friend in your favourite coffee shop, so the security of their WiFi is probably the furthest thing from your thought. But using public Wi-Fi can expose you to various security risks that could compromise your sensitive information.
One major concern is snooping, where attackers intercept your online activities and gain unauthorised access to your personal data. When connected to unsecure Wi-Fi networks, your data is often transmitted in clear text, making it easy for hackers to capture and exploit it. This means that any personal information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details you enter while using public Wi-Fi can be intercepted by malicious actors.
Hackers can also set up fake networks that mimic legitimate ones, tempting unsuspecting users to connect and unwittingly hand over their data. It's important to remain cautious and avoid connecting to unknown or untrusted Wi-Fi networks as they may lack proper security measures. Implementing additional security measures like using a virtual private network (VPN) can help mitigate the risks associated with public Wi-Fi.
Be mindful of the websites you visit while connected to public Wi-Fi as some may not have secure connections (https). Avoid entering sensitive information on these sites as it could be compromised easily. Always ensure that your devices are updated with the latest security patches and use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
Public Wi-Fi networks come with inherent risks that cannot be overlooked. Being aware of these potential threats and taking proactive steps to protect your data will go a long way in ensuring your online safety and maintaining the privacy of your sensitive information.
Oh, enjoy your coffee and tell your friend we say "Hi".
Keep your software up to date
Keeping your software up to date is important for a number of reasons, particularly with online privacy and security in mind.
Software vendors often release security updates to patch known vulnerabilities in their software. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by hackers to gain access to your computer or network. By keeping your software up to date, you can help to protect yourself from these attacks.
Conclusion
It's important to remember that there is no such thing as perfect privacy online. However, by following these tips, you can make it more difficult for people to track you and collect your personal information.
FAQs
What is two factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication is a security measure that adds an extra layer of protection to your online accounts by requiring you to provide two different forms of identification - such as a password and a 6 digit code sent to your phone.