Each time you connect your device to the internet, there are certain fundamental rules of behavior to follow, as well as technologies that aid in secure and private travel. With cybercrime and social engineering assaults on the increase, it’s prudent to safeguard your online safety and security. Protecting your privacy online may take more work, but it will help keep your personal information secure and private. Additionally, it will deter stalkers.
The following are seven online privacy guidelines to assist you and keep your data secure.
1. Maintain an up-to-date version of your applications
Not only will keeping your applications updated provide you with a better user experience, enhanced functionality, and new features, but it will also help protect your online privacy.
While it’s easy to dismiss those irritating alerts alerting you to the newest software update, they serve a critical function. Every day, millions of new malware variants are launched into the public, which is why we recommend that you protect your devices by keeping your applications updated.
2. When sharing a device, always browse incognito
When accessing the internet from a shared device, it is prudent to utilize anonymous browsing. In this manner, your activities will be hidden from other users of the same device.
3. Be wary of online competitions, surveys, or rewards that are promised
Businesses often use marketing techniques to get you to share your email address and other personal information with them. While sharing your email address may seem innocuous, the reality is that your personal information will almost certainly be used for advertising purposes. Another possibility is that they sell your email address to other companies, which is much worse.
While contests and prizes may seem tempting, is a free hotel stay worth jeopardizing your privacy? After all, the odds are that you will almost definitely not win anything and that your data will get into the wrong hands.
4. Begin using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
When you connect to the internet, your internet service provider, the websites you visit, and even other network users may all monitor your online activity through your IP address. To increase your security, you may want to consider utilizing a VPN.
Consider VPN to be a tunnel. Your internet connection is routed via this tunnel, which conceals your IP address before it is visible to the aforementioned. They are only able to see the VPN provider, not you. However, you should constantly keep in mind that your IP address, and therefore your behavior and all internet traffic, are accessible to the VPN service you’ve selected. As a result, you must use extreme caution in making your selection.
When selecting a VPN service, it is important to examine the kind of personal data gathered and to keep in mind that if something is given for free, you may be paying with your personal data. As a responsible customer, you must do your research and choose the VPN service that is best for you.
Consider NordVPN now.
5. Educate yourself about alternate products and services
Since the day you first accessed the internet, you may still be using the same browsers, search engines, and email. There is nothing wrong with it as long as you are completely informed of the personal data you are sharing with the aforementioned and the alternative choices accessible to you.
Email is undoubtedly something you use on a daily basis. Numerous solutions exist that provide safe and end-to-end encryption. When your communications are encrypted, you can be certain that neither the service provider nor other parties such as secret services or cybercriminals can access the information. On the other hand, if your communications are not encrypted, as is the case when you use a basic mail exchange service, the service provider and other parties may see the content of your communication.
6. Utilize robust passwords
The first line of defense against unwanted access to our personal information is a strong password. Passwords that are strong are alphanumeric and include a combination of numbers, letters, and special characters. When establishing a new password, keep the following suggestions in mind:
- Avoid disclosing personal information: Your name, birthdate, home address, and email address are often made public, making it simpler for someone to guess your password.
- Consider using a longer password: Your password should be at least seven characters long, but it may take longer for further protection.
- Use a unique password for each account: Many individuals choose to create a single password for all of their online accounts. This, however, is something that may jeopardize their accounts. If someone finds your password for one account, they will have easy access to all of your other accounts.
- Combine liberally: Using a password that has a combination of numbers, symbols, capital and lowercase characters, and no pattern makes it more difficult for hackers and outsiders to get access to your accounts.
- Create your own letter combination: Avoid using dictionary terms. For instance, football123 would be a poor password choice. Consider something comparable to this FtOo1AlL23b instead.
- The best passwords are random: If you have difficulty generating one, there are many free password generation programs available online. They can generate strong passwords for you and protect you from online attacks.
7. Avoid using public networks or devices to access private accounts
It’s best to avoid logging into your social media or online banking accounts entirely while utilizing a public Wi-Fi network, such as those found at railway stations, coffee shops, airports, or retail establishments. These types of networks often gather and transmit your personal information to other parties. Rogue networks are capable of monitoring your internet activities, stealing your credentials, and even infecting your device with malware.
Naturally, if you have a reputable VPN installed on your computer, you need not fear, since a VPN serves as a protective shield against any potential assault.
Consider NordVPN now.