How to Safeguard Your Digital Privacy: Tips and Tools

Use Strong and Unique Passwords

a. Why use strong passwords?

Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your account. If your password is easy to guess, then cybercriminals can access your account. Passwords are sometimes easy for other users to guess.

For instance, there are many ways people can guess or find your password. Using common words, birthdays, phone numbers, and personal information like your dog’s name or family members’ names are common.

Weak and reused passwords can cause widespread attacks, especially when user credentials are leaked. With a strong password, a hacker may not easily guess your password.

The best passwords are difficult to predict, so it’s best to be safe and have more complicated ones.

b. Tips for creating strong passwords

Combine characters: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase characters, numbers, and symbols.

Skip common words: Use special characters, substitute letters with numbers, and avoid using common passwords and key phrases like “password123”

Consider using a password manager: Password managers can help store and generate passwords you can use for your online accounts. You don’t need to remember each password because the manager does the storage and generation of strong, unique passwords for you. Examples include LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

a. What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional security feature that provides more security on login screens by using two different layers to verify the user identity. It combines something you know (password) with something you own (security key or mobile device).

The purpose is to make it hard for an intruder to access an account. When 2FA is enabled, one must pass the two-factor authentication process in order to gain access to an account. This makes it hard for an attacker or hacker to steal an account password.

b. How to enable 2FA

Most popular services, including Google, Facebook, Twitter, and other web-based applications (like online banking), support two-factor authentication. Follow these steps to enable 2FA:

Choose your second factor: This can be a code sent to your smartphone via SMS, an authentication application (e.g. Google Authenticator or Authy), or hardware security keys (like YubiKey).

Enable 2FA in account settings: Look for the 2FA section in your account settings (usually in the security settings). Follow the instructions to enable it.

Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi

a. Public Wi-Fi risks

Accessing public Wi-Fi networks (coffee shops, airports, hotels, etc.) is convenient but also insecure. Attackers can use public networks to eavesdrop on the traffic that transits between your computer and the Wi-Fi network.

Attackers do this to steal your personal information, account login, and other sensitive data. These attacks are called man-in-the-middle attacks.

b. How to protect your privacy on public Wi-Fi

Use a VPN: A VPN encrypts all your online traffic and prevents anyone from eavesdropping on your online activities. A VPN also masks your IP address and location. Some reputable VPN providers include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost.

Avoid entering sensitive information: Avoid visiting your online banking or entering sensitive data on public Wi-Fi. Visit banking sites and enter sensitive information when you’re on a trusted network.

Use HTTPS: Ensure all websites you visit use HTTPS (check for a padlock in the URL). This means that all communications between your browser and the website are encrypted.

Keep your Software and Devices Updated

a. Why updates are important

Updates are crucial for privacy and online security. Updates usually fix vulnerabilities and bugs in the device’s operating system, software, or browser. These can be easily exploited by hackers to gain access to your device. The result is exposure to data breaches, malware, or even ransomware attacks.

b. How to stay updated

Enable auto-updates: Enable automatic updates on your operating system (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS). Automatic updates ensure you have the latest security patches on your devices at all times.

Update all your apps and software: Update all the apps and software you use, including web browsers and plugins (such as Flash and Java). For example, updating your web browser to the latest version helps you benefit from the latest security features.

Update IoT devices: Update IoT devices like smart thermostats, door locks, and web cameras to avoid security vulnerabilities.

Be Cautious with Social Media Privacy Settings

a. Privacy risks of social media

Online social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others can leak a lot of information about you. They include your birthday, gender, relationship status, education, work, location, interests, and much more.

Hackers can use this data for identity theft or to launch social engineering attacks. Oversharing can also affect your online privacy.

b. How to protect your online privacy on social media

Adjust your privacy settings: Go to the privacy settings on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter). Tweak the settings to limit who can see your posts and personal information.

Think before you share your location: Don’t broadcast your real-time location or tag the location of your social media posts. You should be careful when posting the location.

Restrict third-party apps: Avoid third-party apps by revoking their permissions or deleting them.

Protect Your Data with Encryption

a. What is data encryption?

Encryption is a method of converting data into a secure code. The information can’t be read or used without the decryption key. This makes it very secure because even if the data is intercepted by hackers, it will be in an encrypted format and can’t be used.

b. How to encrypt data

Use full disk encryption: Turn on full disk encryption on your computers and laptops. Full disk encryption is available on BitLocker (Windows), FileVault (macOS), and LUKS (Linux).

Encrypt sensitive data: Use encryption tools to encrypt your files and backups. Tools like VeraCrypt and 7-Zip support data encryption.

Encrypt sensitive online communication: Use encryption tools to encrypt your communications online. Examples of tools that provide secure online communications include ProtonMail (email) and Signal (messaging).

Use Privacy-Focused Browsers and Search Engines

a. Privacy risks when browsing

Web tracking is a big problem in the privacy world. Cookies, web beacons, tracking pixels, etc., track your web activity. This data is used to target advertisements at you based on your online interests, behavior, and past activity. They can also be used to build user profiles, sold to third-party data brokers, or even used by hackers to hijack your account.

b. How to protect your privacy when browsing

Use privacy-focused browsers: Browsers like Brave or Mozilla Firefox offer better privacy features. These browsers block most tracking and advertisements by default. By blocking trackers, it’s harder for your data to be collected.

Use a privacy search engine: Privacy search engines like DuckDuckGo or StartPage don’t store your search history or personal information. This means your search history can’t be used to target ads and build profiles. You also don’t have to worry about your personal data being leaked in data breaches.

Install privacy extensions: Privacy extensions like Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin, and HTTPS Everywhere can help block trackers, ads, and keep your browsing secure.

Manage your digital footprint

a. What is a digital footprint?

A digital footprint is the information trail you leave online. Your digital footprint contains all the things you do or say on the internet, like your social media accounts, blog comments, reviews, and online purchases.

b. How to manage your digital footprint

Search yourself: Search for your name online. What information do you find?

Clean up your online presence: Check for old or unnecessary information about yourself. Request websites to delete unnecessary information. For instance, you can delete outdated information on social media, public records, online directories, etc.

Delete old accounts: Delete old social media and accounts that you’re no longer using.

Protect your mobile devices

a. Mobile privacy risks

Mobile devices have privacy risks just like desktops. For example, phones and tablets are more likely to be compromised by hackers and malicious apps. Other issues include insecure Wi-Fi connections and location tracking.

b. How to protect your mobile privacy

Install a mobile security app: Install a mobile security app on your smartphone to keep it safe from malware and unauthorized access. Mobile security apps like Lookout and McAfee are available on both Android and iOS.

Audit app permissions: Check the permissions of the apps installed on your smartphone. Review permissions and revoke any app that you don’t think should have that level of access.

Use a VPN: If you use public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN on your smartphone

Stay informed and keep learning

a. Why it’s important to stay informed

Online threats are constantly evolving. If you want to secure your online privacy, you should regularly read the latest privacy issues, security risks, tools, and best practices.

b. Resources to help you learn

Privacy-focused blogs: Follow privacy-focused blogs like PrivacyTools.io and Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) for online privacy practices and security.

Conclusion

In today's digital age, safeguarding your privacy is more important than ever. By taking proactive steps such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, using secure networks, and leveraging privacy-focused tools, you can protect your personal information from potential threats. Staying informed about privacy risks and regularly reviewing your digital habits can help you stay one step ahead in maintaining your digital security. Take control of your online privacy to ensure a safer and more secure digital experience.