Almost everything is connected to the internet, from online banking and shopping to staying in touch with friends and family. As lives move increasingly online, it’s more important than ever to protect your digital privacy. Fortunately, many tech advancements can help you do just that. This article will explore ways to use technology to protect your digital privacy better. So whether you’re concerned about identity theft, data breaches, or electronic snooping, read on for some helpful tips.
Use a VPN
When you connect to the internet, your computer is assigned an IP address that identifies it. A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location. Your real IP address is hidden from the sites you visit and any snoopers on your network.
VPNs can also help you access blocked content in your country, like specific news sites or streaming services. And if you’re traveling, a VPN can keep you from being tracked by government agencies or hackers who might be targeting tourists.
There are many different VPNs to choose from, so take some time to research your options. Some VPNs are free, while others charge a monthly fee. And keep in mind that not all VPNs are created equal, so be sure to read reviews before settling on one.
Encrypt Your Hard Drive With FileVault
When it comes to protecting your digital privacy, your computer’s hard drive is one of the essential things to secure. If someone gets access to your hard drive, they could see all your personal files, including financial documents and private photos.
A built-in encryption tool for macOS makes it difficult for someone to access your hard drive without your password. The FileVault in Mac uses XTS-AES 128 encryption, which is very secure. The only way to access the data in a FileVault is to have the correct password. If you forget your password, you will not be able to access your data. The only way to recover your data is to use a backup that you have made.
Use Privacy-focused Search Engines
If you’re concerned about being tracked online, consider using a privacy-focused search engine like:
- Peekier
- DuckDuckGo
- Swisscows
- StartPage
These search engines don’t collect or share your personal information, and they don’t track your searches. That means you can search the web without worrying about being watched.
Of course, not all searches are private. If you’re searching for something sensitive, like medical information, it’s best to use a secure website that uses encryption.
Use a Password Manager
A password manager is a software application that helps generate and store strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. Instead of reusing the same weak password across multiple sites, you can have a different, strong password for each one.
Password managers can also help you automatically fill in online forms and checkout pages. You don’t have to type in your sensitive information every time you shop or log in somewhere.
There are many different password managers to choose from, so do some research to find the one that best meets your needs. Once you’ve selected a password manager, enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
Browse in Incognito Mode
When you browse the web in incognito mode, your browser doesn’t save your browsing history or cookies. That means that websites can’t track you across the internet.
The incognito won’t protect you from everything. Your ISP will still be able to see what sites you’re visiting, and any malware on your computer will still be able to track you. But it’s an excellent way to prevent websites from tracking your activity.
Open your browser and click on the menu button (usually three dots or lines) to browse in incognito or private mode. Then, select “Incognito” or “Private.”
Use Antivirus Software
Antivirus software can protect your computer from malware, a type of software designed to track you and steal your information. There are many different antivirus programs to choose from, so do some research to find one right for you.
Once you’ve installed antivirus software, keep it up to date. Antivirus programs are constantly being updated to protect against new threats, so keeping your software updated is essential. You can usually set your antivirus program to update automatically, or you can check for updates manually.
Digital privacy is more important than ever. With the help of tech advancements, there are many ways you can protect your digital privacy. You can make it much harder for someone to track your online activity or steal your personal information by taking some simple steps. So don’t wait. Start protecting your digital privacy today.
