The Internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, but with its development, privacy risks have also increased. Companies and attackers can collect data about your actions, preferences, and location. To protect your personal information, it is worth using simple but effective protection methods.
1. Use a VPN
A virtual private network encrypts your traffic and hides your real IP address. It’s especially useful to use a VPN on open Wi-Fi networks. Choose services with a “no-logs” policy for maximum anonymity.
2. Safe browsers and extensions
Private or incognito mode, cookie and tracker blocking help limit data collection. Additional plugins like AdBlock Plus, Ghostery, Privacy Badger and HTTPS Everywhere protect against ads and automatically switch the connection to a secure protocol.
3. Encrypt devices and networks
Use BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (macOS) to protect your data on your drive. Use modern Wi-Fi protocols (WPA2/WPA3) and messengers with end-to-end encryption, such as Signal, WhatsApp, or Viber.
4. Restrict app access
Turn off auto-connect and location tracking where you don't need it. Regularly review app permissions, and disable access to the camera, microphone, or geolocation when it's not critical.
5. Control advertising and data from brokers
Opt out of personalized advertising through the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) or Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA). If necessary, submit requests to remove your data from broker databases.
Regularly updating programs, checking security settings, and being aware of your digital footprint will help significantly reduce the risks of online tracking.
