Simple tools that protect your privacy online

If you use the internet, then you should be using it securely. Thankfully, it’s never been easier to educate yourself about the various online threats you might face, and there’s never been a broader array of tools designed to fight against online crime.

But where do you start if you’re looking to stay safe online, and to protect yourself against what’s out there? Let’s take a look at a few basic rules to live by.

Build strong everyday security habits

To begin with, you’ll need to develop the right habits. These are the automatic behaviours that will protect you against many online problems. When you’re asked to compose a password, for example, you might come up with something unique and difficult to guess…. or, better yet, you might make use of one of the many password manager applications out there.

Similarly, you might keep the firmware and operating systems on your digital devices up to date, make use of two-factor authentication, and get into the habit of looking for encryption on the websites you visit.

Secure your internet connection wherever you browse

When you’re connecting to the internet via an unfamiliar network, like the unsecured WiFi in your local cafe, then you’ll put yourself at risk of being attacked. Malicious people can easily lurk on these networks, and intercept the data that’s sent through them.

You can get around this through the use of a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. But what is a VPN vs proxy? In brief, the former uses encryption to mask your IP address, while the latter merely routes your traffic through a remote server.

Learn to recognise scams and online threats

When you’re online, it’s worth treating every claim and offer with a little bit of suspicion. When you’re sent unsolicited emails and messages, then you’ll want to treat their contents, including any links and attachments, with caution. These things can easily install malware on your system, or trick you into surrendering sensitive data.

Take control of your personal data and privacy settings

Your personal data should not be blithely surrendered. Many of the social media platforms you use will come with settings designed to limit your exposure, so be sure to make use of them. At the same time, you’ll want to review the permissions that certain applications are granted, and to make yourself aware of how cookies are being used to track your online activity.