Online Privacy And Security
You may be under the impression that your personal information is safe, secure, and private. Just how much information about you winds up on the Internet. You would be surprised!
Do a search for yourself on Pipl - People Search Directory. Did the search come up with your name, social media profiles and possibly even your parent's names, address, and telephone number too?
Pipl is NOT a private database or a secret hacker site. It is a repository of publicly available online data, all of which businesses and advertisers are eager to get a hold of. This type of data mining is completely legal. Most of this information is what YOU put online.
What is Online Privacy?
Online privacy refers to the right of individuals to control the information they disclose about themselves over the internet and how that information is used and shared by others. It encompasses the protection of personal data, including sensitive information such as financial details, health records, and private communications.
Data Breaches Password Leaks
As rising trend in data breaches continues to grow. Thousands of cybersecurity incidents has happened just this year. Is seems that theft and data loss are now commonplace among businesses
What are Data Breaches?
A data breach occurs when unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive or confidential information. This can happen through hacking, phishing attacks, or malware. Organizations that suffer data breaches may expose personal data of their customers, leading to significant privacy concerns and legal repercussions.
How to Protect Against Data Breaches
Protecting against data breaches is crucial for maintaining online privacy and security. Start by using strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and consider implementing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) wherever possible. Regularly monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity and promptly report any unauthorized access. Be cautious of phishing attempts and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Additionally, consider using reputable antivirus software and keeping your devices' operating systems and applications up to date with the latest security patches.
Data breaches and password leaks have struck some of the biggest companies.
These breaches help to reveals the mistakes that lead to the exposure of up to millions of personal data records.
- • Amazon U.S. FTC recommended lawsuit against Amazon over privacy breaches at Ring
- • Instagram Instagram Data Breaches: Full Timeline Through 2023
- • Home Depot Home Depot Data Breach, How Did it Happen
- • T-Mobile T-Mobile breached by hackers as 37 million customers impacted
- • Marriott Marriott Reveals Breach That Exposed Data of Up to 5.2 Million Customers
- • Target Target estimates breach affected up to 110 million
- • Yahoo The Hacked & the Hacker-for-Hire: Lessons from the Yahoo Data Breaches
- • Morgan Stanley Morgan Stanley to pay $35M after hard drives with 15M customers’ personal data turn up in auction
- • Equifax Equifax data breach FAQ: What happened, who was affected, what was the impact?
- • Facebook After Data Breach Exposes 530 Million, Facebook Says It Will Not Notify Users
If you have any type of online account, its a good possibility hackers have leaked data from at least one of them.
Do you suspect one of your accounts has been compromised?
Search for your email address on Have I Been Pwned? to cross-reference your email address with hundreds of data breaches.
If you are worried about identity theft or not fond of the idea that others can track your every move, there are a few things you can do to help keep your online data private.
Online Scams
Be weary of those phone calls web-sites and e-mails that want your personal information. These Scammers are very good at imitating legitimate businesses, be on your guard. They also may use high pressure tactics that can spook you into giving up your information, but do not be fooled. Legitimate businesses will not make unsolicited calls to ask for any personal info. If you received a call or email like this you think might be legitimate, contact the business or company directly using contact information you looked up on the company's website. If the matter is legitimate, they will confirm this and help you resolve the issue while making sure your information stays safe.
Digital Security and Digital Privacy
If your computer is infected with a virus or malware, not only can hackers steal your identity, but they can lock up your PC and ask for a ransom to unlock. Always run an antivirus program, and keep all programs and software up-to-date. This also applies to your Mobile Devices as well. Our favorite is Windows Defender Security and Antivirus Make sure your operating system is up-to-date with the latest security patches. We recommend turning on auto-update features. Here is how:
- • Turn on automatic updates for Windows
- • macOS automatically checks for updates by default, but you can check manually with these instructions
- • Android typically notifies you of updates, but you'll need to install them manually. Instructions will vary depending on your device and the version of Android you're currently running
- • iOS will nag you incessantly about updates, so there's no chance you'll miss them. Here is a walk-through of how to update
Ad Personalization or Customization
Turning off Targeted ad personalization, (this often gives companies permission to do invasive tracking).
Here is how to opt out of some platforms ad personalization.
Google and Android
To limit ad personalization on Google and Android.
Apple
Opt out of ad personalization on Apple. It may not of been updated for iOS 14. If you have updated to iOS 14, try going to Settings > Privacy > Apple Advertising > turn off Personalized Ads.
On Facebook look for the ad settings tab, toggle the settings to not allowed,
To disconnect your activity that is shared with Facebook, and clear that history.
On the Facebook activity page, under What You Can Do, you can click on More Options > Manage Future Activity and toggle it to off.
How to opt out of Twitter ad personalization. There are several ways to turn off this feature...
You also may want to go to myactivity.google.com and deleting everything you can. On the left, there's a tab that says "Delete activity by" Select "All time".
On your My Google activity page, you can turn off Web and App Activity, Location History and YouTube History.
Password Protection
Is it necessary to password protect your home computer? All your digital devices should be password protected. This includes computers, tablets, smart-phones and anything that may have your personal information stored. The same for online accounts. Use a unique and strong password. See our tips for creating passwords. Turn on two-factor authentication for any website that offers this option, This will also help protect your account even if your password is compromised. Those security questions to help you recover a lost password? They are not very secure. We recommend making up fictitious answers and using a password manager. Change the default passwords for your router. This is the most important device to secure because your router could give a hacker complete access to your home network.
Secure Your Browser
Your browser is how you connect with the Internet. You could be leaving a trail of footprints behind. There are ways to keep your browsing habits private. Advertisers use cookies to see where you have been and customize the ads they show you according to the information they have on you. Here is our article on how cookies work and how to delete them.
To go a step farther, you can disable JavaScript. This cuts off another common way advertisers (or hackers) track you, but it can render some web pages nonfunctional
You can also try the Privacy Badger browser plug-in for Chrome, Firefox and Opera, which stops many potential trackers automatically. HTTPS Everywhere is another good browser plug in that forces your browser to use secure, encrypted sites when they are available, which helps keep snoopers away from your info. Private browsing mode deletes your cookies, browsing history and other temporary files whenever you close the window
We have listed some of the most popular and secure Browsers below:
- • Opera
- • Firefox
- • Waterfox
- • Slim Browser
- • Microsoft Edge
- • FreeNet
- • SeaMonkey
- • Chromium
- • Epic
- • Tor Browser
- • Vivaldi
- • Google Chrome
- • Brave
- • Safari
- • OmniWeb
- • Torch
Switch Search Engines
Most search engines keep tabs on what you're looking for, so they can target ads to your tastes. If you don't like the idea of your search history being used to sell you stuff you don't need, take a look at some other search engines.
- • DuckDuckGo
- • WolframAlpha
- • GIBIRU
- • Startpage
- • SwissCows
- • Disconnect Search
These Search Engine claim they will not track any of your personal data. Search without anyone watching over your shoulder.
Social Media Sites
Social media can feel like a conversation with your closest friends. Except it may be a conversation the whole world can see. If you post enough on social media, the information can be used to track where you are and what you are up to. The first line of defense is to lock down your social media accounts. Share only with the people you want to see the information you're sharing, like your friends and family. On Twitter, your account is either completely open or locked down to people you invite to "follow you", changing that setting is as easy as clicking a check-box. Facebook allows more granular control over who sees what you post. See the guide to Facebook's privacy settings to configure your profile. Don't want to lock down your account? Then be choosy about what you share. Take special care with personal information that could be used to identify you or track your location. Do not fill out your complete profile in order to prevent being easily identified or to give someone enough personal details to steal your identity. Consider dialing down what you share. Do you really need to check in to every business you visit, making yourself easy to track? No.
Update Privacy Settings
Visit the privacy settings on each of your social media accounts more than once. Look what information you share publicly and with friends. You are safest when you only allow friends to see your posts, comments, and profile information.
Keep in mind, Social media companies privacy policies will change. Keep yourself updated to avoid being surprised by the entities that have access to your posts or demographic data. Change settings where needed so that you do not inadvertently share information with websites or apps connected to your social media accounts. They will sell your data or browsing history to advertisers, which means less control over your online presence.
Do Others Really Need Your Information
Whenever you are asked to provide personal information, whether in person, on the phone or online, consider whether you really need to give it out. Sometimes, information like your email address and ZIP code is used purely for marketing purposes; in that case, expect your real and virtual mailboxes to be packed with junk mail. To maintain your privacy, never give away more information than you have to
This is doubly true of sensitive personal information like your social security number. Even just the last four digits. Unless it’s your bank, a credit bureau, a company that wants to do a background check on you, chances are they don't really need it.
Only Use Software Or Apps You Trust
Whether you're installing new software on your devices, make sure you are getting it from a source you trust. Legitimate looking software can sometimes turn out to be a complete scam, like the Scandal over the Meitu Photo App, which collects a mountain of data on its users. Make sure anything you download comes from a trusted developer and a trusted source. If you do not know where your software came from, you will not know what it is really doing. This means there is no telling where your information is going.
Update Your Software Regularly
Updating your software regularly is a cornerstone of maintaining robust online privacy and security. Software updates, including operating systems, antivirus programs, and applications, often contain essential security patches and bug fixes. These updates are designed to address vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit to gain unauthorized access to your devices or data. By staying current with updates, you not only enhance the performance of your software but also mitigate the risk of falling victim to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. Regular updates ensure that your digital defenses are strong and up-to-date, providing peace of mind knowing that you're actively protecting your online privacy and sensitive information.
Only Use Secure Wi-Fi Connections
Sure, it's convenient to use the free Wi-Fi service at your local coffee shop, but there's no telling who is snooping. If you use public Wi-Fi, don't use it to convey private information. Browsing your favorite website is fine, but take extra security measures if you're logging into an account. Use a VPN service to encrypt all the data you send. There are many services that can do this.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a crucial step in bolstering online privacy and safeguarding your data. By requiring an additional form of verification beyond just a password, 2FA adds a vital layer of security to your accounts. This typically involves receiving a one-time code on your mobile device or email that you must enter alongside your password when logging in. Even if a hacker manages to obtain your password through phishing or other means, they would still need access to your secondary authentication method, significantly reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access. Embracing 2FA across your accounts enhances your digital defense, ensuring that your sensitive information remains protected against cyber threats.
Check Those Links
Hacking or Phishing websites are often designed to have links that look similar to the website they are trying to emulate. For example, a website with a link leading to www.yah00.org might be a phishing site to take advantage of those looking to access Yahoo.com. Check the actual address of a link by hovering your icon over the link. The URL will show in the corner of your browser or email. Type the address into your browser instead of clicking on a link.
Online Privacy and Security Websites
Protecting Your Privacy
USA Gov - Learn about protecting your personal information from unwanted use.
66 Ways to Protect Your Privacy
Consumer Reports - Do one, some, or all. Each one will make a difference.
8 ways to protect your privacy online
USA Today - With information security there is no such thing as a fail-safe solution.
Privacy, Identity and Online Security
Federal Trade Commission - Twitter and your privacy. Not only the key to your financial identity, but also to your online identity. Knowing how to protect your information.
How to Keep Your Personal Information Secure
Federal Trade Commission - Protecting your personal information can help reduce your risk of identity theft. There are four main ways to do it.
Online Privacy and Security
Federal Trade Commission - Understanding online privacy, how to protect your devices from hackers and threats, and how to avoid common online scams.
Protecting your privacy online
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada - Tips for protecting privacy while surfing the web, using email or social networking
Protect your privacy on the Internet
Microsoft Is your information at risk on the Internet? Your privacy on the Internet depends on your ability to control.
Download Protecting Your Privacy Online Fact Sheet
Microsoft - This fact sheet provides guidance on how to help protect your personal information in the cloud and includes key considerations around information security and online fraud.
Online Safety Information and Tips
Microsoft - Stay sharp on Internet safety - Protect your computer · What is rogue - Help kids stand up to online bullying.
State Laws Related to Internet Privacy
National Conference of State Legislatures - privacy policies, privacy of online book downloads and reader browsing information, personal information held by Internet service providers.
Best Practices
Effective online privacy protection works best as a repeatable process rather than a one-time settings change. Prioritize the accounts and information that could cause the greatest harm if exposed, reduce unnecessary data collection, and regularly confirm that your security and recovery options still work.
- • Prioritize high-risk accounts first. Secure your primary email, financial services, cloud storage, mobile carrier, and password manager before less-sensitive accounts because these services can often be used to access or recover other accounts.
- • Protect account recovery methods. Review recovery email addresses and phone numbers, remove outdated options, store backup codes securely, and never keep your only recovery copy inside the account it is intended to restore.
- • Separate personal, financial, and promotional activity. Using different email addresses or aliases limits how easily companies, data brokers, and attackers can connect your accounts and build a complete profile of your online activity.
- • Perform a quarterly privacy audit. Review connected applications, active sessions, browser extensions, location history, advertising preferences, and app permissions. Revoke access for anything you no longer recognize, trust, or use.
- • Search for your public information periodically. Look for exposed addresses, phone numbers, usernames, and profile details, then follow a structured process to remove personal information from the Internet where possible.
- • Review audiences before posting. Privacy controls can change, and old posts may remain visible to more people than intended. Audit previous content, tagged photos, location details, and friend lists using these steps for making social media profiles more private.
- • Keep encrypted website backups of essential information. Maintain recoverable copies of important documents and device data so ransomware, theft, accidental deletion, or account loss does not leave you dependent on a single service.
- • Create a personal breach-response plan. Record how to change critical passwords, revoke sessions, contact financial institutions, lock a mobile number, and notify trusted contacts. If an incident occurs, act first on the account that can unlock the others.
- • Reassess privacy when circumstances change. A new phone, household move, job change, major app installation, or reported data breach should trigger an immediate review. For additional safeguards, consult these practical online privacy tips.
Summary
Protecting your online privacy and security requires proactive measures and continuous vigilance. By implementing the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to data breaches, password leaks, and other cyber threats. Remember, online privacy is a fundamental right, and safeguarding your data is essential for maintaining control over your personal information in the digital age.
By staying informed and taking practical steps to secure your online presence, you empower yourself to navigate the internet safely and confidently. Start implementing these practices today to protect your digital identity and preserve your privacy online. Together, we can build a safer and more secure online environment for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between online privacy and online security?
Online privacy concerns how personal information is collected, used, shared, and controlled. Online security focuses on protecting devices, accounts, and data from unauthorized access, malware, theft, and other threats. The two work together: strong security prevents exposure, while good privacy habits limit the amount of information available to companies, data brokers, and cybercriminals.
Does private or incognito browsing make me anonymous online?
No. Private browsing mainly prevents the browser from saving local history, cookies, and form information after the session ends. Websites, employers, schools, Internet service providers, and network administrators may still observe activity. It can be useful on shared devices, but it does not replace tracker controls, secure connections, careful sharing, or other online privacy protections.
Is a free VPN enough to protect my online privacy?
A free VPN may encrypt traffic between your device and its servers, but service quality, data limits, available locations, and privacy practices vary. Review who operates the service, what information it records, and how it earns money. A VPN also cannot prevent phishing, malware, account tracking, or information you voluntarily share. These VPN safety tips for travelers explain additional considerations.
How can I tell whether my personal information was exposed in a data breach?
Warning signs include unfamiliar login alerts, password-reset messages you did not request, unexpected account changes, unknown financial transactions, or notifications from a breached company. Check the affected service through its official website, review recent sessions, and monitor important accounts. Never follow a breach-warning link until you independently confirm that the message and sender are legitimate.
What should I do first if one of my online accounts is compromised?
Start with the affected account and the email account used to recover it. Change reused or exposed passwords, sign out unknown sessions, enable multi-factor authentication, and confirm that recovery details were not altered. Contact the provider through an official channel and notify your bank when financial data is involved. Create replacement credentials using proven strong password practices.
Can I completely remove my personal information from the Internet?
Complete removal is rarely possible because information may exist in public records, archived pages, search indexes, social networks, and data-broker databases. You can still reduce exposure by deleting unused accounts, requesting removal from eligible websites, limiting future sharing, and checking search results periodically. Follow this guide to removing personal information online for a practical starting process.
How often should I review my privacy settings and connected apps?
Review important accounts every few months and whenever a platform changes its policies, you install a new app, replace a device, or experience suspicious activity. Check public profile visibility, location sharing, advertising preferences, active sessions, and third-party access. Remove integrations you no longer use. Social accounts deserve particular attention; these steps can help you make social media profiles more private.
Is using a password manager safer than remembering passwords myself?
A reputable password manager can improve security by creating and storing a different strong password for every account, reducing password reuse and memory-dependent shortcuts. Protect the manager with a long, unique master password and multi-factor authentication, and keep recovery information secure. Compare providers by encryption design, supported devices, recovery options, security history, pricing, and export capabilities before choosing one.
What should I avoid doing while connected to public Wi-Fi?
Avoid accessing sensitive financial, medical, business, or administrative accounts unless necessary. Confirm the network name with the venue, disable automatic connections and file sharing, prefer websites using HTTPS, and use cellular data for especially sensitive activity. A VPN can add connection protection, but it cannot make fraudulent websites safe. Review these public Wi-Fi security practices before connecting.
Are mobile payments safer than entering a card number on a website?
Mobile wallets can reduce direct card-number exposure by using tokenization, but safety still depends on the device, merchant, network, and account configuration. Use a screen lock, biometric verification, transaction alerts, current software, and remote device controls. Avoid completing purchases through unexpected messages or unfamiliar links. Learn more about protecting payment details with these secure mobile transaction practices.
How can families protect children’s privacy without blocking normal Internet use?
Teach children not to share their full name, school, address, location, passwords, or private images without permission. Review app access, gaming chats, friend requests, purchases, and account visibility together. Use age-appropriate parental controls while maintaining open conversations about scams, bullying, and uncomfortable contact. This online safety guide for parents provides additional practical guidance.
Author Bio: Mark Cole
Digital content writer with a passion for crafting engaging and informative copy. With over 9 years of international copy writing experience and...
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Comments (1)
Insightful read on privacy protection! The section on using VPNs was spot-on. Any recommendations for free, reliable VPNs that don’t log data, or is it always better to invest in a paid one for stronger privacy?