Online or digital privacy is always in danger as long as we rely on the internet. Personal information like bank details, login credentials, and browsing history can be exposed under unfortunate circumstances. It has become a growing source of worry for all internet users.

However, many people forget that they have four fundamental consumer rights regarding internet privacy. They include the right to know who collects their data, and the right to have personal information deleted. Using these rights, you can reduce the number of information companies has on you.

But how do we prevent them from gathering this data first? Is it even possible? Let’s dive deeper.

Why is digital privacy important?

You create a digital footprint whenever you use the internet to perform personal or professional activities. It means what browser you used, what you searched for, which websites you opened, and how long you stayed on websites; all this information relates to you. Moreover, the unique IP address given to your device by your ISP is one of the biggest identifiers used for tracking.

How To Secure Your Digital Privacy?

Although no one specific method can ensure 100% anonymity, using these methods can give cybercriminals a hard time.

1. Use private search engines

There is no second-guessing that Google is the most popular search engine, but you can’t rely on it regarding your digital privacy protection.

Google will keep tabs on your online activities and collect and store your information from all the synced Google applications like Calendar, Docs, Drive, etc.

On the other hand, a private search engine does not collect sensitive data like IP addresses or user agent strings. If you open the search history section, it will be empty as if you never used it.

It means no one can know what you like or where you have been on the internet and use it to manipulate your searches.

Here are some top private search engines you can use to hide your identity on the internet.

2. Always use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network doesn’t allow snoopers, hackers, or ISPs to perform IP-based tracking. Furthermore, internet traffic encryption stops entities from learning what you do online or intercepting data.

Such improvements happen because it sends your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel that no one can access. Also, the VPN switches your IP address with their server IP address, usually different from your location and shared by many users.

In this way, entities cannot pinpoint a particular internet activity to a specific user. So, check what is your IP address now, connect to VPN servers, and see the changes. You will be able to select the location you want to be associated with your browsing!

3. Secure your smart TV

The introduction of smart TV has upgraded the TV watching experience. You can enjoy YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc. But all these applications require the use of the internet.

Therefore, TV watching is no longer an innately secure activity. The app developers and TV manufacturers can listen to you without your knowledge.

Due to this, you need to change your TV management habits.

• Always update the system.
• Download apps from their official sites only.
• Switch off your TV camera when not in use.
• Use strong passwords for all your accounts.
• Use a secure router.

4. Beware of stalkerware and keyloggers

Stalkerware is software installed on an individual’s device to spy on them while being hidden from the victim. It can access their camera, record conversations, and open all the information present on the device to the stalker.

Keyloggers record all the keystrokes you make on your device, meaning it can capture everything you type. Therefore, it is essential to regularly look for such malicious malware in your system to protect your digital privacy.

5. Hide your house on the Google Maps

Google street view helps anyone to navigate through an unknown location smoothly. But this is a two-way activity. If you can see everything about a new area, anyone can look at yours.

You can request Google or Microsoft to blur your house on the maps.

Here’s what you should do:

• Go to Google Maps and input your home address.
• Drag the little yellow human-shaped icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen onto the map in front of your house to enter Street View mode.
• Click “Report a problem” in the lower-right corner of the screen as your home comes into view.
• Select “My home” in the “Request blurring” box to place the red box on your house.
• Write a message in the given field to explain why you want the image blurred (for example, you may be concerned about safety issues)
• Fill in your email address, then click “Submit.”

Conclusion

The internet has many benefits, but it is your responsibility to keep your data private. Keep your system updated and use good quality antivirus software to keep your device safe from malware. Don’t avoid any software updates, and be cautious while surfing the net.

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