- PPF Points
- 2,888
I didn't give online privacy much thought when I first started using the internet on a regular basis. Without thinking twice, I would peruse websites, post private information on social media, and sign up for a variety of services. But as I became more knowledgeable about the ways in which data is gathered, saved, and occasionally sold, I realized how crucial it is to safeguard my online privacy.
Creating strong, one-of-a-kind passwords for each account was one of my first actions. I used to use easy-to-remember passwords, but these days I create and save complicated passwords using a password manager. My online security has significantly increased as a result of this minor adjustment, and I no longer have to worry about using the same password on several websites.
Making the move to a virtual private network (VPN) was another significant step. I used to connect to public Wi-Fi without giving it much thought, but these days I always activate my VPN. It makes it much more difficult for someone to follow my online activities by encrypting my internet connection and hiding my IP address. A VPN provides me with peace of mind whether I'm working remotely or browsing in a coffee shop.
I also began to be mindful of the permissions I grant websites and apps. I now carefully consider what data the app is requesting to access, as opposed to the past practice of simply clicking "Allow" without reading what I was agreeing to. I refuse permissions to apps that don't require access to my location or camera. In a similar vein, I frequently verify which apps have access to my contacts and private data.
Another thing I had to change was social media. I used to post every detail of my life online, but I came to the realization that doing so might put me in danger. I now set privacy settings on sites like Facebook and Instagram and restrict the information I share. For instance, I'm more picky about who I accept as a friend or follower, and I made sure that only friends can see my posts.
I started using privacy-focused browsers like Firefox and search engines like DuckDuckGo. These don’t track my searches or store personal information, and I find they offer a much better browsing experience when it comes to protecting my privacy.
By taking these simple steps, I feel more in control of my personal information and how it’s used online. Privacy isn’t something you can take for granted anymore, but with the right tools and habits, it’s entirely possible to protect yourself and your data.
Creating strong, one-of-a-kind passwords for each account was one of my first actions. I used to use easy-to-remember passwords, but these days I create and save complicated passwords using a password manager. My online security has significantly increased as a result of this minor adjustment, and I no longer have to worry about using the same password on several websites.
Making the move to a virtual private network (VPN) was another significant step. I used to connect to public Wi-Fi without giving it much thought, but these days I always activate my VPN. It makes it much more difficult for someone to follow my online activities by encrypting my internet connection and hiding my IP address. A VPN provides me with peace of mind whether I'm working remotely or browsing in a coffee shop.
I also began to be mindful of the permissions I grant websites and apps. I now carefully consider what data the app is requesting to access, as opposed to the past practice of simply clicking "Allow" without reading what I was agreeing to. I refuse permissions to apps that don't require access to my location or camera. In a similar vein, I frequently verify which apps have access to my contacts and private data.
Another thing I had to change was social media. I used to post every detail of my life online, but I came to the realization that doing so might put me in danger. I now set privacy settings on sites like Facebook and Instagram and restrict the information I share. For instance, I'm more picky about who I accept as a friend or follower, and I made sure that only friends can see my posts.
I started using privacy-focused browsers like Firefox and search engines like DuckDuckGo. These don’t track my searches or store personal information, and I find they offer a much better browsing experience when it comes to protecting my privacy.
By taking these simple steps, I feel more in control of my personal information and how it’s used online. Privacy isn’t something you can take for granted anymore, but with the right tools and habits, it’s entirely possible to protect yourself and your data.
