From browsing and shopping to social media and account logins, almost everything you do online leaves a digital footprint. Internet privacy is about protecting this data so it can’t be used or exposed without your consent.
It’s harder than ever to maintain your personal privacy on the web, with companies and government agencies able to exploit legal loopholes to access your private information. Even if your social media accounts are set to private, photos of you and your family, and other personal details, can still be viewed by stalkers, burglars, and hackers. Using a VPN is one of the best ways to protect your privacy and take back control over your digital footprint.
There are a few simple things you can do to ensure your internet privacy, such as avoiding public photos of yourself and others (even if your profiles are private), never posting anything on the web that could be used against you — such as financial or health information — creating throwaway email addresses for subscriptions, and always ensuring your Wi-fi password is secure. Also, be sure to search for your name on the internet periodically and delete any information that doesn’t belong to you.
However, despite the challenges, there are many good reasons to keep up your internet privacy. Besides the fact that it’s the right thing to do, it can save you money in some cases by helping you avoid overpaying for goods and services. It can also prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft, and make your internet experience better overall.