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Privacy Best Practices

Comprehensive guide to protecting your online privacy beyond just using a VPN.

15 min readLast updated: December 2024

Why Privacy Matters

In today's digital world, your personal data is constantly being collected, analyzed, and monetized. Protecting your privacy isn't just about hiding—it's about maintaining control over your personal information and digital identity.

The Reality of Online Tracking

  • • Your ISP logs every website you visit
  • • Advertisers track you across the web with cookies
  • • Apps collect location data, contacts, and usage patterns
  • • Data brokers compile detailed profiles about you

VPN & Network

Always Use a VPN

Encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address from websites, ISPs, and hackers.

Essential

Enable Kill Switch

Automatically block internet access if the VPN disconnects to prevent data leaks.

Essential

Use DNS Leak Protection

Ensure your DNS queries go through the VPN tunnel, not your ISP.

Essential

Avoid Free Public WiFi

If you must use it, always connect through a VPN first.

High

Browser & Search

Use a Privacy-Focused Browser

Firefox, Brave, or Tor Browser offer better privacy than Chrome.

High

Install Privacy Extensions

Use uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, and HTTPS Everywhere.

High

Use Private Search Engines

DuckDuckGo, Startpage, or Brave Search don't track your searches.

Medium

Clear Cookies Regularly

Or use container tabs to isolate tracking cookies.

Medium

Accounts & Passwords

Use a Password Manager

Generate and store unique passwords for every account.

Essential

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Add an extra layer of security to all important accounts.

Essential

Use Unique Emails

Create aliases or use services like SimpleLogin for signups.

Medium

Review App Permissions

Regularly audit which apps have access to your data.

Medium

Communication

Use Encrypted Messaging

Signal, WhatsApp, or Telegram offer end-to-end encryption.

High

Encrypted Email

Use ProtonMail or Tutanota for sensitive communications.

Medium

Be Careful What You Share

Assume anything online could become public.

High

Quick Privacy Checklist

Start with a VPN

A VPN is the foundation of online privacy. Find the best one for your needs.