Best Tools to protect your online privacy
Online privacy is of utmost importance in today’s digital age. With much sensitive information being shared and stored online, taking steps and protecting yourself when handling sensitive data is crucial.
The tools we will talk about have different desired outcomes depending on the type of safeguards you want to place between your activity and possible data collectors. It is common for people to recommend a plethora of options to be stacked together for your defenses “airtight.” However, The number of people willing to adopt such rigorous practices is relatively tiny, and people evaluate the risk the activity might bear and then take preventive measures. In light of that, we will provide you with a description of your toolset, and leave the decision up to your superior biological intelligence.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN is a tool that allows you to connect to the internet securely and privately. It creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet, making it difficult for anyone to spy on your online activity. VPNs are commonly used to protect your online privacy, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.
However, VPNs have their shortcomings. For example, some free VPNs may not be secure or may keep logs of your online activity. Additionally, VPNs can sometimes slow down your internet connection, making browsing the web slower. Therefore, it’s essential to research and choose a reputable VPN provider that values your privacy.
Tor Browser
Tor is a privacy-focused web browser that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It routes your internet traffic through a series of servers, making it impossible for anyone to trace your online activity. The Tor browser is handy when accessing sensitive information like bank accounts or medical records.
It’s worth noting that while VPNs and Tor are powerful privacy tools, they are often associated with the dark web and other illicit activities. If you are unfamiliar with these technologies, avoiding using them is best. However, if you are an expert and require the highest level of privacy protection, using privacy-oriented Linux distributions in combination with VPNs and Tor can create the most robust security protection measure. Just be sure to do your research and understand the risks involved.
Privacy-focused search engines
Popular search engines like Google and Bing collect your search data, which can be used to track your online activity. Switching to privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo or StartPage can help protect your online privacy. These search engines do not track your search history and provide more relevant results.
Password Managers
Using a password manager is an easy way to improve your online privacy. Password managers like LastPass and Dashlane generate complex passwords that are difficult to crack. These tools also save your login credentials, making it easier to log in to your online accounts without remembering your passwords.
Ad-blockers
Ad-blockers like AdBlock and uBlock Origin can help protect your online privacy by blocking ads that track your online activity. These tools prevent websites from collecting your data and provide a more streamlined browsing experience.
Is That All the Protection There Is?
While the tools mentioned above can help protect your privacy while you’re online, they are rather heavy-duty, and you will likely only use them occasionally. On the other hand, when browsing the web and registering for services, you should bring to light what those companies do with your data. For example, pro Se ( https://prose.biz ) is a service belonging to a new set of tools enabled by the widescale adoption of Artificial Neural Networks.
Pro Se automatically reads and analyses privacy policies on your behalf. It employs powerful AI to answer questions regarding who collects your data, what data, for what purpose, how long they keep it, whether they have a legal basis for data processing, whether they collect children’s data and many other factors.
Pro Se also informs you about your rights, such as the right to access, rectify, delete, and port your data, opt-out, and provide/withdraw consent. Additionally, it includes information on the security measures service providers apply to protect your data.
People must inform themself how easily accessible their data is in different scenarios. Learning such details and building habits can safeguard you from the “quiet” censorship we are witnessing more daily. In conclusion, protecting online privacy is crucial in today’s digital age. Many tools are available to help safeguard your data, including VPNs, Tor, privacy-focused search engines, password managers, and ad-blockers. However, doing your research and understanding the risks involved with each tool is essential. Additionally, services like Pro Se can help you understand how your data is being used online and inform you of your rights. By protecting your online privacy, you can help ensure the security of your sensitive information and maintain your digital freedom and privacy.
