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In light of the growing number of cyber threats and the extensive amount of personal data we share online, it is crucial to adopt proactive measures to safeguard your information. This article presents ten essential guidelines for maintaining your digital privacy. These strategies encompass the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), the creation of robust passwords, the cultivation of safe browsing habits, and the implementation of encryption.

1. Use a Trustworthy VPN on All Your Devices

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most effective ways to protect your online privacy. When you employ a virtual private network, your internet traffic is directed through an encrypted tunnel, ensuring that your data remains inaccessible to others. 

This means that regardless of whether you are browsing at home or using public Wi-Fi, your messages, passwords, and personal information will be protected from hackers and your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

A good VPN also helps to hide your IP address, making it much more difficult for others to track your online activities and determine your location. This is especially important if you use public Wi-Fi networks, as these can often be unsecured and vulnerable to attacks.

Why and how to use a VPN:

– Install a reputable VPN service on all your devices – your laptop, tablet and smartphone (e.g. best free VPN for Android).

– Enable the VPN when you connect to the internet, especially when using unsecured networks such as public Wi-Fi in a cafe or airport. A VPN will encrypt your connection and prevent eavesdropping.

– Take advantage of your VPN’s server location switching feature for added safety. Changing your server location periodically can help avoid location-based tracking and access blocked content.

Pro Tips: When choosing a VPN service, look for one that has a strict “no-logs” policy, strong encryption (AES-256 or higher), and servers located in multiple countries. Also, enable features like a kill switch (which blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops), to prevent accidental data leaks. After setting up your VPN, make it a habit to connect to it whenever you go online. This simple step can greatly enhance your privacy.

For more insights, read why it’s important to change your VPN location.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Everywhere

Secure your accounts with two-step verification. This enhanced security measure requires an additional step during the login process, such as providing a one-time code sent to your phone or using fingerprint authentication. This ensures that even if your password is compromised, it will not be enough to gain access to your account.

Why it’s important: Passwords alone are often not enough. In fact, Microsoft reports that accounts are more than 99.9% less likely to be compromised if 2FA is enabled​. 

This makes sense – a hacker on the other side of the world probably doesn’t have access to your physical device or fingerprint. Two-factor authentication blocks most automated hacking attempts.

How to set it up: Enable 2FA for any account that supports it (email, social media, banking, etc. – most major services offer this). Typically, you’ll find the option in the account security settings, labeled “Two-Factor Authentication” or “Login Verification”. 

You may have a few 2FA methods to choose from:

• Authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator) which generate time-based codes on your phone. This is one of the most secure and convenient methods.
• SMS codes sent to your mobile phone. This is better than nothing, though SMS is less secure than an authenticator app because messages can potentially be intercepted.
• Hardware security keys (like YubiKey), which are small USB or NFC devices that you plug in or tap to provide the second factor. These offer very strong protection for critical accounts.

3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords and a Password Manager

Using weak or reused passwords can pose a significant risk to your online security. It is essential to use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using personal information, such as names, dictionary words, or birthdays, as they can be easily guessed by attackers. Additionally, never reuse the same password across multiple accounts, as this increases the risk of unauthorized access.

The reason why this is so important: Password breaches happen frequently. According to studies, weak passwords contribute to 81% of all corporate data breaches, and unfortunately many people still reuse passwords across sites – one survey found 82% of individuals reuse passwords for multiple accounts​. 

This means that if just one of your accounts gets hacked and your password is leaked, criminals could try the same email and password combination on other websites to gain access (a technique known as credential stuffing). By using unique passwords, you can prevent this domino effect from happening.

4. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date and Use Antivirus Protection

An often-overlooked tip for maintaining privacy is keeping all your software updated. Software updates frequently include fixes for security issues. If you don’t update your software, these known vulnerabilities will remain open and accessible to attackers. From your operating system, web browser, plugins, and mobile apps – an outdated piece of software can become a doorway for cybercriminals.

In fact, a significant number of cyberattacks succeed by targeting unpatched software vulnerabilities. Some analyses have found that approximately 60% of data breaches involve known vulnerabilities that had patches available. 

The lesson is clear: keeping up-to-date can prevent many attacks before they start.

What to do: Enable automatic updates whenever possible. 

Most modern operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android) allow automatic updates. Do the same for applications – many mobile apps and software will automatically update by default or notify you at least. For less important software, such as browser extensions, check for updates periodically or enable any automatic update settings they offer. A good habit is to restart your devices from time to time or when prompted, as updates often complete during reboot.

Devices and routers: Remember that your smartphone, computer, and even your router need updates. Keep your smartphone’s operating system updated to the latest version for improved security. If you have smart home devices, update their firmware. Even your WiFi router has firmware updates – check the settings of your router for updates, as security holes in routers can put your whole network at risk.

In addition to regular updates, it’s also important to use a reliable antivirus / anti-malware program, especially on Windows and Android devices, which are common targets for malicious software. Good antivirus software can help detect and prevent various types of malware, such as spyware and trojans, that could steal your personal information.

5. Browse the Web Securely (HTTPS, Private Mode & Privacy Tools)

Your web browsing habits can tell a lot about you, so it’s important to use secure and private browsing. To start, make sure your connection to websites is safe. Look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar and “https://” at the beginning of the URL, especially when visiting sites that require login or financial information. “HTTPS” means the data between you and the website is encrypted. Without “s”, any data sent (like passwords or credit card numbers) could be intercepted. Modern browsers warn you if you enter sensitive information on a non-secure page, so pay attention to those warnings.

Use privacy-focused features: If you don’t want your browsing history or cookies saved on your device, you can use your browser’s incognito or private mode. Most major browsers offer this feature, including Chrome Incognito, Firefox Private Browsing, and Safari Private Mode. In private mode, your browser won’t save browsing history, cookies, or form data when you close the tab or window. This is helpful for logging into additional accounts, conducting sensitive searches, or using public computers.

6. Encrypt Your Sensitive Data (Devices and Communications)

Encryption is not just for geeks and hackers in movies – it’s a fundamental tool for protecting your privacy. In simple terms, it scrambles your information so that only people with the correct password or key can read it. This means that even if someone tries to steal your files or intercept your messages, they will only see gibberish instead of your personal information.

Encrypt your devices: To protect your data, make sure to enable disk encryption on your computers and smartphones. Most modern devices offer encryption features:

• Windows PCs have BitLocker available on Pro editions, which can encrypt your hard drive. If you don’t have BitLocker, check your Windows 10 or 11 settings for a “Device Encryption” feature.
• Mac users can turn on FileVault in System Preferences > Security.
• Smartphones automatically encrypt storage with a secure PIN/password, but you can check your device settings to verify this is enabled.

Device encryption ensures that if your device is lost or stolen, the data on it remains secure without your passcode. This includes downloaded documents, photos, emails, and messages saved on the device. It’s important to use a strong passcode (or password) when setting up encryption, as a thief could bypass weak 4-digit PINs.

7. Be Cautious on Public Wi-Fi Networks

Public Wi-Fi networks can be a privacy risk. While it’s tempting to connect to free coffee shop Wi-Fi or airport hotspots, you should be aware that others may be monitoring the traffic on these networks. Public Wi-Fi often has little to no encryption, which means that skilled attackers on the same network could intercept the data you send or receive. This is known as a “man-in-the-middle” attack. Therefore, when using public Wi-Fi, it’s important to take precautions and be cautious.

Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or sharing personal information on public Wi-Fi networks. While it’s fine to browse news or watch videos on café Wi-Fi, it’s not a good idea to log in to your bank account, send private documents, or perform any other activity that involves passwords or credit card information on an open network. If you need to do sensitive tasks, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your data.

Verify the Network: Another potential risk with public Wi-Fi networks is the presence of rogue networks. These are networks set up by criminals that mimic the names of legitimate Wi-Fi spots, such as “Free Airport WiFi” or “Starbucks_Guest”, in order to lure unsuspecting users. When connected, these networks can directly capture your data traffic. It’s always important to double-check that you’re connecting to the correct network before proceeding. If you’re unsure about the Wi-Fi name, ask an employee for assistance.

Consider alternative options: If you have a strong cellular data connection, using your smartphone’s personal hotspot can often be safer than public Wi-Fi. Cellular networks are encrypted and more difficult to intercept.

Keep sharing off: When using public networks, please ensure that features like file sharing or AirDrop (on Mac/iPhone) are set to “contacts only” or turned off. You do not want to accidentally share your files or receive anything malicious.

8. Limit Personal Information Sharing and Protect Your Social Media

The more we share publicly, the more data we give away that can be used against us. Bad actors may use this information to steal our identities, guess our security questions, launch phishing attacks, or even commit real-world crimes. For example, burglars have been known to target homes after their owners post vacation plans online.

Share thoughtfully: Before posting personal information on social networks or forums, take a moment to consider whether it’s necessary to share your exact birth date. If a site requires this information for registration, consider hiding it or sharing only your month and day of birth. Avoid posting home addresses, phone numbers, and other identifying information in your public bio or posts. Also, be careful with photos – images can contain implicit information such as street signs, house numbers, car license plates, and more.

One big tip: Don’t announce your long absences to the public. While it can be fun to share vacation photos, consider doing so after you return or only with a trusted group of friends. Broadcasting your whereabouts publicly, such as “Off to Europe for two weeks!” can invite burglars.

Trim your digital footprint: As you accumulate more online accounts and posts over time, it’s important to periodically review and clean up your presence. Delete or deactivate any accounts that you no longer use.

9. Manage App Permissions and Privacy Settings on Your Devices

Your phone and computer contain a variety of apps and services that may require access to different parts of your personal information. It’s important to review and manage these permissions regularly to ensure the security of your data. Each permission, such as access to your location, microphone, camera, contacts, or files, is an aspect of your privacy that should be carefully considered. An app with more permissions than necessary could potentially misuse your data or expose it if it is compromised.

To manage app permissions, go to your device’s settings. Both Android and iOS have a “Privacy” or “Permissions” section where you can see which apps have permission to access various features like your location, microphone, contacts, and more.

Check which apps need access to your location and see if that puzzle game or flashlight app really needs it. Likely, they don’t. It’s best to revoke or deny permissions that aren’t necessary for the app’s function. If the app complains, you can always grant the permission again later.

Also, consider uninstalling apps that you don’t use. Although dormant apps may still have permissions, they could be running in the background or becoming outdated, which could pose security risks. If you haven’t used an app for months, there’s a good chance you don’t need it anymore.

10. Stay Alert for Phishing Scams and Social Engineering

Even with all the right technical tools in place, vigilance remains a crucial last line of defense against privacy breaches. Many of these breaches are not the result of technical hacks, but rather phishing and other social engineering attacks that trick users into handing over their access.

Phishing typically takes the form of fake emails or messages that appear legitimate and urge users to click on malicious links or provide personal information. In 2025, phishing will continue to be one of the primary initial attack methods, with recent data showing that 74% of security breaches involve human error or social engineering in some form, and phishing being the leading cause of these incidents.

How to spot phishing attempts: Phishing emails often impersonate trusted entities, such as your bank, popular online services (PayPal, Amazon, Microsoft) or even friends and colleagues. They often create a sense of urgency or fear, using phrases like “Your account will be closed if you don’t verify now!” or “We noticed suspicious logins, click here to protect your account.” They may include a link that appears legitimate at first glance, or an attachment that you’re asked to download. If you click on the link or open the attachment without thinking, you could end up entering login details on a fake website that sends them to the attacker, or running malware that could infect your device.

Social engineering is a broad term that includes phishing, but it also includes other cons such as when someone calls and pretends to be from IT support, asking for your password. It can also be when a person in your workplace tries to enter a secure area by tailgating and pretending they forgot their badge.

In a personal context, social engineering can be when someone impersonates a friend or an authority figure in order to get you to share sensitive information. Always be skeptical and verify the identity of the person before sharing any sensitive information or granting access.

One practical habit to follow: Never share passwords, two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, or personal identification numbers (PINs) with anyone, regardless of who they say they are. Real companies will never ask for your entire password over the phone or email, nor will they ask for a recently received 2FA code.

In summary, think before you click or respond.

Conclusion:

Protecting your online privacy in 2025 might seem like a challenging task, but following these 10 essential tips can drastically reduce your risks and enhance your security. It’s about creating layers of protection: using strong passwords, two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure your accounts, virtual private networks (VPNs) and encryption to shield your connections and data, and practicing smart browsing and application habits to keep your routine activities private. Your own vigilance is also crucial in guarding against tricks and scams.

Implement these strategies one step at a time – maybe start with using a password manager and implementing 2FA this week. Next week, set up a VPN and adjust your privacy settings. Each action you take contributes to your online safety.

Stay safe!

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