By Jose Delgado, Digital Forensics Examiner with DA Forensics, Inc.

In today’s digital age, protecting your online privacy and security is critical. Cyber threats evolve constantly, but proactive measures can safeguard your personal information. This guide outlines ten essential strategies for a safer online experience.

1. Encrypt Your Connection with a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to hackers, especially on public Wi-Fi. It masks your IP address by routing your connection through a remote server, hiding your location and enhancing privacy. VPNs also bypass geographic restrictions and prevent ISP throttling. Choose a reputable VPN with a verified “no-logs” policy and servers in privacy-friendly countries. Avoid free VPNs, as they may sell your data.

2. Strengthen Accounts with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA/MFA)

Passwords alone are insufficient. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-FactorAuthentication (MFA) adds a second verification step, like a code sent to your phone, an authenticator app, or a hardware security key. This reduces account takeover risk by about 99%, even if your password is stolen. Enable 2FA on sensitive accounts like email and banking. For maximum protection, use phishing-resistant options like security keys.

3. Keep Software Updated

Software updates fix security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Delaying updates leaves your devices open to malware and data theft. Enable automatic updates for operating systems, browsers, and apps to ensure timely patches. Download updates only from official sources, like vendor websites or app stores. Replace unsupported (“End-of-Life”) software, as it no longer receives security fixes.

4. Use Strong, Unique Passwords and a Password Manager

Weak or reused passwords are a major risk. A strong password is at least 16 characters, random (mixing letters, numbers, symbols, or passphrase), and unique to each account. Reusing passwords allows hackers to access multiple accounts if one is breached. Password managers generate, store, and autofill complex passwords, requiring only one strong master password. Use a reputable manager to simplify secure password management.

5. Manage Your Digital Footprint

Control what you share online. Adjust social media privacy settings to limit who sees your posts and personal details, like your phone number or birthdate. Restrict tagging and location sharing. Revoke access for unused third-party apps connected to your accounts. In your browser, enable tracking protection to block third-party cookies and clear cookies/cache regularly to remove tracking data.

6. Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi, like at coffee shops or airports, is often insecure, allowing hackers to intercept data or set up fake hotspots. Use a VPN to encrypt your traffic on public networks. Ensure websites use HTTPS (check for https:// and a padlock icon), which secures data like logins or payments. Avoid sensitive tasks, like banking, on public Wi-Fi without both VPN and HTTPS protection.

7. Download Files Safely

Downloading files or apps can introduce malware, like viruses or ransomware. Stick to trusted sources, such as official vendor websites or app stores (Apple App Store, Google Play). Verify sites use HTTPS and check for digital signatures to confirm file integrity. Read reviews and avoid suspicious offers. Run updated antivirus software to scan downloads and block threats.

8. Recognize and Report Phishing Scams

Phishing attacks trick you into sharing sensitive information or installing malware via deceptive emails, texts, or messages. Attackers impersonate trusted entities, using urgent language or fake offers. Watch for suspicious sender addresses, generic greetings, unexpected links or attachments, and poor grammar. Don’t click or reply to suspicious messages. Verify requests independently via official websites or phone numbers. Report phishing to the impersonated organization.

9. Close accounts no longer in use

Review websites where you’ve made purchases and saved your credit card or bank account details. If you no longer use these sites, log in, delete your financial information, and, if appropriate, close the account.

10. Delete applications no longer in use and check app permissions

Always be suspicious of apps, several apps make money by collecting user data and selling it.

For Android:

1. Check App Permissions: 

o Go to Settings > Apps or Apps & Notifications.

o Select an app and look for permissions like camera, microphone, location, or contacts.

2. Manage Permissions: 

o In Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager, view permissions by category (e.g., location, camera).

o Toggle off unnecessary permissions or restrict them to “While using the app” for location or other sensitive access.

3. Review App Access Regularly: 

o Go to Settings > Security & Privacy > Privacy Dashboard (on Android 12+) to see which apps recently accessed permissions and revoke those no longer needed.

4. Update Android Settings: 

o Enable Google Play Protect (Settings > Security > Google Play Protect) to scan for malicious apps.

o Disable “Install unknown apps” in Settings > Apps > Special app access to prevent unauthorized installations.

For iOS:

1. Review App Permissions: 

o Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.

o Tap categories like Location Services, Camera, or Microphone to see which apps have access.

2. Adjust Permissions: 

o For each app, toggle off unnecessary permissions or set location access to “While Using” or “Ask Next Time.”

o For apps requesting tracking, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and disable “Allow Apps to Request to Track.”

3. Check App Access: 

o Go to Settings, scroll to individual apps, and review their permissions (e.g., access to Photos, Bluetooth).

o Limit access, such as setting Photos to “Selected Photos” instead of “All Photos.”

4. Enable Security Features: 

o Keep iOS updated (Settings > General > Software Update) for the latest security patches.

o Use App Privacy Report (Settings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report) to monitor how apps use permissions.

Conclusion

Implementing these ten steps: using a VPN, enabling 2FA, updating software, securing passwords, managing privacy settings, staying safe on public Wi-Fi, downloading cautiously, spotting phishing, closing unused accounts, and reviewing your apps — creates a robust defense against cyber threats. Stay proactive to protect your privacy and security online.