Phishing scams, data breaches, websites tracking your every step online, malicious hackers targeting your social media profile – the list of the digital challenges goes on and on. Do not lose hope as there are simple things you can do to improve your privacy online.

Avoid public storage for private information:

Do not use online services such as Google Drive and Dropbox the are meant for sharing information to store sensitive and private information such as personal financial documents, passport scans, list of passwords, etc.

Encryption enabled messaging apps:

Modern messaging applications use encryption, but in many cases it is usually in-transit – messages are not stored in an encrypted format on the server. In the event the server is hacked, the hacker can view all the messages in cleartext. Choose messaging apps that provide end-to-end encryption so that hackers including the messaging app provider cannot see your personal messages.

Disable Tracking:

When you visit a website, your browser discloses certain information about you and your surfing history. This information is used by companies to profile you and target you based on the information that is shared. Using private browsing and appropriate tools can stop the sharing of your personal data.

Click Smart:

Many of today’s online threats are based on phishing or social engineering. This is when you are tricked into revealing personal or sensitive information for fraudulent purposes. Spam emails, phony “free” offers, clickbait, online quizzes and more all use these tactics to entice you to click on dangerous links or give up your personal information. Always be wary of offers that sound too good to be true, or ask for too much information.