In today’s world, news briefs about privacy breaches bombard our television sets and computer screens. Government whistleblowers, spying, cell phone hacking, private photographs leaked via iCloud, and more are the norm. Reports of the United States’ government usage of the PRISM program allegedly tracking over 1 million persons in the United States alone have been particularly alarming. Naturally, growing interest and attention has been placed on privacy and security, not only in banks and boardrooms but also in bedrooms and coffee shops around the world. Many people want to avoid being tracked online, followed, spied on, and their information automatically gathered, even if just to “check” on their Google searches, Skype calls, Facebook posts or email messages.

Fortunately, there are many ways to protect yourself from the prowling eyes of Big Brother and others who make a living following your every cyber move. However, it is essential to keep in mind that nothing is 100% fool-proof. You have to assume that scammers, spammers, and hackers spend their days and nights finding ways to make your online experience vulnerable and under constant threat. That doesn’t mean you should succumb or act recklessly online; instead, you should take measures to protect your privacy and information.

Here are 12 ways to keep your information out of the crosshairs:

1. Clean your Internet browsing history after every use.

You are most commonly tracked online by your IP address and emails. Every site you visit online tracks your time spent there and leaves what are called ‘cookies’ on your computer. ‘Cookies,’ also known as ‘HTTP cookie,’ ‘web cookie,’ or ‘browser cookies,’ are a record of your web activity. They can help companies and organizations determine your browsing and shopping habits to personalize your online experience. However, they can also be used to monitor your online behavior without your consent. You can regularly clean out your search history, and set your browsing settings to private by following the instructions on websites such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Opera, and AOL. You can also download Piriform for deleting some bits of your online footprint. Regularly erasing data from your browsing history is one way to avoid being tracked online.

2. Create specific passwords for each account.

Don’t rely on the Internet to keep you safe. Create a unique and strong password for each account you have, and never use the same password for multiple accounts or share your passwords with anyone. Keep track of them with password managers that are safe and encrypted.

3. Avoid JavaScript search engines.

StartPage, Google Chrome, Firefox, Duck Duck Go, and Cyber Ghost are alternative options to traditional search engines that track your behavior and choices online. Basic search engines use JavaScript, which is often used in ‘cookies.’ If you are trying to avoid being tracked online, JavaScript can be your enemy. Thus, you should take precautions to protect yourself from its power.

4. Use Tor and a Linux Live Image, like Tails.

Tor is one of the best methods for protection and security. By using Tor, you scramble your IP address, which will disguise your location and personal data. You can download Tor, which is free to install, and is trusted by businesses, activists, journalists, military, and law enforcement agencies. Another useful method to avoid being tracked online is by using a Linux Live Image, such as Tails, which won’t store your Internet activity. You can download this on a CD or USB key, and after you shut down your computer, all your searches and work will not be stored.

5. Don’t reply to suspicious emails, and never accept friendship requests from people you don’t know.

Do not respond to suspicious emails, and never accept friend requests from people you don’t know. Take your time to look through all your online accounts like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn to remove and block contacts that send you spam messages.
6. Encrypt your email messages.

You can encrypt emails and files using GNU Privacy Guard (GnuPG or GPG), which makes your data unreadable unless you provide a passphrase. The private key and passphrase will allow you to decrypt your messages and files. You can share your public key with persons you want to communicate with confidentially.

7. Use a burner laptop and cell phone.

A ‘burner’ laptop or cellphone is a normal device, but it should be the only device you ever use to connect to the internet. That includes streaming YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, or social networking sites. All internet access should go through this laptop.

8. Use the HTTPS Everywhere extension.

HTTPS Everywhere is a browser extension that automatically switches websites from HTTP to HTTPS whenever possible to encrypt and protect your web browsing sessions automatically.

9. Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

By using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), you can create an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server, which can hide your IP address and protect your browsing activity. Some reputable VPN providers include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.

10. Keep your software up-to-date.

Often, software updates contain security patches, so keeping your software up-to-date is a smart way to protect your digital devices.

11. Use two-factor authentication.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) offers an extra layer of protection. It requires a second phase of verification beyond a password to gain access to your account.

12. Always be vigilant.

Stay vigilant, especially when using public Wi-Fi, and avoid going to suspicious websites. Be critical of pop-up ads or links that you do not recognize.

Although no method can guarantee absolute online privacy or security, implementing these measures can help you stay safe and protect your information from prying eyes.