How to stay private online: The ultimate guide

How to be more private on the internet

Staying private on the internet requires changing your online habits. While achieving true anonymity is impossible, users can still avoid the majority of the trackers or annoying ads if they take the right steps. Here’s how to stay more private on the internet.

Use a VPN while browsing online

VPNs (virtual private networks) are powerful tools that can improve your online privacy and security. By encrypting all of your online traffic, they keep hackers, snoopers, and advertisers from seeing your online traffic. While some think VPNs provide anonymous browsing, in reality, they are more of a privacy tool than anonymity tool.

In addition, a VPN can mask your IP address allowing you to change your virtual location and access subscribed content when traveling abroad (especially in countries with strong censorship). However, the key benefits of premium VPNs like NordVPN revolve around security features, such as DNS leak protection, obfuscated servers, and Threat Protection Pro™.

Use Tor browser

Another tool for advanced privacy is the Tor (The Onion Router) browser. Contrary to typical online browsers, Tor routes online connection through multiple nodes ensuring a high level of anonymity. However, because of that, this browser may also work much slower than Brave, Firefox, Chrome, or any other regular browser. In addition, some may shy away from Tor due to it being known as a gateway to the dark web. 

While it’s true that the Tor browser is a way to access the dark web, you can still use it to browse regular sites such as news pages or YouTube. If you’re worried about the malicious actors that may exploit this browser for nefarious purposes, remember some basic online safety tips. Avoid clicking on suspicious or unverified links, refrain from downloading questionable files, and disable JavaScript while using Tor. Though remember: These steps may significantly reduce your risk but don’t guarantee complete protection. Always stay cautious, especially when accessing unknown sites. You can also use the Onion Over VPN feature to add to your online safety, but beware of additional drops in connection speed. 

Use ad blockers

Using an ad blocker is another great way to improve your online privacy. Ads can be annoying or even disruptive, while the sites you visit and the things you do online can all be added to your online profile. Enabling an ad blocker stops advertisements from loading and can prevent ads from tracking you. However, it doesn’t block every tracking capability — mechanisms like supercookies, pixels, and browser fingerprinting can still collect your online activities. That’s why alongside an ad blocker, it may be smart to get a tracker blocker — a tool that can further prevent advertisers from tracking and exploiting your personal data. 

Use a secure and encrypted email account

Securing your email account is key when looking for ways to increase online privacy. One of the ways of safeguarding your emails is implementing email encryption. Email encryption works by converting your electronic mail into coded text and sending it to the recipient email, where it’s decoded. To get the best protection, consider choosing from leading encrypted email services that can offer end-to-end encryption, encoded contact lists, and encrypted email storage to make your emails unassailable.

Use multiple email addresses

Once you have secured your email account, create a couple of more. Why? Because using multiple email addresses is a great way to protect online privacy. For example, you can use one for personal communication, another for professional matters, and a third for online shopping or creating accounts on various websites. Even if your email provider does collect your data, this may help skew your data profile and make it harder for advertisers to draw an accurate picture of who you are. If your provider respects your privacy, this will keep you anonymous from websites that might share your data with one another or third-party marketers.

Use secure passwords

You may invest vast resources into system security, but it will all be worthless if you use a weak password. Hackers may launch brute-force attacks to try and guess your password. In that case, those who use weak passwords (those shorter than 12 symbols with no special characters) will likely be exposed in seconds, surrendering total access to the compromised account or system. So make sure to safeguard your online accounts with a long password, ideally one that’s hard to guess but easy to remember. Take into account tips on creating strong passwords and consider using a password manager to safely store and access all your passwords in one location.

Use proxy extensions

While not as universal as VPNs, proxy servers and their extensions can be a decent alternative in keeping yourself more private online. Proxy extensions allow users to surf more privately (up to a point), though may not provide additional safety features (for example, ad blocker). You can choose from different proxy extensions, capable of masking your IP and providing more privacy online. For example, for Firefox or Chrome users, we suggest trying the NordVPN browser extension. For other browsers, you might find various browser extensions for privacy, including ones from NordVPN.

Block JavaScript on the sites you visit

JavaScript powers some websites’ plugins, but it can also be used to exploit browser weaknesses, harvest your data, or even trick you into downloading malware. Fortunately, you can block it for sites you’re not sure about while letting it run on sites you trust. Numerous browser extensions block JavaScript and other types of scripts online (while allowing you to make exceptions for trusted sites), but you can also disable JavaScript manually, without using an extension. To do that, head to your browser’s settings and find the option “Disable JavaScript” or similar depending on the browser.

Make sure your extensions and plugins are private

When downloading an extension or plugin, make sure it takes your internet privacy protection seriously. You can trust most privacy-oriented plugins, but others may want to collect your data to turn a profit. Do your research – for any given popular plugin, there will most likely be a privacy expert who’s already put it to the test and found out whether it respects your rights.

Use an encrypted messaging app

Some messaging apps keep conversations secure by coding your messages before sending them to the recipient. Additionally, these privacy-oriented messaging apps may not store your messages, and employ tight metadata handling, giving you more privacy when conversing with your friends. The three leading apps — WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram — offer end-to-end encryption (Telegram — in “Secret chats” mode only) and are generally considered as the best choices for those looking for more anonymity (although WhatsApp and Telegram do collect users metadata). Facebook messages are not private by default, but you can activate encryption by going into “secret conversation” mode. 

Search privately with a private search engine

Google is the undisputed king of search engines, but it’s also one of the world’s biggest data collectors. To limit the amount of data search engines collect on you, consider using a private search engine, such as DuckDuckGo. The main benefits of switching to a private search engine is that it doesn’t log users’ search history and avoids personalized search results (which are based on collected user data). Some private engines also block ads, meaning you’ll have one less nuisance to worry about while searching for information.

Use private browsers

A browser is your most direct and personal connection to the internet, so if you want to improve your online privacy protection, getting a private browser is key. If all you’ve ever known is Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, we have some news for you – there’s a whole world of privacy-focused browsers that can increase your anonymity online. Some of them, like Vivaldi, might even have features that you’ll prefer over the ones your current browser has. However, to find the best option for you, consider checking out our list of the best private browsers.

Use incognito mode for local privacy

Speaking of browser privacy, there’s something else we need to talk about — incognito/private browser modes. They’re great tools, but it’s important to understand their advantages and limitations.

Incognito mode DOES:

• Prevent your device from collecting a local record of your browser activity that other users on your device can see (like search or browser history).
• (Usually) prevent the creation of new cookies or delete them when it closes so that they can’t track you.

Incognito mode DOES NOT:

• Protect you from most malware attacks.
• Hide your browsing data from ISPs, governments, hackers, or advertisers.
• Secure your data on public Wi-Fi (one of the most vulnerable but convenient places to browse).

Find out more about incognito mode so you can use it correctly.

Clear your cookies (or block them completely)

Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device to remember information about your visit (for example, login details). While cookies can enhance your browsing experience by keeping you logged in and personalizing content, advertisers also use them to gather data about your online behavior and track your activity. Luckily, you can block cookies through your web browser’s settings. Most popular browsers offer options to block all cookies or only third-party cookies, used by advertisers. 

By disabling cookies, you can increase your online anonymity, preventing advertisers from easily tracking your movements across different websites. However, it's important to note that blocking cookies may also affect the functionality of some sites by requiring you to log in again or lose saved preferences. 

Avoid public Wi-Fi if you can

While public Wi-Fi is a great way to get some internet, unfortunately, it’s also one of the riskiest ways to go online — from both a privacy and security standpoint. Hackers and snoopers may use public airport or shopping mall Wi-Fi hotspots to launch man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, which intercept online traffic and steal sensitive data. 

There are several ways to secure public Wi-Fi. However, the best way to stay private and secure on public Wi-Fi is with a VPN. It will encrypt your traffic so that nobody on the public Wi-Fi channel will be able to see who you are, where you’re headed, or what you’re doing.

Say YES to HTTPS

One powerful but simple step you can take when browsing online to stay private and secure is to choose HTTPS URLs over HTTP URLs whenever possible.

If you see HTTPS at the beginning of the URL or a lock icon at the head of your browser URL bar, that means your connection to that site is encrypted. SSL/TLS encryption isn’t the strongest type of encryption available, and HTTPS only covers your browser, but it’s still a great tool for staying private. There are even certain browser extensions that will do the work for you, favoring HTTPS connections wherever possible.

Keep your apps, OS, and devices updated

Updates might seem like a chore, but they’re more important than you may think. They are about more than just getting new features!

Every time a new cyberattack happens or a new vulnerability is discovered, numerous sites spread the news. Those vulnerabilities are addressed through crucial updates, including security patches, bug fixes, and feature enhancements that you may dismiss as “annoying.” Postponing these updates puts your devices at increased risk because hackers may try to exploit the vulnerabilities before users can update their systems. That’s why it’s crucial to install updates as soon as service providers introduce them. Opting for automatic updates can simplify this process, ensuring your software, apps, and operating system are always protected against the latest known threats. 

Beware of IoT devices

Though IoT devices employ some of the latest tech, they also bring additional security risks. IoT devices are designed to gather all types of data and store it on servers. Imagine a database that has GPS data from your vehicle, your movement around the house, electricity usage habits, and other information. If leaked, this data could be used by burglars to break into your property while you’re away.

Companies tend to monitor thousands of devices using cloud-based platforms, meaning your security is in somebody else’s hands. It’s worth learning about the dangers behind IoT devices and what makes them so insecure.

If you still want to use IoT devices, we recommend that you install a VPN, enable two-factor authentication, and delete your personal information from the internet once in a while (as much as possible).

Never give up more data than you must

This is a general rule that applies to everything — from apps and OS to services and devices. For every piece of personal data anyone or anything asks you for (this includes app permissions), see if you can answer these questions:

• Does it need this data to function?
• If not, can you refuse to provide the data?
• If not, is there a competing product or service that will fulfill your needs without demanding this data?
• If not, is this product or service worth the potential risk caused by providing the data it has requested?

Online privacy protection on social media

It may seem like privacy and social media are incompatible — how can you share your selfies with the world without sacrificing your privacy? The key is to strike a thoughtful balance that allows you to enjoy social media while protecting your personal information. Oversharing can lead to significant risks, including identity theft, because cybercriminals can exploit your data for malicious purposes.

Take time to familiarize yourself with the privacy settings on each platform. You can adjust who sees your posts and how your data is collected and used. While these settings provide a layer of protection, remember that platforms may not always enforce them effectively.

Before sharing any photo, video, or status update, consider whether the public needs to see it and how it could be misinterpreted. This mindful approach can help safeguard your privacy and mitigate risks associated with oversharing. 

For more tips, check out our blog post on social media privacy.

Opt out of data brokers

Data brokers are companies that collect personal information from various sources and use it to build detailed profiles for their clients or sell it to third parties. This practice can significantly disrupt your anonymity because your data can be used for targeted advertising or even identity theft.

To reduce your exposure, it's essential to proactively manage the information available about you. One approach is to use services like Incogni that reach out to data brokers on your behalf, requesting the removal of your data from their records. By taking these steps, you can better safeguard your privacy and limit the amount of personal information available online.

What are some extra measures to browse the internet more privately? 

Improving your internet privacy may take a little bit of extra effort, but the resulting peace of mind is a worthy reward. Here’s what extra measures you can take to browse the internet more privately:

• Evaluate your personal privacy needs. Everyone has different privacy requirements based on their threat model. Whether you're handling sensitive work information, concerned about social media stalking, protecting anonymous whistleblower activities, or simply value personal privacy, tailor your protection measures accordingly.
• Use privacy-focused browsers and search engines. Switch to browsers with enhanced tracking protection (such as Brave or Firefox with hardened security settings), and search engines that don't track your searches (for example, DuckDuckGo). Also, learn how the browsers you regularly use collect data to improve your understanding on how to enhance your online privacy.
• Implement privacy-enhancing tools. Use a combination of VPNs, ad blockers, encrypted messaging apps, and password managers to change your IP, avoid ads, safeguard your communication, and otherwise enhance your online privacy. When choosing tools, pick those that address your specific browsing patterns and privacy concerns.
• Adopt privacy-conscious internet habits. Regularly clear cookies and browsing history, use strong unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid oversharing on social media, and be cautious about phishing attempts. Even the best privacy tools can't protect you if you compromise your own data.
• Adjust privacy settings across all devices and services. Review and minimize data collection permissions in your operating system, apps, and online accounts. Disable location tracking when unnecessary and regularly audit which services have access to your information.
• Consider switching to Linux. If you’re extremely serious about improving your online privacy, you might want to switch to Linux. This OS has different open-source distribution options (or distros) that typically don't have built-in telemetry and allow more control and customization. However, switching to Linux does come with a learning curve, so before switching to this OS, make sure you’re patient enough to spend some time figuring out the ins and outs of the system.

Anonymity vs. privacy: Key differences

Before we explore the various aspects of online anonymity, it’s important to clarify the distinction between online anonymity and online privacy.

Online privacy refers to the ability to control who has access to your personal information and online activity. For example, using privacy settings on social media platforms allows you to share content with only select individuals rather than the public. This ensures that your digital footprint remains confidential and is only available to those you trust.

Online anonymity, on the other hand, is about concealing your identity entirely. This involves not just protecting personal details like your name and email address, but also masking any information that could be used to trace your activity back to you. For instance, browsing with a web service that doesn’t track your activity may add to your anonymity, but it’s much more complex than simply using tools to obscure your identifying information. Achieving a higher level of online anonymity is a challenge and requires a layered approach.

While understanding the differences between privacy and anonymity is important, users should also remember to evaluate the importance of privacy vs. security. Being less visible online is a sound strategy in keeping yourself away from trouble. However, investing in some security tools can further prevent potential cyber threats, keeping you safe from both malicious actors and unwanted snoopers. 

What are the consequences of no online privacy?

The importance of online privacy cannot be overstated. While some may argue that there's nothing to hide, the reality is that your personal information can be exploited in harmful ways, including stealing identities, committing financial fraud, or even influencing the masses. Understanding the risks associated with a lack of privacy can help illustrate why safeguarding your online activity is essential. 

Here are some key threats related to online privacy:

• Identity theft. This occurs when someone unlawfully obtains and uses your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, or banking details, to commit fraud or other crimes in your name.
• Data breaches. Large organizations that store sensitive personal information can be vulnerable to cyber attacks, leading to unauthorized access to your data. Such breaches can result in your information being exposed, sold, or used maliciously.
• Data exploitation. Companies and individuals can exploit your online data for profit, often without transparency or your consent. This may range from seemingly harmless scenarios (such as targeted advertising that manipulates your purchasing decisions) to more nefarious purposes (such as influencing your political views through carefully crafted content). All of it — based on information collected from your online interactions.

The manipulation of information can extend beyond personal risk. Complex algorithms and data patterns can influence entire populations, with social media being weaponized to sway elections and public opinions. Protecting your online privacy is essential for maintaining control over your personal information and ensuring your voice remains free and unencumbered.