How to protect internet privacy; Quick and Simple Tactics

how to protect internet privacy

Updated Nov, 2023

How to protect internet privacy: Simple Strategies

We live in an age where privacy is almost an unheard-of concept. The government blatantly disregards all the laws in place to keep them in check, today NSA seems obsessed with finding out what the average Joe is doing as opposed to spending time on issues that really matter.   Now you have to worry not only about hackers but about your own government snooping on you.  However, you don’t have to take this sitting down.   We have scoured the net and found a bunch of programs that are must if one is looking to reclaim their privacy.  Best of all, these programs are available to you for free of charge. Security and privacy are not static issues. Constant vigilance is needed for we live in an age where corporations and governments alike have lost control of what is legal and what is not.

Comodo Firewall

It is one of the top-rated programs out there and has consistently been rated at the top for the past 10 years. The basic version is free and more than enough to provide you with all the protection you need. However, if you are willing to spend a bit more you can get many other features.

Stay safe with the award-winning Comodo Firewall

  • Identifies and blocks malicious threats.
  • Defends against inbound and outbound vulnerable threats
  • Protect confidential data
  • Alerts user if any suspicious activity is found
  • Simple configuration
  • Personalizes security by analysing the user’s behaviour
  • Easy to use graphical interface,
  • Unique Default Deny protection provides unparalleled protection

Download Comodo

How to protect internet privacy via Avast Antivirus

avast! Free Antivirus is a complete anti-virus package, that is free for registered home non-commercial users. It contains an on-demand scanner with two interfaces (simple for novices and advanced for experienced users), an on-access scanner with Standard Shield (which protects against execution and opening malware programs) and an embedded e-mail scanner which scans incoming and outgoing email messages.avast! Free Antivirus integrates with the Windows Explorer right-click menu and also includes a special screen saver which is able to scan your system while your computer is not in use. Updates are incremental and frequently made available for manual or scheduled download. You will download a 30-day demo, if you would like to continue free usage beyond that time, you`ll need to register from the home page to obtain a free activation key by email.

Download Avast Anti-virus

Surf the web anonymously

n the ever-expanding digital landscape, the imperative to surf the web anonymously has become paramount. The digital realm, teeming with tracking programs, hackers, and government surveillance, necessitates a robust solution. Enter the Virtual Private Network (VPN), a digital cloak that conceals your IP address and issues a new one, rendering tracking attempts futile. In this realm, CyberGhost emerges as a stalwart defender, renowned for its commitment to IP security.

The uniqueness of CyberGhost lies in its assurance against IP leaks, a vulnerability prevalent in many other VPN programs. While some claim to be at the pinnacle of security, they often fall short, inadvertently leaking users’ IP addresses and compromising their anonymity. This revelation underscores the critical importance of choosing a VPN with a proven track record, and CyberGhost stands as a beacon in this regard.

Notably, CyberGhost offers a free basic version, ensuring accessibility for users seeking an entry point into secure online browsing. For those desiring enhanced features, a nominal charge unlocks the faster version with unlimited data, providing a seamless and expedited anonymous web surfing experience.

The mechanics of CyberGhost involve a network of international proxy servers that act as gatekeepers, shielding users’ real IP addresses and encrypting all HTTP traffic between computers and remote servers. This multi-layered approach empowers users with the ability to select proxy servers based on country location, speed, and anonymity level, or trust the program to automatically make optimal selections.

In an age where privacy is a prized commodity, CyberGhost stands as an ally, not just offering a veil of anonymity but fortifying it with a commitment to security that sets it apart in the landscape of VPNs. Users navigating the digital currents can do so with confidence, knowing that their online footprint remains obscured and their digital identity protected.

Download Cyberghost

How to protect internet privacy via Unchecky

It is a cool program that prevents other programs from sneaking in malware or software you do not want?  It automatically detects if a program is trying to add something else to your download and removes it.

Unchecky is a small tool that can help you prevent accidental acceptance of third-party sponsor offers during software installations. The program runs as a background service and monitors your software installations. If it detects any unrelated offers, it automatically unchecks them for you, so you don’t accidentally install any unwanted software. We tested Unchecky with a handful of different installers and it worked particularly well with OpenCandy, AVG and some others (see our screenshots). Keep in mind that there are many different types of third-party offers and installation schemes and Unchecky will not work with all of them – it missed a few during our tests. Nonetheless, Unchecky works well with most of the popular installers and uses very little resources.

Download Unchecky

Hide your Mac-Id address

In our era of deceit and distrust, an extra layer of security has become paramount. While hiding your IP address is a common practice, it’s essential to recognize that your Mac address, a unique identifier assigned to each computer, remains exposed. For a nominal charge of $19.99, a powerful program is available to users, allowing them to change their Mac address at will. This additional security measure, when coupled with tools like Cyber Ghost, ensures a heightened level of anonymity on the internet.

Shielding your MAC address goes beyond safeguarding against hackers; it extends to protecting your online presence from government agencies, ISPs, WiFi networks, and even potential threats in online gaming environments. The ease with which anyone equipped with the right tools can track your internet activity using your MAC address underscores the necessity of adopting proactive measures.

Consider the prevalence of public wireless access points, some more secure than others. Each time you open your laptop, it automatically seeks connection with wireless networks, irrespective of the encryption protocols in place. Herein lies the vulnerability that a malicious actor could exploit. However, by employing a MAC address-changing tool, you not only fortify your security against potential threats but also gain the ability to fool MAC-based ACLs.

This MAC address cloning capability becomes particularly useful when navigating WiFi networks with access controls. By mimicking the MAC address of a computer already authorized to use a network, you can seamlessly bypass restrictions, enhancing your online privacy. Embracing these tools and techniques is akin to donning a digital cloak, providing users with the means to navigate the digital realm with a heightened sense of security and anonymity.

 

Download Hide my Mac-id

Adware Remover

When it comes to defending your system against adware, the dilemma of choosing the superior option between the two programs below can be a perplexing task. To strike a balance, it’s advisable to use both, with a caveat – disable one during startup to prevent potential interference. This strategy involves running one program continuously for real-time protection and activating the second one periodically, say once a week, to ensure comprehensive adware removal.

Ad-Aware Free Antivirus + by Lavasoft stands out as a formidable choice for core protection against internet threats. Boasting real-time antivirus and anti-spyware engines, rootkit protection, download protection, and web filters dedicated to safe browsing, this software empowers users with the capability to fortify their online defenses. The product merges Lavasoft’s pioneering anti-spyware technology with traditional antivirus protection, delivering a comprehensive shield against a spectrum of malware.

The real-time functionality of Ad-Aware Free Antivirus + ensures continuous monitoring, swiftly identifying and neutralizing potential threats. With a focus on not just adware but a broader range of internet perils, users gain a multifaceted defense mechanism that extends beyond the traditional realms of antivirus protection.

In a landscape where adware poses a persistent threat, the periodic activation of the second adware remover serves as a crucial additional layer. By adopting this dual approach, users can navigate the digital realm with the confidence that their system is fortified against the insidious intrusion of adware, ensuring a seamless and secure online experience.

Download ad-aware here

Malwarebytes

A standout in the realm of anti-malware solutions, Malwarebytes is a robust program crafted with powerful technologies aimed at identifying, eliminating, and preventing malware infections. This versatile tool is available in both Free and Premium versions, each tailored to cater to distinct user needs. The Free version is renowned for its adept detection and removal capabilities, making it a reliable choice for users seeking fundamental protection against malware threats.

Stepping up the game, the Premium version of Malwarebytes goes beyond mere detection and employs advanced protection technologies to proactively thwart malware infections. This proactive approach significantly enhances the user’s defense mechanism, providing an added layer of security against the ever-evolving landscape of malware.

What sets Malwarebytes apart is not just its efficacy but also the array of extra utilities it offers. These utilities extend the functionality of the program, allowing users to delve into a comprehensive suite of tools to bolster their system’s security. From real-time protection to scheduled scans, Malwarebytes equips users with the means to fortify their digital environment against potential threats.

Complementing its technological prowess, Malwarebytes fosters a sense of community resilience through its approachable forum. This platform serves as a hub where users can share insights, seek guidance, and collectively combat the myriad forms of malware that exist in the wild. In an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, Malwarebytes not only stands as a stalwart guardian against malware but also as a community-driven bastion of knowledge and support in the ongoing battle for digital security.

Download Malwarebytes

Best Search Engine

In the ever-expanding digital landscape, DuckDuckGo emerges as a beacon of privacy in the realm of search engines. Positioned as the search engine that doesn’t track you, DuckDuckGo takes a distinct approach by prioritizing user privacy and delivering a smarter search experience. The Search & Stories app, an embodiment of this commitment, not only ensures real privacy but also introduces users to an enhanced search functionality and a curated selection of stories designed to captivate.

The essence of DuckDuckGo lies in its unwavering dedication to user privacy. In a world where online searches encompass everything from casual inquiries to the exploration of health and finance questions, the search engine recognizes the sensitivity of these queries. As a testament to its commitment, DuckDuckGo refrains from collecting or sharing users’ personal information, fostering an environment where individuals can explore the digital landscape without the shadows of data tracking looming over them.

The Search & Stories app goes beyond the conventional search engine experience, introducing users to a realm of curated content tailored to their interests. It’s not just about search; it’s about offering a personalized journey through stories that resonate. By integrating an element of storytelling into the search experience, DuckDuckGo transcends the transactional nature of search engines, transforming it into an engaging and enriching exploration.

In a landscape where privacy concerns are paramount, DuckDuckGo stands as a champion of user-centric search experiences. By marrying real privacy with an intuitive and engaging search interface, DuckDuckGo invites users to redefine their expectations of what a search engine can be—a tool that not only answers queries but also respects the sanctity of personal information in the digital age.

Click here to use Duckduckgo

Encryption services

play a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive information. One such service that stands out in its efficacy and simplicity is designed for those seeking to send quick encrypted messages. The essence lies in its ability to transform a message into an indecipherable code, ensuring that only the intended recipient armed with the correct passcode can unravel its contents.

The beauty of this encryption service lies not just in its functionality but in its user-friendly approach. As our lives become more intertwined with the digital sphere, the need for quick and secure communication has become paramount. This service addresses this need by offering a seamless solution that doesn’t compromise on the robustness of encryption.

Picture a scenario where swift and confidential communication is imperative—be it transmitting sensitive work-related information or sharing personal details. In these instances, relying on encryption adds a layer of protection that shields the information from prying eyes and potential security breaches. It’s a digital envelope that ensures the contents remain exclusively between the sender and the designated recipient.

The process is elegantly straightforward. Users input their message, and the encryption service works its magic, encoding the message into a format that appears as gibberish to any unauthorized eyes. Only when the recipient enters the correct passcode does the message seamlessly transform back into its original, coherent form.

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication, encryption services like this offer not only security but a sense of control over the information shared. It’s a digital handshake that establishes trust in an era where the confidentiality of our messages is of paramount importance.

To send an encrypted message, click here

 Strong Password generator

In the dynamic landscape of digital security, a robust defense begins with a strong password. Embracing the need for impenetrable passwords, this free tool emerges as a valuable ally, generating passwords that stand as virtual fortresses against hacking attempts. The complexity of these passwords serves as a formidable deterrent, making them nearly impossible to crack.

To harness the power of these fortress-like passwords, a proactive step is necessary—creating a secure file to store and manage them. The tool provides the passwords, but their potency is fully realized when they are safeguarded within a fortified digital vault. This entails creating a file, employing a layer of password protection, or even securing a dedicated folder to house these critical access codes.

While the process may initially appear cumbersome, the necessity of this safeguard cannot be overstated in today’s interconnected world. The bright side reveals itself in the efficiency gained—moving from managing multiple passwords to consolidating them into one or two highly complex codes. The new paradigm ensures that the effort invested in creating and securing these passwords translates into a streamlined and more secure digital experience.

Picture a scenario where traditional, easily guessable passwords become relics of the past. Instead, users navigate the digital landscape armed with intricate combinations that serve as digital gatekeepers. In an era where cyber threats loom large, this strong password generator emerges not just as a tool but as a guardian, fortifying digital identities and fortifying against potential breaches.

As individuals adapt to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the imperative to embrace these practices becomes clear. The utilization of powerful tools for password generation coupled with strategic measures to safeguard these digital keys reflects a proactive stance in the face of ever-present online threats. It’s not just about complexity; it’s about resilience, and in this realm, strong passwords are the first line of defense.

Click here to access the Strong password generator

Hide, encrypt and protect your files and or folders

In the realm of digital security, the quest for secrecy often takes cues from the clandestine world of James Bond. A crucial maneuver involves not only encrypting files and folders but also going a step further to hide and protect them. This seamless integration of encryption, concealment, and protection creates a robust shield against unauthorized access, akin to a digital safekeeping mechanism straight from espionage thrillers.

Before delving into the covert operations of file protection, the foundation lies in encryption—an intricate process that transforms data into an unreadable format without the appropriate decryption key. This ensures that even if the files fall into the wrong hands, deciphering them remains an insurmountable challenge.

An extensive list of reviewed and recommended programs stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of encryption tools. These programs transcend the ordinary, offering users a spectrum of options to safeguard their digital assets. From user-friendly interfaces to advanced encryption algorithms, these tools empower individuals to navigate the complex world of digital secrecy with confidence.

Once encrypted, the next layer of defense involves hiding and protecting files or folders. This step immerses the data in an extra layer of obscurity, making it virtually invisible to prying eyes. Think of it as a cloak that conceals the encrypted contents, rendering them inaccessible without the knowledge of their precise location.

This sophisticated blend of encryption and concealment transforms the digital space into a secure vault, where sensitive information rests behind layers of intricate protection. In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are ubiquitous, adopting these James Bond-esque tactics is not just a choice but a necessity for those seeking to fortify their digital assets against the ever-present specter of unauthorized access.

Review Of Top Encryption Programs

If you do not want to go through the whole list, you could use vera crypt (listed below) to start the ball rolling, and then when you have time, do a bit of research to see if there is something better.

Veracrypt

VeraCrypt adds enhanced security to the algorithms used for system and partitions encryption making it immune to new developments in brute-force attacks.  It also solves many vulnerabilities and security issues found in TrueCrypt.

Download Veracrypt

After you encrypt the file, you can use the program below to hide the folder. This means that no one will be able to see the folder. In order to hack it, they have to see it, if they cannot see it, they cannot hack it. If they manage to find it, they still have to try to break through the strong encryption code that is protecting the program.

Wise folder hider

Wise Folder Hider is freeware. It can quickly and safely hide not only the files/folders on local partitions or removable devices but also USB drives or the files/folders on USB drives. The hidden files/folders will be safely hidden no matter whether the drive is accessed in another operating system on the same computer or reinstalled on another computer. The only way to access hidden files/folders/USB is to enter the valid password(s) correctly. Its double password protection can ensure the absolute safety of your files/folders/USB. Wise Folder Hider is very convenient. You can directly hide a file/folder/USB only by right-click if you don’t want to start-up the program. It supports many languages such as English, Chinese Simplified, German, Hungarian, Japanese, Korean, and Turkish.

Download Wise Folder Hider

How to protect internet privacy via Proton Mail

Please make a small donation if you choose to use their services; they are really doing a great job of taking on NSA.

A little bit about this email service that was lifted right off their website.

We are scientists, engineers, and developers drawn together by a shared vision of protecting civil liberties online. This is why we created ProtonMail, an easy to use email service with built-in end-to-end encryption and state of the art security features. Our goal is to build an Internet that is secure and protects privacy. To accomplish this, we are committed to developing and widely distributing the tools necessary to protect your data online.

Sign up for Proton Mail

How to protect internet privacy; be aware of the dangers first

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