Many of us have been adjust to a more virtual world for almost two years, but it is still difficult to keep up with online privacy and security. While your digital habits haven't changed much, each new communications platform, online account, and application has its own settings, new password requirements, and associated risks. yes, it can be very difficult.

Secure your communication methods

Whether you're texting, video calling, or communicating almost face-to-face, or using secret codes associated with comfortable scarves, your words are easily accessible. in the hands of anyone who hopes to keep it. or use what you say. It is important to protect yourself from virtual eavesdropping if possible.

For starters, consider Signal, Telegram, as one of the few secure messaging applications - even Message calls are end-to-end encrypted. In early 2021, we looked at six very good options when WhatsApp announced that it planned to share a lot of user data with its parent company, Meta (formerly Facebook), and you might find one that would suit your needs. It should be noted that Facebook Messenger has E2E encryption, but you must enable it yourself. It can also be useful to post messages that are even harmful on social networks and other platforms.

An easy-to-use feature here is location sharing, which is available for, but not limited to, various messaging applications. It can be helpful to help others understand where you are, for example for travel or safety reasons, but you probably don't want to send your location to the world. Take a moment to check where you can share this information and confirm your location sharing settings exactly the way you want. Don't think that video calling is also guaranteed to be secure. Your words are not written, but they can be recorded and many platforms have additional chat features. Check your video call settings before joining the next virtual happy hour. Zoom provides, for example, E2E encryption, but this is not possible by default. Turn on. What's more, we have general guidelines for proper video call behavior. 

And before we forget it, if you're sending or exchanging more spicy photos with someone, take the time to figure out how to do it safely.

Secure your online Accounts

Your data is valuable and many people (and companies) want it. We've created instructions on how to lock your Google, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Twitter, and other accounts, and we've added links to more detailed, platform-specific stand-alone stories (like Google here). Speaking of the big G, we also have advice on what options to select and check boxes so you can manage your privacy in every Google app. If you really want a new beginning, just unsubscribe from everything. Closes all browsing sessions that you forgot you left open and locks anyone who may have been snooping on your Instagram account after you accidentally logged in to your computer last week. 

Keep in mind small but useful features as you go through the various account settings that can increase your security and privacy. One example is Hide My Email on Apple devices. You can use this new advanced tool to generate email addresses for burners when you need them and ensure you don't receive spam with applications that have been deleted.

Check your passwords

We have two key recommendations for password security: use two-factor authentication and a password manager. As the name suggests, 2FA will require something other than your username and password before accessing your account. The second item can be a code, key, or prompt sent to another device. And while you may need to set a master password to use the password manager, it's much easier to remember one than a dozen.

Whether you follow the suggestions or not, you need to understand how to choose the most secure passwords. If you're a Safari or Google Chrome user, you're in luck: these browsers can help you consolidate your login information. And you may not have thought about it, but your Google search history may require your own password.

Check the access rights of your Applications

Applications are constantly changing and adjustments can fly under your radar year after year. It's also easy to quickly click "allow" when trying to use the app without thinking about the consequences. So if you're lucky enough to have enough time in the future, sit back and see what your apps can do - the process is easy on both Apple and Android devices. Once there, renew your familiarity with your phone's privacy settings.

If you want to dive deeper, you may want to take a moment to see exactly what some apps share about you.

Limit the way you watch online

Many companies and other organizations want to know what you are doing on the web, and while it can be difficult to stop all tracking, you have control. The most popular browsers allow you to limit the tracks you leave over the air to different widths, and you can even switch to a browser with a built-in virtual private network (VPN) if you want. higher level of security.

If you’d rather stick with the browser you already have, consider some security-focused add-ons that will block ads and clean up your browsing history, among other tasks. There are even ways to track the trackers, whether they’re hidden on web pages or within your emails.