70+ Tips to Protect Your Online Privacy

In today’s digital age, online privacy has become a critical concern. As we spend more time on the internet—whether for work, communication, or entertainment—we often leave behind traces of personal information that can be exploited by hackers, advertisers, or malicious entities. Protecting your online privacy is not just about securing your devices but also about adopting habits and practices that keep your data safe.

This guide provides over 70 actionable tips to help you safeguard your online presence. Divided into manageable groups of 10, these tips will empower you to control your data, protect your identity, and maintain a safe digital life.

Build Strong Password Practices

1. Create unique passwords for each account – Using the same password for multiple platforms is risky. If one account is breached, attackers can gain access to all linked accounts. Generate a unique password for every service you use to minimize the impact of a single breach.
2. Use long and complex passwords – Passwords should be at least 12-16 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Avoid predictable combinations like “password123” or “qwerty.”
3. Avoid using personal information in passwords – Hackers can easily guess passwords containing your name, birthdate, or pet’s name, especially if this information is visible on your social media profiles.
4. Use a password manager – Remembering dozens of unique passwords is nearly impossible, so use trusted password managers like LastPass, Bitwarden, or 1Password. These tools generate and securely store complex passwords for all your accounts.
5. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) – Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a one-time code sent to your phone or email. Even if a hacker obtains your password, 2FA will block access.
6. Avoid saving passwords in browsers – While convenient, saving passwords in browsers leaves them vulnerable if the browser is hacked. Instead, rely on a password manager with encrypted storage.
7. Regularly update passwords – Change your passwords every three to six months for sensitive accounts like email, banking, or social media. This practice reduces the chances of long-term breaches.
8. Don’t use security questions with obvious answers – Many platforms offer password recovery through security questions. Avoid using questions with answers that can be easily guessed, such as “What is your mother’s maiden name?” or “What is your favorite color?”
9. Check for compromised passwords – Use services like Have I Been Pwned to check if your email or password has been part of a data breach. If so, update your credentials immediately.
10. Log out from shared devices – Always log out of your accounts when using public or shared devices. This simple habit prevents unauthorized access to your personal information.

By following these steps, youcreate a solid foundation for protecting your online accounts and preventing unauthorized access.

Secure Your Devices and Networks

11. Use strong passcodes or biometric authentication on your devices – Always protect your devices with a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition. This prevents unauthorized users from accessing your data if your device is lost or stolen.
12. Update your software regularly – Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities. Keeping your operating system, apps, and antivirus software up to date ensures you’re protected from known threats.
13. Install antivirus software – A good antivirus program, like Norton, McAfee, or Bitdefender, protects your devices from malware, phishing, and other threats. Ensure it’s always running and updated.
14. Activate firewalls on your devices – Firewalls act as a barrier between your device and malicious traffic. Most operating systems come with built-in firewalls—make sure they’re enabled.
15. Encrypt your devices – Use full-disk encryption on your laptops, smartphones, and external drives. Encryption ensures that even if your device is stolen, the data cannot be accessed without the encryption key.
16. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi – Public Wi-Fi networks are often unencrypted and easily exploited by hackers. Avoid accessing sensitive information like banking accounts or emails on public networks.
17. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) – A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, providing privacy and security, especially when using public Wi-Fi or browsing sensitive sites.
18. Secure your home Wi-Fi network – Change the default username and password on your router and use WPA3 encryption. This prevents unauthorized access to your network.
19. Disable Bluetooth and location services when not needed – Leaving Bluetooth and location services enabled can expose your device to vulnerabilities and allow apps to track your movements unnecessarily.
20. Regularly back up your data – Store backups of your important files on an external drive or secure cloud service. Ensure these backups are encrypted to protect sensitive information.

Securing your devices and networks ensures that even if one layer of defence fails, you have multiple safeguards protecting your data.

Safeguard Your Email Accounts

21. Use a secure email provider – Switch to email providers like ProtonMail or Tutanota, which offer end-to-end encryption for maximum security.
22. Enable two-factor authentication on email accounts – Given that email is the gateway to many services, enabling 2FA on your email ensures it remains secure even if someone guesses your password.
23. Create a backup email account – Use a secondary email address for password recovery and critical accounts. Keep it private and separate from your main email to minimize exposure.
24. Avoid clicking on suspicious email links – Phishing emails often mimic legitimate organizations to steal your credentials. Verify links before clicking, and never enter your login details on questionable sites.
25. Delete old emails containing sensitive information – Go through your inbox and delete messages with personal data, like old tax returns or bank statements, to minimize the impact of a potential breach.
26. Set up filters for spam and phishing emails – Configure your email’s spam filter to block unsolicited messages and flag suspicious ones for review.
27. Check login activity regularly – Many email providers let you view recent logins. Look for any suspicious access attempts and secure your account immediately if you notice anything unusual.
28. Use encrypted email services for sensitive communication – When discussing confidential matters, use services like ProtonMail or S/MIME encryption to ensure your messages remain private.
29. Limit third-party app access – Review and revoke permissions for apps linked to your email account. Only allow access to trusted, essential apps.
30. Avoid using your email on public devices – If you must access your email on a public or shared device, use a browser in private mode and log out afterwards.

By securing your email accounts, you prevent one of the most common entry points for attackers and ensure your online communications stay private.

Protect Your Social Media Presence

31. Limit the personal information you share – Social media platforms encourage sharing, but oversharing can put your privacy at risk. Avoid posting sensitive information such as your home address, phone number, or even details like your vacation plans, as this can make you a target for cybercriminals or even physical intrusions. The less personal information you expose, the harder it is for hackers to use social engineering tactics against you.
32. Review and adjust your privacy settings regularly – Social media platforms often update their privacy policies and settings, which can lead to changes in how your data is shared. Go through your account settings periodically to ensure your posts, photos, and personal information are visible only to those you trust, such as close friends or family. Many platforms allow you to customize privacy settings for individual posts, providing additional control.
33. Be selective with friend requests – Accepting friend or follower requests from strangers can give them access to personal details about your life. Cybercriminals often create fake profiles to gather information for phishing or identity theft. Always verify the identity of anyone who sends you a request, especially if you don’t know them personally.
34. Disable location tracking and tagging – Posting your real-time location can inadvertently expose you to risks, such as burglary while you’re away from home. Turn off geotagging features on social media posts and within apps to prevent others from knowing where you are. If you need to share your location, wait until after you’ve left the area.
35. Enable two-factor authentication on social media accounts – Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an extra layer of security, requiring a secondary verification method like a text message code or app notification. Even if someone obtains your password, they won’t be able to access your accounts without the additional verification step. Most major social media platforms support 2FA, and enabling it should be a priority.
36. Use strong, unique passwords for each platform – Social media accounts are often prime targets for hackers because of the wealth of personal information they contain. Use strong, unique passwords for each account to ensure that a breach on one platform doesn’t compromise your entire online presence. Avoid reusing old passwords or similar variations.
37. Audit and remove unnecessary connected apps – Over time, you may have granted access to third-party apps through your social media accounts. These apps can potentially misuse your data or become points of vulnerability if they’re hacked. Regularly review the list of apps connected to your accounts and revoke access to those you no longer use.
38. Be cautious of links in messages and comments – Phishing scams often originate through social media in the form of malicious links shared via direct messages or comments. Always verify the source of a link before clicking on it, and avoid entering sensitive information on unfamiliar sites.
39. Monitor and manage tagged content – Friends or acquaintances may tag you in photos or posts that reveal more about you than you’re comfortable sharing. Regularly check the posts and photos you’re tagged in, and adjust your settings to require approval before they appear on your profile. This gives you more control over your public image.
40. Archive or delete old content – Posts from years ago may contain information that compromises your privacy or doesn’t align with your current values. Use the archive feature on platforms like Instagram or manually delete outdated posts to reduce the amount of personal data available online. This practice also helps manage your digital footprint.

By taking these steps, you can maintain greater control over your social media presence, reducing the chances of privacy breaches while ensuring your personal life stays private.

Safeguard Your Online Financial Information

41. Use secure payment methods online – When shopping or making payments online, use secure methods such as credit cards or payment platforms like PayPal. These services often offer buyer protection and prevent merchants from accessing your bank account details directly.
42. Enable transaction alerts on your accounts – Most banks and credit card companies offer real-time transaction notifications via SMS or email. Enabling these alerts helps you monitor account activity and detect unauthorized transactions immediately.
43. Avoid using debit cards for online transactions – Debit cards draw directly from your bank account, offering less protection against fraud compared to credit cards. Use a credit card or a virtual payment service for online purchases.
44. Check for HTTPS in website URLs – Before entering payment details on a website, ensure the URL begins with “https://” and not “http://.” The “S” indicates that the site uses encryption to secure your data. Also, look for the padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.
45. Set up virtual or disposable credit cards – Many banks and financial institutions offer virtual card numbers that can be used for online transactions. These numbers are temporary and protect your real credit card details from exposure.
46. Avoid storing payment information on websites – While it may be convenient, saving your card details on websites increases the risk of theft if the site is breached. Always enter your payment information manually, especially for sites you don’t use frequently.
47. Be wary of online deals that seem too good to be true – Scammers often create fake websites or listings offering heavily discounted items to steal your payment information. Research unfamiliar sellers or sites before making a purchase.
48. Use a separate email for financial transactions – To reduce spam and phishing risks, create a dedicated email address exclusively for banking, shopping, and financial accounts. Avoid using this email for other purposes.
49. Monitor your accounts regularly – Check your bank statements and credit card activity frequently for unauthorized transactions. Promptly report any suspicious activity to your financial institution.
50. Enable multi-factor authentication for banking apps – Banking apps often support multi-factor authentication, requiring a password and an additional verification step. Enabling this feature helps secure your accounts against unauthorized access.

Taking these precautions ensures that your financial information stays secure, minimizing the risk of fraud or identity theft while shopping or banking online.

Practice Safe Browsing Habits

51. Use a privacy-focused browser – Browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Brave, or DuckDuckGo prioritize user privacy by blocking trackers and minimizing data collection. Avoid using browsers that excessively track your activity, such as Chrome without custom settings.
52. Install ad blockers and anti-tracking extensions – Tools like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger can block intrusive ads and prevent websites from tracking your browsing behaviour, ensuring a cleaner and more private experience.
53. Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups – Cybercriminals often use malicious ads or pop-ups to install malware on your device. Never click on ads offering unrealistic deals or asking for sensitive information.
54. Clear cookies and browsing data regularly – Cookies store information about your browsing habits and preferences, which websites can use for tracking. Regularly delete cookies or use incognito mode to limit data collection.
55. Don’t share sensitive information on unsecured websites – If a website doesn’t use HTTPS or asks for personal data without a clear reason, avoid entering any information. Such sites are often untrustworthy.
56. Disable third-party cookies – Many browsers allow you to block third-party cookies, which are often used by advertisers to track your activity across different websites. Enabling this setting improves privacy.
57. Enable “Do Not Track” requests – Although not all websites honor this request, enabling the “Do Not Track” feature in your browser settings shows your preference for limiting tracking.
58. Beware of shortened links – Shortened URLs from services like Bitly or TinyURL can hide the true destination of a link. Use link-expander tools to check where a link leads before clicking.
59. Use incognito or private browsing mode – When browsing sensitive content, use private mode to prevent the browser from saving your history, cookies, or form data. While not foolproof, it adds a layer of privacy.
60. Avoid free online tools that ask for unnecessary permissions – Many free services make their money by collecting and selling your data. Stick to trusted, privacy-respecting tools whenever possible.

By adopting safe browsing habits, you can limit the amount of data websites collect about you and reduce the risk of falling victim to malicious online activities.

Be Wary of Data-Sharing Practices

61. Limit the personal information you share on forms – Many online services request more data than necessary when signing up. Provide only the information required to create an account and avoid filling in optional fields unless absolutely necessary. The less data you share, the smaller your exposure to potential breaches.
62. Read privacy policies before sharing data – While lengthy, privacy policies outline how your information will be used. Prioritize using services that explicitly state they don’t sell or share your data with third parties. Avoid platforms with vague or questionable data usage policies.
63. Opt out of data-sharing programs – Some platforms and apps automatically enroll you in data-sharing agreements, especially for marketing purposes. Go to your account settings and opt out of these programs whenever possible to minimize how your data is shared.
64. Avoid using third-party login services – Signing up for websites using options like “Log in with Facebook” or “Log in with Google” may seem convenient, but it links your accounts and allows the third-party service to track your activity. Instead, create a unique account for each service.
65. Turn off personalized ads – Platforms like Google and Facebook collect your data to target you with ads. Go to your ad settings and disable personalized ads to reduce tracking. While you may still see ads, they won’t be tailored based on your behavior.
66. Request data deletion when leaving a platform – When you close an account, contact the platform to request the deletion of any personal data they’ve collected. Many services retain your data indefinitely unless you specifically ask for its removal.
67. Be cautious about sharing biometric data – Features like facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or voice recognition may improve convenience, but sharing this data with apps or platforms comes with risks. Limit its use to trusted services only, and never share it unnecessarily.
68. Avoid oversharing on surveys or quizzes – Online quizzes often ask for seemingly harmless information, but this data can be used to create profiles of your preferences or even used in phishing attacks. Think twice before participating, especially on untrusted platforms.
69. Use fake or disposable emails for non-essential services – When signing up for newsletters, free trials, or non-critical accounts, use a disposable email address to protect your main account from spam and phishing attempts.
70. Delete old accounts you no longer use – Dormant accounts are easy targets for hackers, especially if you haven’t updated their security in years. Regularly audit your online accounts and delete those you no longer need to reduce your digital footprint.

By being mindful of the data you share and taking control over how it’s handled, you can significantly reduce your exposure to privacy risks and maintain greater control over your personal information.

Safeguard Your Identity and Communication

71. Use encrypted messaging apps – Messaging platforms like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram (in secret chat mode) offer end-to-end encryption, ensuring that your conversations can only be read by the intended recipients. Avoid using unencrypted messaging apps for sensitive communication.
72. Verify contact requests before sharing information – Scammers often impersonate trusted individuals or organizations to trick you into sharing personal data. Always verify requests through an independent channel before responding.
73. Be cautious with online video calls – Use platforms with strong security protocols like Zoom (with end-to-end encryption enabled) or Microsoft Teams. Avoid sharing meeting links publicly, and use passwords to secure calls.
74. Consider using a virtual phone number – Instead of giving out your real phone number, use a virtual phone number for non-critical activities like signing up for services or placing classified ads. Services like Google Voice can provide this functionality.
75. Enable caller ID blocking – When making calls, block your phone number to prevent your recipient from storing or misusing it. Most devices and carriers offer this feature.
76. Shred documents with personal information – While much of our communication happens digitally, paper documents like bank statements or medical records still contain sensitive information. Shred them before disposal to prevent identity theft.
77. Lock your mailboxes – Physical mail often contains personal data, such as credit card offers or utility bills. Use a locked mailbox to prevent unauthorized access to your mail.
78. Beware of spear-phishing attempts – Sophisticated phishing attempts, known as spear-phishing, target specific individuals with tailored messages. Always verify unexpected requests for sensitive information, even if they appear legitimate.
79. Freeze your credit – A credit freeze prevents unauthorized parties from accessing your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. This is a free service offered by major credit bureaus.
80. Monitor your credit and identity regularly – Use identity monitoring services like LifeLock or IdentityForce to keep track of your personal data. Regular credit checks and alerts for suspicious activity can help you respond to potential threats quickly.

These steps help secure your identity in both digital and physical spaces, ensuring your personal information isn’t used maliciously or without your consent.

Protecting your online privacy requires a combination of vigilance, tools, and proactive habits. As the internet continues to evolve, so do the threats to your personal data. By following the 70+ tips outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce your risk of data breaches, identity theft, and other privacy-related issues. From strengthening passwords and securing your devices to limiting data sharing and safeguarding your communication, these actionable steps empower you to take control of your digital life.

Start small by implementing a few tips at a time and build your way up to a comprehensive security strategy. Remember, protecting your online privacy is not just about staying safe—it’s about asserting your right to control how your information is used and shared in an increasingly connected world.