Avoid These Common Internet Privacy Mistakes

Learn how to safeguard your personal information with our tips.

As the internet becomes increasingly central to our daily lives, protecting your online privacy and data privacy is more important than ever. With hackers and cybercriminals constantly seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in systems and steal personal data, it’s essential for internet users to take steps to safeguard their digital privacy and prevent identity theft. Here are the most common mistakes that can put your internet privacy and safety at risk.

What Are Common Internet Privacy Mistakes?

The most common internet privacy mistakes are not using strong passwords, foregoing 2-Factor Authentication, using a browser that sells your private data, clicking on suspicious links, not adjusting default privacy settings, not using a VPN, and not using a firewall and antivirus.

It’s important to protect your internet privacy at all costs.

Privacy Mistake # 1:

Not using a strong and unique password

One of the most effective ways to prevent internet privacy issues and protect your online accounts is by using strong, unique passwords. This means avoiding using the same password for multiple accounts and using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. It’s also a good idea to use a password manager to store your passwords and generate new ones for you. Your router should have a strong password that is not easily guessed. Another good practice is to change your password every so often, as long as you can remember your passwords & don’t get locked out of your accounts.

Privacy Mistake #2:

Not enabling a two-factor authentication app on Android or iOS

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. This extra layer of security makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts, even if they have your password.

Using two-factor authentication (2FA) offers enhanced security by adding an extra layer of protection beyond passwords. It mitigates the risk of password-related attacks, phishing attempts, and unauthorized access to your accounts. 2FA is particularly crucial for remote access and safeguarding sensitive information. It helps meet compliance standards in certain industries and provides peace of mind knowing your accounts are better protected. Enable 2FA wherever possible to significantly improve your online security.

Another option would be to use two-factor authentication apps which allow you to login from your cellphone or laptop. Google authenticator works well for this, Facebook also has its own code generator, and these are useful for protecting your account across other social media apps like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, too. Particularly if you’re using a public WiFi network, like one from a coffee shop for instance.

Privacy Mistake # 3:

Not using a browser that protects your privacy

When it comes to privacy protection, the right browser can be your best friend. Here are several important privacy protection features to look for in a web browser:

• Cookie blocking — Certain browsers allow you to block third-party cookies and device fingerprinting, which are often used for tracking purposes.
• Encrypted connection — Look for a browser that warns you if you navigate to an insecure site that does not use HTTPS encryption to secure your communication.
• Ad blocking — Some browsers have built-in ad blockers that can help protect your privacy by blocking tracking ads.
• Anti-Tracking — Chromium-based browsers allow you to use anti-tracking extensions like Ghostery, which enables users to detect and control JavaScript “tags” and “trackers” that collect a user’s browsing data without your permission.

It’s worth noting that no single browser is perfect when it comes to privacy, but Wave Browser covers a lot of your bases when it comes to privacy and internet security. Depending on which browser you use, you may need a combination of these features to best protect your online activity.

Privacy Mistake # 4

Clicking on suspicious or tricky email links

Hackers often use phishing scams to trick people into clicking malicious links. These links can lead to sites that steal your personal information or install malware on your computer. To protect yourself, be wary of links in emails or messages, especially if they come from unfamiliar sources.

To identify phishing emails, scrutinize the sender’s email address for misspellings or unusual domains. Watch out for urgent or threatening language that creates a sense of fear. Generic greetings instead of personalization can be a red flag. Check for grammar and spelling errors, as these are common in phishing attempts. Hover over links without clicking to verify their destination and avoid shortened or suspicious URLs.

Be cautious of requests for personal or financial information, which reputable organizations rarely seek via email. Exercise caution with email attachments, especially from unknown senders. Look for inconsistencies in design and branding compared to official communications.

Ultimately, trust your instincts, and when in doubt, contact the supposed sender through reliable channels to confirm the email’s legitimacy. Regularly updating antivirus software and staying informed about phishing techniques further enhance your protection.

Privacy Mistake # 5

Not using a VPN on your laptop:

A VPN creates an encrypted connection to the internet, which can help protect your online activity from being monitored or tracked. A VPN protects information like your location, email, or ip address, helping you and your online activities remain anonymous and untraceable. This is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be vulnerable to hacking.

These can be downloaded as separate browser extensions, or you can get a web browser that comes with a built-in VPN. Wave Browser will be releasing it’s very own VPN that will come built into our browser, stay tuned if that’s something you’re interested in! You can even download VPN apps and access them from your Apple, Android or other smartphone device. Otherwise, you can check out top-rated VPN’s here.

Privacy Mistake # 6

Not adjusting privacy settings on Facebook & Google

Most web browsers, search engines, and social media platforms have lenient privacy settings by default. Google for instance is always criticized for its data collection policies. But the good news is you aren’t stuck with these default settings. You get a say over who can see your information and activity. If you want more than the default protection for your user data and private data, be sure to adjust these settings to your liking and regularly check them to ensure your privacy is protected.

It’s important to manage expectations. Keep in mind that you will never be 100% protected when using the internet, as there may still be unexpected data breaches that may threaten the safety of your personal data, such as email address, Gmail, and social network logins,

Privacy Mistake # 7

Not being mindful of info shared on Twitter from your smartphone

Hackers and scammers are always looking for opportunities to steal your private information. That’s why it’s so important to be careful about the personal information you share online, especially on social media. This includes your address, phone number, and date of birth, as well as more sensitive information like financial details or passport numbers.

Here are several reasons why this is important:

1. Personal Information Protection: Sharing sensitive personal information such as your full name, address, phone number, or financial details online can make you vulnerable to identity theft, fraud, and harassment. Cybercriminals and malicious individuals can exploit this information for various nefarious purposes, causing significant harm to your personal and financial well-being.
2. Avoiding Social Engineering Attacks: Oversharing on social media platforms can provide attackers with valuable information for social engineering attacks. They can use the details you disclose online to manipulate you or gain unauthorized access to your accounts by guessing security questions or impersonating you. By being cautious about the information you share, you reduce the risk of falling victim to such manipulative tactics.
3. Minimizing Targeted Advertising and Data Collection: By being mindful of what you share online, you can reduce the amount of personal data collected by advertisers and online platforms. Limiting the information shared decreases the chances of being targeted with intrusive advertisements, tailored content, and potential data breaches that could compromise your privacy.
4. Preserving Cybersecurity: Sharing too much information online, such as vacation plans, absence from home, or photos revealing valuable possessions, can increase the risk of burglary or physical security threats. By being mindful of what you share, you avoid providing potential criminals with information that can be exploited.

Privacy Mistake # 8

Not using antivirus software:

This is a crucial component of your digital safety. Antivirus software is an easy way to protect your computer from malware and other threats. However you get your anti-virus software, make sure to keep it up to date and run regular scans to detect and remove any potential threats.

Check out top-rated anti-virus software here.

Privacy Mistake # 9

Not using a firewall to block tracking while browsing

A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules. Firewalls work by examining incoming and outgoing network traffic and applying a set of predefined rules or policies to determine whether to allow or block specific connections. Using a firewall provides several benefits in terms of network security and protection.

Here are the key advantages of using a firewall:

1. Security: A firewall acts as a barrier between your internal network and the external world, helping to prevent unauthorized access and protect your network infrastructure from malicious activities.
2. Access Control: Firewalls allow you to define access policies and control the flow of network traffic. You can set rules to permit or deny specific types of connections, applications, or protocols, thereby regulating access to your network resources.
3. Threat Detection: Firewalls can detect and block known threats, such as viruses, malware, and intrusion attempts, by analyzing incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security rules. They help safeguard your systems and data from unauthorized access and potential damage.
4. Monitoring: Firewalls provide visibility into network traffic, allowing you to monitor and analyze the data flowing through your network. This helps identify suspicious or anomalous activities and enables proactive response to potential security breaches.
5. Privacy: Firewalls help protect your privacy by preventing unauthorized external entities from accessing your sensitive data or monitoring your online activities.

Privacy Mistake # 10

10. Not using an Internet Browser with Ad & tracker blockers:

An adblocker browser is a web browser equipped with built-in ad-blocking capabilities to protect you from advertisers and internet companies trying to get you to sign up for products and services you don’t want. It provides privacy protection and automatically detects and blocks various forms of online advertisements enhancing user experience by reducing intrusive ads, pop-ups, malvertising, and other tracking mechanisms while browsing the internet.

Wave Browser has a built-in ad blocker available for free, try it out today!

Privacy Mistake # 11

11. Not having an HTTP encryption connection

HTTP connections are vital for communication between web browsers and servers, enabling the retrieval and exchange of information. They facilitate seamless access to websites, the transmission of data, and support various online activities such as browsing, file downloading, and interactive content delivery.

Wave Browser has an HTTPS checker feature that alerts you if you navigate to an unsafe website within the browser. Keeping you from accidentally sharing your sensitive information with vulnerable sites or those that are trying to steal it.

Browse The Internet Safely and Securely

In today’s interconnected world, safeguarding your online privacy and data is of paramount importance. By avoiding common internet privacy mistakes such as weak passwords, lack of two-factor authentication, and not using secure browsers or VPNs, you can better protect yourself from hackers, malware, and identity theft. Stay vigilant and take proactive measures to ensure your internet privacy remains intact.