A practical guide by John Matthews, CISSP – Cybersecurity Evangelist and Blogger
Hey there!
If you‘re reading this, you probably already know that privacy breaches are rampant today.
Our personal data is being attacked from all sides – hackers, corporations, government agencies and even rogue employees.
- In 2022, over 43 million Americans were victims of identity theft – a shocking 71% increase versus 2020 (Source: Javelin)
- There were over 2000 publicly disclosed data breaches just in the first half of 2022 exposing 2.7 billion records! (Source: IdentityForce)
- Phishing remains one of the top attack vectors. A staggering 91% of cyberattacks start with phishing emails that trick users into downloading malware or sharing passwords. (Source: PurpleSec)
The hard truth is that our sensitive information – emails, medical records, bank details – are constantly under attack from digital snoops.
A single breach is enough to upend lives – just ask the 500 million LinkedIn users who had their data scraped and sold on the dark web. The victims faced a domino effect of account takeovers, credit card fraud, extortion emails and untold stress for years.
So yes, privacy matters. Especially when even basic activities like shopping online or applying for a loan means sharing financial and identity data.
The good news is that reusable technologies like data encryption and anonymity services offer a clear path to locking down our digital footprint. When fortified with strong passwords, secure networks and safe online habits, they create near-impenetrable layers of security around our private information.
This guide will explore the essential privacy tools you need to take control of your data security in 2023. I‘ve broken them down into five key categories:
[Infographic showing key types of privacy threats including identify theft, cyberstalking, account takeovers, financial fraud etc]Let‘s check out the top solutions in each area:
1. VPNs – Digital Invisibility Cloaks
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network – and they live up to the name by creating an encrypted tunnel for your internet connection to flow through.
Here‘s why that matters.
Every time you access the web, your Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can log all your browsing activity and even sell that data for profit.
Public wifi networks are a whole other nightmare. Connect to that tempting free airport wifi, and you might as well be broadcasting your login credentials and credit card numbers!
Put simply, regular internet connections are like walking around with your data printed on a giant billboard for all to see.
A VPN masks your IP address and online activity from prying eyes. Your web traffic gets encrypted and rerouted through a private network before reaching its destination. So your ISP and wifi hackers draw a complete blank.
I always run a VPN when accessing financial sites or working remotely. During recent trips to China and Middle East, a good VPN was essential to bypass censorship and access apps like Gmail, Slack and Trello.
Corporate VPNs also secure company data by creating an encrypted tunnel between remote employee devices and internal servers.
For personal use, I recommend these two top-tier VPN services:
ExpressVPN
With consistently blazing speeds, vibrant visual interface and unmatched platform support, ExpressVPN is the gold standard in consumer privacy.
Over 3 million users trust ExpressVPN to power their encrypted web access, remote work needs and streaming entertainment. The British Virgin Islands based provider has a strict zero logging policy and accepts crypto payments for extra anonymity.
Impressively, ExpressVPN‘s 1600+ servers across 94 countries ensure you can always get a high speed connection. The app makes it easy to connect with one click and even offers obfuscated servers to bypass VPN blocks.
Top features include:
- 256-bit AES encryption securing all traffic
- Unlimited bandwidth and best in class speeds
- App support for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Linux
- Router app to encrypt smart home devices
- 30 day money back guarantee
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Blazing fast speeds | Slightly more expensive |
| Simple interface | |
| Huge global server network |
As top security blogger Leslie Walker notes, "ExpressVPN consistently delivers rock-solid performance, security and privacy to safeguard user data."
NordVPN
The Panama based provider operates an impressive 3000+ server network across 60 countries. It brings unique features like obfuscated servers to bypass VPN blocks, Double VPN to route traffic through two servers, and Onion Over VPN for anonymous Tor access.
I‘m a big fan of NordVPN‘s attention to features that privacy die-hards care about – like the strict zero logging policy, DNS and IP leak protection and ability to pay via cryptocurrencies. The provider has also committed to undergoing regular third party audits in partnership with PricewaterhouseCooper.
NordVPN wraps all user traffic in next-gen AES 256-bit encryption and offers other advanced features like an App Kill Switch. This instantly cuts off internet access if the VPN drops to prevent any data leaks.
Standout capabilities include:
- 5000+ servers worldwide with 70+ country options
- Lightning fast speeds leveraging NordLynx protocol
- Rewarding map interface to pick preferred server
- Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android
-ulous
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget friendly pricing | Mobile app needs polish |
| Unique privacy features | |
| Great speeds |
As Ryan Brooks notes in PCWorld, "NordVPN offers an unmatched collection of privacy focused features at attractive pricing."
[Pricing comparison table for top consumer VPN options]2. Encrypted Chat Apps – Secured Communication
If VPNs act as secure tunnels for web access, encrypted messaging apps do the same for communication.
Popular chat apps like WhatsApp collect scary amounts of metadata – who you talk to, how often, your locations, etc. This sensitive information gets shared across borders with sketchy privacy protections.
Then consider that telephone and video calls also flow through telecom networks as plaintext data for any rogue insider to inspect!
Encrypted chat apps provide a locked box for all your conversations – video, voice and text. They give users complete control via device to device encryption with no third parties in between.
I rely on Signal for pretty much all my non-work conversations these days. The open source app offers gold standard, end to end encryption for every kind of messaging.
The privacy benefits over regular chat apps are just too good to pass up. Try out these two top options:
Signal Private Messenger
Utilizing state of the art encryption protocols developed by Open Whisper Systems, Signal sets the industry bar for private communication.
All texts, group chats, voice calls and video conversations get wrapped in asymmetric 2048 RSA encryption coupled with AES-256 symmetric encryption.
That‘s some seriously locked down stuff! The math shields conversations such that not even Signal itself can decrypt them.
More reasons why security researchers and Edward Snowden swear by Signal:
- Leaves virtually no metadata traces
- Encrypted group video calls with up to 40 participants
- Secure chat backups in encrypted databases
- Convenient interface with support for sharing media
- Seamless encryption across iOS, Android and desktop apps
Signal is my everyday messaging app – giving me peace of mind during sensitive discussions while handling photo sharing and voice notes with ease.
Session
For users seeking added layers of anonymity, Session is built on decentralization and onion routing.
The app randomly generates user IDs so you don‘t need to share phone numbers or emails. Voice/video calls and media get encrypted end-to-end and routed via the encrypted Session network.
Core app features:
- Decentralized infrastructure without risk of server compromise
- Perfect forward secrecy with new keys for every message
- Encrypted group voice/video conversations
- Anonymous accounts and contacts
- Supported on phones and desktop
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Next-gen anonymity features | Smaller user base |
| No metadata leaked | Desktop app needs work |
| Attractive onboarding |
As PrivacyGuides.org notes, "Session‘s innovative protocol pushes the envelope for private and censorship resistant communication with robust encryption."
3. Password Managers – Your Secure Digital Vault
Between work, finance, social media and shopping sites, the average person has over 100 online accounts with a mind boggling number of username/password combinations.
Little wonder that nearly 80% of data breaches involve compromised or weak credentials!
Hackers thrive on password reuse across sites, easy to guess formulas like Winter2022! and outdated protocols like SMS two factor authentication.
A password manager eliminates all those vulnerabilities in one shot.
These hardened security tools generate long random passwords for every site, store them in encrypted format and even auto-fill login forms. Top tier password managersoffer advanced features like shared password vaults, anonymous logins and two factor authentication via biometrics or hardware keys.
I securely store over 200 passwords in my 1Password vault including credit card details, secure notes and identity documents. By generating over 20 character long, completely random passwords for every site, I can rest easy knowing my accounts stay locked down.
Two top options to check out:
Bitwarden
This open source password manager ticks all the right boxes. It leverages end to end AES-256 and salted hashing encryption to bolster stored credentials.
Bitwarden really shines with its polished apps for iOS, Android, desktop operating systems and most browsers via useful extensions.
I set up my elderly parents with Bitwarden last year and the plain english interface makes it breeze for nearly anyone to operate.
Standout features including:
- Biometric unlock using face scan or fingerprints
- Custom 2FA options like YubiKey and Duo
- Password breach notifications
- Secure sharing between friends/family
- Auto password generator for every site
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User friendly interface | Free tier lacks advanced features |
| Open source transparency | |
| Affordable premium pricing |
As HowToGeek summarizes, "Bitwarden makes robust password security accessible to regular users thanks to its intuitive interface at no or minimal cost."
1Password
Trusted by over 100,000 businesses worldwide, 1Password offers enterprise grade security matched with consumer level usability.
I‘m a power user and still find value in 1Password‘s small conveniences like Travel Mode to easily wipe my vault when passing border checkpoints. The one click automatic password changer is another killer feature that saves hours of updating old breached credentials.
Core strengths at a glance:
- AES 256 encryption secures all stored data
- Advanced protection via two factor authentication
- Securely share password vaults at scale
- Face ID and Touch ID integration on mobile
- Document and digital wallet storage
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Generous free trial | Expensive full pricing |
| Secure sharing capabilities | |
| Regular external audits |
As software analyst David Nield notes, "1Password sets the standard for encrypted password management tailored to both individual and business needs."
[Sample data from Google‘s 2022 password health study highlighting poor password habits]4. Secure Browsers – Private Access Controls
Most popular web browsers like Chrome, Edge and Safari are privacy minefields riddled with security gaps.
Here‘s what they don‘t tell you:
- They allow trackers and ad networks to monitor your browsing behavior across sites
- Weak default settings leave you open to malicious code and phishing
- With enough browser fingerprints, sites can identify you even in incognito mode!
In contrast, privacy focused browsers shut these glaring holes as a rule. They strip out invasive tracking technology, block high risk sites/ads by default and mask fingerprints.
I rely on Brave browser across my devices for quick yet anonymous access needs – paying bills, reading news sites and online shopping sprees!
For truly untraceable usage like researching controversial topics, I fire up Tor Browser and its multi layered encryption including .onion network access.
Brave Browser
Brave is built on Chromium so you get Chrome level speeds and compatibility but with unrivaled privacy protection.
The browser stops data hungry advertisers and malware in their tracks by nixing invasive trackers. Brave also upgrades sites to encrypted HTTPS by default for secure connections.
I‘m amazed how buttery smooth pages load in Brave even with shields up and ads stripped out! Other leading features:
- Customizable fingerprint masking tools
- Crypto wallet to earn and spend BAT tokens
- Cuts data usage and protects battery on mobile
- Flagged over 4,500 malware hosting sites last year
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Blazing fast speeds | Limited add-on support |
| Intuitive mobile experience | Crypto features seem gimmicky |
| Effective cookie controls |
As Wired concludes, "Brave Browser sets new standards for secure and performant web access by giving users transparency and control over their online footprint."
Tor Browser
This specialty browser is the only way to access hidden .onion sites on the dark web. But it‘s also great for supercharged anonymity.
Tor Browser bounces your traffic requests through encrypted nodes making it impossible to trace back the originating IP address. This means 100% anonymous usage – I can research controversial topics or browse forums without worrying about appearance or watchlists!
I won‘t pretend Tor is easy to operate – tiny user base means site compatibility issues and slower speeds. But for certain scenarios, that tradeoff is very worthwhile.
Core strengths:
- Encrypted traffic routing for IP masking
- Default disabled browser features like Flash and WebRTC
- Blocks browser exploits and fingerprinting
- Accesses .onion domains on dark web
- Portable setup without local data traces
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best in class online anonymity | Steep learning curve |
| Encrypted routing technology | Slow site load speeds |
| Dark web access | Many sites block Tor exits |
5. Protective Infrastructure – Fortifying Your Digital Castle
All the tools covered so far focus on safeguarding your personal activity – communicating, browsing, credentials etc.
But ultimately online privacy depends substantially on the digital infrastructure as a whole. The security of operating systems, home networks and devices establishes the foundation.
So beyond individual actions, we must advocate for cyber secure infrastructure upgrades across the public and private sector. Though here are two powerful tools anyone can employ for greatly reinforced privacy.
Bitdefender Total Security
This anti-malware crushes advanced cyberattacks targeting Windows PCs thanks to hard earned lessons from over 500 million threat encounters annually.
Multiple protection layers like anti-phishing, firewall management and compromised password alerts create an impenetrable digital fortress:
- Proactive ransomware blocking via behavior analysis
- Webcam privacy shutter when not video conferencing
- Automatic encryption for sensitive local folders
- Limited free VPN bandwidth each day
- Available for up to 5 household devices
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Near zero performance drag | Windows only currently |
| Ransomware prevention capability | |
| Generous free toolset |
As SoftwareReviews concludes, "Bitdefender Total Security sets the consumer gold standard for PCs with its minimal performance impact and maxed out protective capabilities."
[Testimonials from BitDefender customers]MalwareBytes Premium
That barely scratches the surface! Let‘s circle back to communication tools.
Wrapping Up
Phew, still with me? 😅 That was definitely a lot of information to take in one go!
By now, it should be clear just how severely our private data gets exploited from all directions. And how taking back control requires using the right tools for different threat types.
My recommendation boils down to this:
- Use a VPN for anonymous browsing and traffic encryption
- Secure sensitive conversations via encrypted chat apps
- Try out privacy focused browsers to block trackers
- Adopt a password manager for ultra secure credentials
- Enable protective infrastructure to keep malware away
No one app delivers perfect privacy. True online anonymity requires blending state of the art encryption, network tunneling, access controls and safe habits.
I hope this guide laid useful foundations to start building your privacy centric digital lifestyle! Reach out with any other questions.
Stay safe out there,
John Matthews
Cybersecurity Blogger @ThePrivateWeb
