In an age where nearly everything we do leaves a digital footprint, protecting our privacy online isn’t just for tech experts, journalists, activists, or former sex workers like myself—it’s for everyone. Whether you’re navigating social media, managing work emails, or doom spending on online shopping, your personal data is valuable.
Given the state of the tech industry at the time of publication (March 2025), many companies have made cutbacks to teams, including engineering teams, which will likely make users more susceptible to cyberattacks and data leaks.
The good news? You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to practice good digital hygiene. This guide covers simple, practical steps that anyone can take to regain control over their online privacy.
Basic Digital Hygiene: The Foundation of Privacy
Start with these core habits that strengthen your overall digital security:
Use a Password Manager
Reusing passwords is one of the biggest security risks. A password manager (like Bitwarden or 1Password) generates and stores unique, strong passwords for each of your accounts. Here’s a table comparison from a Reddit user of all the programs and some discount codes.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Turn on 2FA wherever possible, especially for emails, banking, and social media accounts. Avoid SMS-based authentication (which can be hijacked via SIM-swapping) and instead use an authenticator app (like Aegis or Google Authenticator) or a hardware security key (like YubiKey).
Keep Software and Devices Updated
Enable automatic updates on your phone, computer, and apps. Updates often include security patches or bug fixes that protect you from vulnerabilities.
Be Mindful of App Permissions
Many apps request permissions they don’t actually need. Regularly check and limit app permissions—especially those requesting access to your location, microphone, camera, and contacts. For those who travel or rent cars, I always recommend ensuring that your phone has been deleted from Bluetooth on the vehicle.
Protecting Your Communications
Use Encrypted Messaging Apps
If you want private conversations, switch to encrypted messaging apps like Signal or ProtonMail for emails. These apps use end-to-end encryption, meaning only you and the recipient can read the messages—not even the service provider.
Avoid Using Personal Numbers for Public or Business Use
Consider using a burner number (Google Voice, MySudo) or a dedicated work phone to keep your personal number private.
Browsing Safely: Minimizing Digital Tracking
Use a Privacy-Focused Browser
Switch from Google Chrome to a browser that prioritizes privacy, like Brave, Firefox (with enhanced privacy settings), or Tor (for maximum anonymity).
Block Trackers and Ads
Install browser extensions like uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger to block tracking scripts and invasive ads that collect data on your activity.
Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for third parties to track your online activity. Some trusted VPN providers include Mullvad, ProtonVPN, and IVPN. Avoid free VPNs, as they often log and sell your data.
Social Media and Content Privacy
Delay Posting & Scrub Metadata
Posting in real-time makes it easy for people to track your movements. If you share photos, scrub metadata (which includes location details) using tools like ExifTool or the built-in settings on some platforms.
Minimize Cross-App Connections
Avoid linking social media accounts (e.g., signing into apps with Facebook or Google) since these connections allow companies to track you across different services.
Be Cautious with Face Recognition and AI Features
Many social platforms and cloud services use facial recognition. Disable these settings where possible and avoid unnecessary uploads of personal images to AI-powered tools.
Use Alternative Platforms for More Control
If mainstream social platforms feel invasive, consider alternatives like Bluesky or Pixelfed.
Monitoring for Leaks & Threats
Check if Your Info Has Been Leaked
Use Have I Been Pwned to see if your email or passwords have been exposed in data breaches. If they have, change your credentials immediately.
Use Unique Emails for Different Accounts
Services like SimpleLogin or Firefox Relay let you generate burner email addresses so companies can’t track you across multiple services.
Monitor Financial and Personal Data
Check bank statements and credit reports regularly to spot unauthorized transactions or signs of identity theft.
Take Small Steps, Build Better Habits
Digital privacy isn’t about disappearing entirely—it’s about making yourself a harder target. Not everyone needs to implement every step in this guide, but even adopting a few of these habits can drastically improve your privacy and security. And not everything needs to be done at once—any harm reduction is a step in the right direction.
Privacy is a journey, not a one-time fix.
