Did you know that more than 5 billion people use the internet daily? That means there are countless opportunities for hackers, advertisers, and other third parties to access your personal data and track your online behavior.<\/p>\n
So, how can you protect yourself from these threats and enjoy the web without compromising your privacy?<\/p>\n
I like surfing the internet without worrying about hackers or prying eyes; everyone has the same right to privacy. That’s why I’m revealing the top 11 things to do to remain private online.<\/p>\n
CLICK HERE TO GET MY FREE CYBERGUY REPORT NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS AND THE LATEST BLACK FRIDAY DEALS<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Incognito browsers<\/strong><\/p>\n Browsing in incognito mode can be helpful, especially when you\u2019re sharing a device with other people, like young kids or grandkids. It does not guarantee complete privacy and security online. It will prevent your browser from saving your browsing history and cookies.\u00a0 While it will reduce the tracking of your activity by some websites, it does not guarantee complete privacy and security online.\u00a0<\/p>\n Your internet service provider (ISP), school or workplace can still monitor your browsing activities, and your IP address is not hidden. Incognito mode is a useful feature, but it is not a substitute for a VPN or other privacy tools if you want to ensure complete privacy and security online.<\/p>\n How to open an incognito window in Safari<\/strong><\/p>\n How to open an incognito window in Microsoft Edge<\/strong><\/p>\n How to open an incognito window in Firefox<\/strong><\/p>\n How to open an incognito window in Chrome<\/strong><\/p>\n MORE: TAKE BACK YOUR PRIVACY WITH THIS NEW IPHONE SAFETY FEATURE<\/strong><\/p>\n 2. Adjust the privacy features on your browsers<\/strong><\/p>\n You can adjust your privacy settings on each of your devices to best fit your needs. This can put you more in control of your data and who gets to look at it. You can add settings like Face ID, two-factor authentication, and more.<\/p>\n Face ID is a feature that lets you unlock your device or access certain apps with your face. Two-factor authentication is a security measure that requires you to enter a code or a password that is sent to your phone or email, in addition to your regular password, when you sign in to your account.\u00a0<\/p>\n This makes it harder for harder for hackers to access your account, even if they know your password.<\/p>\n Consider updating your Google security settings<\/span> (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson\u00a0)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Where to adjust privacy settings on an iPhone or iPad<\/strong><\/p>\n Where to adjust privacy settings on a Mac<\/strong><\/p>\n On a Mac, you can adjust settings, such as choosing which apps can access your camera, microphone, and more.<\/p>\n Where to adjust privacy settings on an Android<\/strong><\/p>\n There are multiple ways to change privacy settings on an Android.<\/p>\n WHAT YOUR CAR KNOWS ABOUT YOU AND COULD BE TELLING THE WORLD<\/strong><\/p>\n To turn on two-factor authentication<\/strong><\/p>\n Settings may vary depending on your Android phone\u2019s manufacturer:<\/i><\/p>\n To restrict app permissions on Android<\/strong><\/p>\n Settings may vary depending on your Android phone\u2019s manufacturer:<\/i><\/p>\n To disable the microphone and camera access on an Android<\/strong><\/p>\n Settings may vary depending on your Android phone\u2019s manufacturer:<\/i><\/p>\n Where to adjust privacy settings on Windows<\/strong><\/p>\n 3. Use a VPN<\/strong><\/p>\n There are many reasons why you may consider leaving your VPN on all the time. First off, it can be a helpful tool to protect your online privacy and security. A VPN, or a virtual private network, is a service that creates a secure connection between your device and a server on the internet. This way, your internet traffic is encrypted and hidden from anyone who might try to intercept it, such as hackers or internet service providers. A VPN also lets you access websites and content that might be blocked or censored in your region, such as Netflix, YouTube, or social media.<\/p>\n VPNs can also help you when you’re in a public place, like an airport or a coffee shop, and you’re using public WiFi. With a VPN, you can hide your IP address and keep your data encrypted and hidden while on free, public, secure WiFi networks. You can use a VPN on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or even your smart TV.<\/p>\n Read more of my reviews for best VPNs for your Mac, PC, iPhone and Android devices<\/p>\n A woman staying private on her computer<\/span> (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson\u00a0)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n MORE: HOW TO OUTSMART CRIMINAL HACKERS BY LOCKING THEM OUT OF YOUR DIGITAL ACCOUNTS<\/strong><\/p>\n 4. Stay private on gas apps<\/strong><\/p>\n There are many apps available that can help you save money on gas, and it\u2019s tempting to download the first app you see in order to save a few bucks, especially given today’s high gas prices.<\/p>\n Some of the data that gas apps may collect and share include your location, your driving habits, your vehicle information, your email address, your phone number, and more. This data can be used to target you with ads, sell you products or services, or even track your movements.<\/p>\n To avoid the more invasive apps, you should check the app\u2019s privacy policy and settings and opt out of any data collection or sharing that you are not comfortable with. You should also use a VPN when using gas apps, as this can encrypt your internet traffic and prevent anyone from spying on your online activity. Here are some apps you can use that have good ratings and reviews for savings:<\/p>\n Upside<\/strong><\/p>\n iPhone:<\/strong> 4.8 stars <\/strong>(at time of publishing)<\/i><\/p>\n Android<\/strong>: 4.6 stars <\/strong>(at time of publishing)<\/i><\/p>\n Getting cash back on apps sounds too good to be true, yet that is indeed what the Upside app offers. The app is free, simple to use, and can save you money every time you get gas. All you have to do is download the app, find the best offers in your area, and fill up using your credit or debit card at the pump.<\/p>\n Then follow the app instructions to upload a receipt or check-in, and you’ll earn cash-back points directly in the app. \u202fYou can cash out quickly and easily whenever you want via your bank account, digital gift card, or PayPal.<\/p>\n Get Upside: iPhone | Android<\/p>\n Upside app privacy?<\/strong><\/p>\n When it comes to your privacy, Upside does technically collect and sell your data. However, the app also states that it gives you control over who your data is being shared with. You can request information about how your data is being shared, and you can “…ask us to restrict or \u2018block\u2019 the processing of your Personal Data in certain circumstances, such as where you contest its accuracy or object to us processing it”, according to the app’s privacy policy.<\/p>\n AAA Mobile<\/strong><\/p>\n iPhone:<\/strong> 4.6 stars <\/strong>(at time of publishing)<\/i><\/p>\n Android:<\/strong> 4.4 stars <\/strong>(at time of publishing)<\/i><\/p>\n The AAA TripTik app is free and allows you to find gas stations along your route, helping you to choose the station with the lowest prices. It also allows you to plan out an entire road trip, complete with stops at gas stations, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more.\u202f It is compatible with credit card rewards programs and other discounts.<\/p>\n Get AAA Mobile: iPhone | Android<\/p>\n AAA app privacy?<\/strong><\/p>\n The app states in its privacy policy that although it does collect certain information on you, such as your name, email address, etc., the information is only being used to serve you further, and it is not to be sold to anyone. For example, the app may ask you to share your location when you need roadside assistance so that the roadside assistance provider can get to you. However, once that appointment is complete, AAA Mobile will no longer have access to your location.<\/p>\n Google Maps<\/strong><\/p>\n iPhone<\/strong> 4.7 stars <\/strong>(at time of publishing)<\/i><\/p>\n Android<\/strong> 4.0 stars <\/strong>(at time of publishing)<\/i><\/p>\n Google Maps just got a massive AI upgrade, and it lets you compare gas station prices, get directions, preview your journey in a multidimensional view, and see traffic and weather conditions, all in an app that you likely already have installed on your smartphone.<\/p>\n The popular navigation app uses your current location to help you find the nearest fuel station and displays up-to-date gas prices in the station\u2019s business profile. Simply open the app, search for fuel, and tap the station you want to view.<\/p>\n Get Google Maps: iPhone | Android<\/p>\n Google Maps app privacy?<\/strong><\/p>\n Google Maps states in its privacy policy that it does not sell your information to anyone and that your data is kept private at every point. However, your data is being collected and used for various purposes, such as improving the app\u2019s quality, providing you with more helpful products and services, and showing you personalized ads and content.<\/p>\n You can adjust your privacy settings and controls to manage what data and activity can be used by Google Maps and how you can access, delete, or export your data. You can also use a VPN to protect your online privacy while using the app.<\/p>\n Waze<\/strong><\/p>\n iPhone<\/strong>: 4.8 stars <\/strong>(at time of publishing)<\/i><\/p>\n Android<\/strong>: 4.4 stars <\/strong>(at time of publishing)<\/i><\/p>\n Waze can show you the nearest gas stations along with up-to-date fuel prices. It even boasts a contactless payment feature at participating gas stations, so you can pay for gas via your iPhone or Android. It also tells you about traffic, roadworks, police accidents, and more, so you\u2019ll always know what\u2019s happening on the roads.<\/p>\n Get Waze: iPhone | Android<\/p>\n Waze app privacy?<\/strong><\/p>\n Waze does collect data but does not sell or share that data with anyone else. How they collect information is all explained in their privacy policy which says that “When Waze anonymizes data to protect your privacy, we maintain policies and technical measures to avoid re-identifying that information.”<\/p>\n MORE: HOW CLICKING ON THAT FAKE AMAZON AD CAN LEAD TO MICROSOFT SUPPORT SCAM<\/strong><\/p>\n A man working on a laptop<\/span> (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n 5. Stay private on Amazon<\/strong><\/p>\n Amazon has ways of tracking everything from your browsing history to sending you targeted ads based on items you’ve bought. You can, however, keep your Amazon account private by following these steps.<\/p>\n Desktop:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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