Google Yourself Regularly
Stay abreast of new things being said or published about
you on the Internet. Google Alerts was a formerly wonderful tool for this that
no longer works. Now you might try Talkwalker Alerts.
Sign Out Of Your Online Accounts When You're Finished
Using Them
Not only will this slightly reduce the amount of tracking
of you as you surf the Web, this prevents someone who later sits down at your
computer from loading one of these up and getting snoopy. If you're using
someone else's or a public computer, this is especially important. Yes, people
actually forget to do this, with terrible outcomes.
Don't Give Out
Your Email, Phone Number, Or Zip Code When Asked
Obviously, if a sketchy dude in a bar asks for your phone
number, you say no. But when the asker is a uniform-wearing employee at Best
Buy, many a consumer hands over their digits when asked. Stores often use this
info to help profile you and your purchase. You can say no. If you feel badly about
it, just pretend the employee is the sketchy dude in the bar.
Encrypt Your Computer
Encrypting your computer means that someone has to have
your password (or encryption key) in order to peek at its contents should they
get access to your hard drive. On a Mac, you just go to your settings, choose
"Security and Privacy," go to "FileVault,"
choose the "Turn on FileVault" option. Boom goes the encryption dynamite. PC
folk need to use Bitlocker.
Turn On 2-step Authentication In Gmail
This simple little step turns your phone into a security
fob - in order for your Gmail account to be accessed from a new device, a
person (hopefully you) needs a code that's sent to your phone. This means that
even if someone gets your password somehow, they won't be able to use it to
sign into your account from a strange computer. Google says that millions of
people use this tool, and that "thousands more enroll each day." Be
one of those people.
Pay Cash For Embarrassing Items
Don't want a purchase to be easily tracked back to you?
You've seen the movies! Use cash. One data mining CEO says this is how he pays
for hamburgers and junk food these days.
Change Your Facebook Settings To "Friends Only"
Visit your Facebook privacy settings. Make sure this
"default privacy" setting isn't set to public, and if it's set to
"Custom," make sure you know and are comfortable with any
"Networks" you're sharing with.
Clear Your Browser History And Cookies On A Regular Basis
When’s the last time you did that? If you just shrugged,
consider changing your browser settings so that this is automatically cleared
every session. Go to the “privacy” setting in your Browser’s “Options.” Tell it
to “never remember your history.” This will reduce the amount you’re tracked
online. Consider a browser add-on like TACO to further reduce tracking of your
online behavior.
Password Protect Your Devices
Choosing not to password protect your devices is the
digital equivalent of leaving your home or car unlocked. If you're lucky, no
one will take advantage of the access. Or maybe the contents will be ravaged
and your favorite speakers and/or secrets stolen.
Anonymity Online
Protect your privacy. Defend yourself against network
surveillance and traffic analysis.
Tor prevents anyone from learning your location or
browsing habits.
Tor is for web browsers, instant messaging clients, remote
logins, and more.
Tor is free and open source for Windows, Mac, Linux/Unix
& Android.
https://www.torproject.org/
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