Apps to Help Improve Online Privacy

Data breaches and hacks, theft of private information, and a lack of privacy online are real problems that people are facing today. It seems as if a day can’t go by without hearing something in the news about the theft of data and personal information, and these threats are not merely going to go away on their own.

The thieves and hackers out there are getting more skilled when it comes to stealing data and causing issues with networks, and that means you need to start taking more precautions to ensure your safety when it comes to the data and personal information you have online and that you provide to various companies.

Fortunately, there are some things that you can do that can help to provide you with an added layer or two of protection. One of the options that you might want to consider is checking out some of the applications and pieces of software that can be used to help increase your level of safety.

The following are some of the options that you may want to consider using.

Privacy Badger

Aside from having a great name, this application can be a fantastic choice for those who want to have more online privacy.

It is an extension that is available for web browsers, which offers the ability to block ads and it will be to look for look for domains that track you online, eventually blocking those and similar domains so you will reduce the risk of companies and others following what you are doing while you are on the web.

This increases privacy, and it can reduce your risk.

AdBlock

No one likes to see advertisements continually popping up whenever they are surfing the web. Not only are these ads annoying but clicking on the wrong advertisements by mistake could end up putting you at risk.

AdBlock is an application that you can use to help remove the commercials and remove the possibility of mistakenly clicking on a dangerous ad or an ad for a company that will end up storing your private information.

One of the nice features of AdBlock is that you will get to choose which websites you choose to block and which ones can still show ads.

Ghostery

This application will help to provide you with the ability to avoid tracking online. The plugin helps to ensure that third parties are not able to follow you and get access to personal information, your location, or apply targeted ads to your web searches. This app is popular for a range of reasons.

First, you will find that it is useful for those who are on PCs, as well as those who are using either Android or iOS devices. It is simple to use, and it also happens to be entirely free, so there is no harm in trying it to see how it can help with your privacy.

Consider Using a VPN

If you travel, or if you often use your phone or tablet to surf the web when you are out and in public, you will want to consider getting a VPN service. In fact, even when you are browsing at home, this can be a good option.

These are virtual private networks, and there are many options from which you can choose. Some of the top companies in the field include NordVPN, CyberGhost, Avira, and Hide My Ass.

A VPN will provide you with online privacy by hiding Internet activity and providing you with encryption to keep your information and even your communication safer. These are very useful options, which can you can turn on and off as needed. They are a cost-effective way of keeping safer while on the web, as most will only end up costing a few dollars per month.

Antivirus Software

Hackers and thieves that can get into your computer systems are a real threat in today’s world, and you want to do whatever you can to avoid them.

Having quality antivirus software up and running on your devices is a fantastic way to help reduce the threat that comes from viruses, malware, spyware, and hackers.

This does not mean that they should be the only line of defense that you have, but they should certainly be one of the lines of defense.

Additionally, when you have antivirus software, apps, or any pieces of technology that you are using as a way to increase your privacy and security online, you will want to make sure that you are keeping them all upgraded and up to date. This is the only way to make sure that they are capable of handling all of the new threats out there.

Keep in mind that these are just some of the many different types of applications, software, and plugins that you can use for helping to ensure your online privacy today. There are other options coming onto the market all the time. Those who want to ensure that they always have the utmost privacy and security when they are on the web will want to make sure that they keep abreast of the new options that are available to help in this regard, and they want to be sure they are working with only the very best.

Other Ways to Boost Online Privacy and Safety

While applications and software can be extremely beneficial when it comes to helping with privacy and security online, it is also important to make sure that you consider some other, simple things that you can do to be safer on the web. Namely, you will want to be careful with what information you are putting out there on social media, and what information you are giving to various companies that want you as their customer.

You want to know what they are going to do with the information that you provide them, as well. Simply being a little less willing to share all of your information with companies on the web can help provide you with more added privacy than you realize.