With the world going digital, it is impossible to avoid digital presence. While staying on the internet, one might wonder how much of their private information is online and how vulnerable are they to misuse of this information? Online privacy is an issue that needs to be tackled seriously and thankfully, there are plenty of ways in which one can protect their privacy online using simple tips. Here are a few ways to boost your online privacy. 

1. Browse in incognito mode

When you browse in the normal mode, the computer that you use to browse it stores plenty of information like the browsing history, cookies and even temporary internet files. To ensure that you do not leave any digital footprint behind, search for the information that is important in the incognito mode. On the basis of the browser that you are using, this mode can be known as a different mode like InPrivate Browsing in Internet Explorer and Private Browsing in Firefox. It is important to note that even the browsing that you do on incognito mode is not totally private as the Internet Service Provider can still see the browsing companies but still it has its own benefits. 

2. Limit the amount of personal information online

It is always wise not to overshare your life online including different social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To protect your personal information, it is advised to conceal as much as you can on your online profile. For instance, if you win a lottery like Kerala State Lottery or Lottery Sambad, do not share the same online as it makes you vulnerable to theft. Also, it is advisable to not share personally identifying information on different websites. Always, making your social media account private is a good way of staying out of prying eyes. 

3. Be careful about the links that you click 

You might come across random links while browsing a website or even in the inbox. This can be a phishing attack and therefore, until and unless you are totally sure about the link that you are clicking, it is best to avoid clicking the link. Phishing attacks can steal your personal information and financial information too. Never enter your financial details if you're prompted to by any such link that you have accidentally clicked. You can also install good software that can identify such phishing attacks to stay safe online. 

4. Create strong passwords 

While creating a password, you need to ensure that the password is not easily guessable. For instance, using your date of birth as a password is not a good idea as it can be guessed easily. It is recommended to go for words and numbers that only make sense to you. Further, the password should be a combination of lower and upper-case letters with numbers and special symbols. Also, it is advisable to periodically change your password to stay safe. 

5. Avoid using public Wi-Fi

Using public Wi-Fi might look tempting but it is never a great idea. It is because the security measures of the public Wi-Fi are mostly weak which makes way for plenty of loopholes that can compromise your information. People using the same network with little knowledge can see your internet activities. It is always best to wait for a secure Wi-Fi connection for doing your online. 

6. Review permissions that you give to apps and browser extensions

Many apps and browser extensions seek a large number of permissions like permission to access contacts, files, microphones, locations and even cameras. Many people without giving a second look provide all the permission. However, this needs to be avoided to stay safe from the spying tendencies of such apps and browser extensions. 

7. Check whether the website is secure or not 

Before entering any information on any website, check whether it is a secure website or not. You can do the same by looking at whether the URL begins with https or not. If it starts with https, it means the website is secure and the same will be visible with a tiny lock symbol. Even though secure websites can be used for unlawful things, the probability of the same reduces. One is advised to check it particularly if they need to make a payment on such websites. 

It is important to stay conscious while engaging in online activities to stay safe. Following these tips will surely help you to ensure your privacy online to a large extent.