How To Protect Your Online Privacy?

Your online privacy depends on how you use the internet, your router, and your devices. This guide covers practical steps to reduce tracking, hide your IP, secure your WiFi, and protect your accounts.

Use a VPN for Privacy and Location Hiding

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your traffic and sends it through a server run by the VPN provider. Websites and apps then see the VPN server’s IP instead of your real one. This helps hide your location and can reduce tracking by your ISP. Choose a reputable VPN (paid ones are often more trustworthy than free ones). Install the VPN app on your PC, phone, or tablet, or set up VPN on your router so all devices use it. Keep in mind: the VPN provider can see your traffic, so read their privacy policy. For maximum privacy, use VPN together with HTTPS and strong passwords.

Change DNS to Limit Tracking and Block Malicious Sites

Your DNS (Domain Name System) resolves domain names to IP addresses. Your ISP’s default DNS can log which sites you visit. Switching to a privacy-focused DNS (e.g. Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Quad9 9.9.9.9) can reduce that logging and sometimes block malicious or tracking domains. You can set DNS on your router (so all devices use it) or on each device. See DNS Settings for addresses and how to change DNS on Windows and the router.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords and a Password Manager

Reusing the same password on many sites is risky: if one site is breached, attackers can try that password elsewhere. Use a strong, unique password for each important account (email, banking, router, WiFi). A password manager (e.g. Bitwarden, 1Password, KeePass) stores passwords securely and generates random ones. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible (SMS is better than nothing, but app-based or hardware keys are stronger). Change default router and WiFi passwords as soon as you set up the device; see Router Passwords and How to Protect Your WiFi Network.

Secure Your Router and WiFi

Your router is the gateway between your devices and the internet. If someone else can use your WiFi or log in to the router, they can see or redirect your traffic. Use a strong WiFi password (WPA2 or WPA3), change the router admin password from the default, keep firmware updated, and disable features you don’t use (e.g. WPS, remote management). Use a guest network for visitors so they don’t access your main LAN. For details see How to Protect Your WiFi Network and Router Settings Guide.

Browser Privacy: Block Trackers and Use HTTPS

Websites and third-party scripts often track you via cookies and fingerprinting. Use a browser that limits tracking (e.g. Firefox with strict privacy settings, or Brave). Install a reputable ad/tracker blocker extension if you want to reduce ads and tracking. Prefer HTTPS sites (the padlock in the address bar); avoid entering passwords or sensitive data on HTTP pages. Clear or limit cookies and use private/incognito mode when you don’t want a site to remember you. Keep the browser updated so security fixes are applied.

Be Careful What You Share and Where You Log In

Avoid sharing sensitive data (passwords, full name, address, payment details) on unencrypted or untrusted sites. Don’t log in to important accounts on public WiFi without a VPN. Be wary of phishing emails and links that ask for passwords or personal data. Check the URL before entering credentials—fake sites often look similar to real ones. Use two-factor authentication so that even if someone gets your password, they need a second factor to access the account.

Check Your Public IP and What Sites See

Your public IP is what websites and services see when you connect. It can reveal your approximate location and ISP. You can check it on What is my IP address?. Using a VPN changes the IP that sites see. If you want to reduce linking of your activity to your real IP, use VPN and privacy-focused DNS together with good password and browser habits.