Protecting Your Online Privacy in 2022

Each year, more and more users seek to protect their online data privacy. Here are our tips on protecting your privacy while browsing online in 2022. 

Limit What You Share on Social Media

If you're really concerned about your online data privacy, start at the source and limit what you share. There are striking statistics that show many Americans completely and publicly share information about where they live, their children, and their personal lives. This is one of many ways identity thieves seek out victims of theft. 

Use manual privacy settings to manage who online can see your posts and don't share anything you don't want living online.  

Use a Different Search Engine

Most users prefer Google Chrome or something similar. However, all of these search engines save your search data and you can’t retain ownership or protection of that data.

You can seek out other anonymous search engines that protect your privacy and block ads as you search the web. Do some research and see what search engine truly meets your privacy needs. 

Use a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to browse online privately and anonymously by creating a private network through a public internet connection. 

VPNs make it difficult for criminals to steal your information from the web. There are free and paid VPN providers. Look into using a VPN to bolster your internet browsing security and privacy. 

Use Trusted Anti-Viral Software

Always protect ALL of your devices from malware and viruses while browsing online. Keep protection up to date and always browse safe and trusted websites. Never download or open files from unknown/unverified sources and don’t fall for online phishing schemes. 

Teach Your Kids Internet Safety Literacy

Don't forget to have a real conversation with your kids about protecting their identities on the web. In the age of technology, kids have tons of ways to access the internet. It will take more than using a child-protected browser at home to address this issue. 

First of all, come from a place of trust. Don't leave them believing that you assume they will breach their own privacy online. Tell your kids that you want to educate them about how to protect themselves online and why that matters. 

Having this conversation one time protects their online privacy — and yours.