Your browser is the primary place (aside from apps) where you interact with the internet. This is arguably one of the most important areas to focus on.
- Use private browsing mode whenever possible. Do not leave accounts logged in if possible. Delete cookies and history often.
- Brave Browser:
- This is a decent option for balance of privacy, security, and usability on Android and Windows as well as Mac and iOS devices.
- It is essentially a much more private and secure version of Chrome. Chrome is the most invasive browser available.
- Make sure to follow the hardening steps (steps for making your browser more secure) below.
- It is important to choose the right settings no matter which browser you use. You can find info about hardening your browsers (making them more secure) at the following links:
- Desktop Browsers: Privacy & Security Settings for Desktop Browsers
- Mobile Browsers: Privacy & Security Settings for Mobile Browsers
- If you're on iPhone, using Safari is the best option due to how iOS works.
- It is important to use a search engine that respects your privacy. Google is one of the worst choices. Use DuckDuckGo or Startpage search. These are two of the best anonymous options available.
- Most search engines log all of your searches to build a profile about who you are (especially Google, yes, even in “incognito mode”).
- Set your new search engine as the default search in whatever browser you choose. Do not use Google search.
- If possible, do not use browser extensions. These significantly weaken the security of your browser. If the only way for you to use a password manager is through a browser extension this is acceptable, though not ideal. Using the password manager app is the best option for security.
- Exceptions are uBlock Origin and uBlock Origin Lite, which are all actually recommended to protect against malware, tracking, and targeted ads.
- NOTE: If you use Firefox browsers, be aware that they are notably less secure than chromium browsers like Brave, especially on mobile. Firefox is still a decent option for many people, and there are more secure versions of it for mobile like “IronFox”.
- Tor Browser:
- If you need to be truly anonymous on the internet, neither private browsing mode nor a VPN will help you. Tor Browser is essentially the only way to be somewhat anonymous on the internet.
- NOTE: This is a more advanced step to take, so make sure you understand the info on their website about how to use the browser.