The Privacy Problem:

Most Americans feel they’ve “lost control” over their personal data collection and sharing
Only 10% feel confident that social media companies protect their data
46% of U.S. companies suffered data breaches in 2018

What Data Is Being Collected:

Purchase history and browsing activity
Social media interactions
Smart device usage patterns
Shopping habits and media preferences
Health and fitness information
Personal details like family info, income, travel patterns

Recommended Privacy Tools:

VPNs: Hide your IP address and encrypt browsing (NordVPN, ProtonVPN, PIA recommended)
Ad/Tracking Blockers: Extensions like Adblock Plus, Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin
Password Managers: 1Password, LastPass, Dashlane, Blur
Private Email: eM Client, ProtonMail, Mailbird, Thunderbird
Secure Messaging: Signal, Telegram, ChatSecure
Private Browsers: Firefox, Waterfox, Brave, Epic, Cliqz
Private Search Engines: DuckDuckGo, Startpage, WolframAlpha
Encryption Tools: AxCrypt, CertainSafe, Folder Lock
HTTPS Extensions: HTTPS Everywhere

The article emphasizes that protecting privacy requires using multiple tools together, regularly checking for data breaches, and being cautious about permissions given to apps, especially on smartphones.

Here are more specific details on implementing the key data privacy methods mentioned in the document:

VPN Implementation

Selection criteria: Look for VPNs with no-logs policies, strong encryption standards (OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols), and servers in multiple countries
Usage best practice: Keep your VPN running at all times, especially on public WiFi networks
NordVPN specific: Offers double VPN routing for extra security and CyberSec feature to block ads and malicious websites
ProtonVPN advantage: Created by the same team as ProtonMail with strict Swiss privacy laws protection

Ad/Tracking Blockers

uBlock Origin: Install in your browser and enable advanced mode for maximum protection
Privacy Badger: Uses algorithmic methods to learn and block trackers automatically as you browse
Ghostery: Provides detailed information about which trackers are on each site and allows granular control
Implementation tip: Be prepared to whitelist certain sites where functionality breaks due to blocking

Password Manager Setup

Initial setup: Plan a few hours to input all your accounts and create new strong passwords
Security approach: Create a robust master password (long phrase with special characters)
Dashlane feature: Can automatically change weak passwords on compatible websites
1Password tip: Use Travel Mode to temporarily remove sensitive data when crossing borders

Private Email Migration

ProtonMail security: Uses end-to-end encryption where only sender and recipient can read messages
Thunderbird setup: Import existing email accounts and install encryption extensions like Enigmail
Best practice: Create separate email accounts for different purposes (financial, personal, newsletters)
Advanced tip: Use email aliases to further compartmentalize your online identity

Secure Messaging Configuration

Signal setup: Verify security numbers with contacts for enhanced security
Telegram security: Enable “Secret Chats” for end-to-end encryption; regular chats aren’t fully encrypted
Implementation tip: Set disappearing message timers for sensitive conversations

Private Browser Optimization

Firefox privacy: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security and select “Strict” tracking protection
Brave advantages: Block scripts, upgrade connections to HTTPS, and earn rewards while browsing
Extension management: Regularly audit installed extensions as they can access browsing data
Containers feature: Use Firefox containers to isolate browsing contexts (shopping, work, social)

Search Engine Privacy

DuckDuckGo tips: Use bangs (!g for Google search) when needed and enable strict protection
Startpage technique: Get Google results without the tracking
Implementation: Change your browser’s default search engine in settings

File Encryption Practices

AxCrypt method: Right-click files/folders to encrypt with AES-256 encryption
Important files: Especially encrypt financial documents, medical records, and identification
Best practice: Keep encrypted backups of essential documents in the cloud

Additional Privacy Steps

Privacy checkups: Review privacy settings on major accounts (Google, Facebook, etc.) every few months
Browser fingerprinting: Use tools like Privacy Badger and Canvas Blocker to reduce this tracking method
Permissions audit: Regularly review and revoke unnecessary app permissions on your devices
Data breach monitoring: Use haveibeenpwned.com to set up alerts for your email addresses
HTTPS usage: Install HTTPS Everywhere and enable “Encrypt All Sites Eligible” option

Browser Fingerprinting: A Detailed Review

Browser fingerprinting is one of the most sophisticated tracking methods used online today. Unlike cookies, which can be deleted, fingerprinting creates a unique identifier for your device that’s much harder to evade. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

What Is Browser Fingerprinting?

Browser fingerprinting collects specific information about your device, browser, and settings to create a unique “fingerprint” that can identify and track you across websites. This technique doesn’t require storing data on your device – instead, it uses the unique combination of characteristics your browser reveals when you visit websites.

Types of Data Collected in a Browser Fingerprint

Browser Information:
- Browser type and version
- User-agent string
- Browser plugins and extensions installed
- Time zone settings
- Language preferences
Hardware Details:
- Screen resolution and colour depth
- Device memory
- CPU class
- Graphics card information
- Available fonts on your system
WebRTC Information:
- WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) can leak your true IP address even through a VPN
Canvas Fingerprinting:
- Websites render invisible images that exploit subtle differences in how your hardware processes graphics
- Your device renders these images slightly differently, creating a unique identifier
Audio Fingerprinting:
- Similar to Canvas, but uses the Web Audio API to detect how your device processes sound
WebGL Fingerprinting:
- Uses your graphics hardware characteristics to create an identifier
Battery Status API:
- Can track battery level and charging status as an identifier

Why It’s Concerning

Persistent: Unlike cookies, you can’t simply delete a fingerprint
Invisible: No notifications or permissions are required
Cross-site: Can track you across different websites
Hard to detect: Most users don’t know it’s happening
Bypasses privacy controls: Works even in private browsing mode or with cookies disabled

How to Protect Against Browser Fingerprinting

Browser Selection

Firefox, with privacy protection set to “Strict”, blocks many fingerprinting methods.
Tor Browser is specifically designed to combat fingerprinting by making all users look identical.
Brave has built-in fingerprinting protection that can be enabled in Privacy settings

Browser Settings and Extensions

Firefox privacy settings: Enable “Resist Fingerprinting” in about
Canvas Blocker: Returns randomized data when websites try to use canvas fingerprinting
Privacy Badger: Learns to block trackers, including some fingerprinting scripts.
NoScript: Blocks JavaScrip,t which prevents most fingerprinting techniques
Random User Agent: Changes your browser’s reported identity

Advanced Techniques

Disable JavaScript: Most effective but breaks many websites
Use virtual machines: Different VMs will have different fingerprints
Browser compartmentalization: Use different browsers for different activities
Disable WebRTC: Prevents IP leakage (available in browser settings or extensions)
Font blocking: Restrict websites from detecting your installed fonts

The Anonymity Paradox

Ironically, aggressive anti-fingerprinting measures can sometimes make you more identifiable. If only 0.1% of users have a particular anti-fingerprinting setup, that itself becomes a trackable characteristic. This is why Tor Browser focuses on making all users look identical rather than unique.

Maxthon

Maxthon has set out on an ambitious journey aimed at significantly bolstering the security of web applications, fueled by a resolute commitment to safeguarding users and their confidential data. At the heart of this initiative lies a collection of sophisticated encryption protocols, which act as a robust barrier for the information exchanged between individuals and various online services. Every interaction—be it the sharing of passwords or personal information—is protected within these encrypted channels, effectively preventing unauthorised access attempts from intruders.

This meticulous emphasis on encryption marks merely the initial phase of Maxthon’s extensive security framework. Acknowledging that cyber threats are constantly evolving, Maxthon adopts a forward-thinking approach to user protection. The browser is engineered to adapt to emerging challenges, incorporating regular updates that promptly address any vulnerabilities that may surface. Users are strongly encouraged to activate automatic updates as part of their cybersecurity regimen, ensuring they can seamlessly take advantage of the latest fixes without any hassle.

In today’s rapidly changing digital environment, Maxthon’s unwavering commitment to ongoing security enhancement signifies not only its responsibility toward users but also its firm dedication to nurturing trust in online engagements. With each new update rolled out, users can navigate the web with peace of mind, assured that their information is continuously safeguarded against ever-emerging threats lurking in cyberspace.

How to Protect Online Privacy