Maximizing Online Privacy
Essential best practices for protecting your privacy with a VPN
A VPN is just the first step in protecting your online privacy. Learn how to maximize its effectiveness with these essential best practices.
Essential VPN Settings
Kill Switch
Prevents data leaks by blocking internet access if your VPN connection drops.
How to Enable
- Open VPN settings
- Find Kill Switch option
- Toggle it on
- Test it by disconnecting VPN
When to Use
- Torrenting
- Public Wi-Fi
- Sensitive activities
- Always recommended
DNS Leak Protection
Ensures your DNS requests are routed through the VPN tunnel.
Verification
- Use DNS leak test sites
- Check DNS server location
- Verify IPv6 is disabled
- Monitor DNS requests
Importance
- Prevents tracking
- Maintains privacy
- Stops DNS hijacking
- Bypasses censorship
Privacy-Enhancing Practices
Browser Privacy
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Use Private Browsing
Always use incognito/private mode with VPN
-
Clear Browser Data
Regularly clear cookies and browsing history
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Use Privacy Extensions
Install ad blockers and privacy-focused extensions
Connection Practices
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Connect Before Browsing
Always enable VPN before starting online activities
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Use Different Servers
Regularly switch between VPN server locations
-
Check Connection Status
Regularly verify your VPN is active
Advanced Privacy Measures
Split Tunneling
Choose which apps use the VPN connection.
- Route sensitive apps through VPN
- Exclude trusted local apps
- Optimize performance
Double VPN
Route traffic through multiple VPN servers.
- Enhanced anonymity
- Multiple encryption layers
- Additional security
Common Privacy Mistakes
Using Free VPNs
Free VPNs often collect and sell user data
Forgetting to Enable VPN
Always verify VPN connection before sensitive activities
Ignoring Kill Switch
Always enable kill switch to prevent data leaks
Privacy Checklist
Additional Privacy Tools
Browser Extensions
- Ad blockers
- Script blockers
- HTTPS everywhere
System Tools
- Firewall
- Antivirus
- Disk encryption