What steps do you feel like are before a VPN? (lemmy.world)

submitted 6 months ago by ericbomb@lemmy.world to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

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Context: my gf mentioned getting a vpn for privacy, and I tried to explain that it "does" help, but it's more like type of windows on a house. It certainly can be part of the package, but it's no where near the foundation.

So i tried to explain the best that i could That if she was worried about online privacy the first step wasn't to mask traffic, but to not submit personal data to anything online like FB, not use Google services that package everything on you together to sell to advertisers, and to limit phone apps to essentials.

But I'm curious on what other steps you guys would consider the "foundation" of online privacy that should be prioritized before a vpn. Any thoughts? Or am I way off base?

Note: this is in context of vpn for privacy. Using vpn to avoid Geo blocking and censorship I see as incredibly valid for those that need it.

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[-] LWD@lemm.ee 2 points 6 months ago

        Use different passwords for things
Use a password manager
Don't upload all your stuff to Google
Switch to DuckDuckGo
Install Firefox (or LibreWolf/Fennec) or at least Brave
Use Signal


      

[-] shortwavesurfer@monero.town 3 points 6 months ago

These are all fantastic options and that thing about the password manager is peer gold. I've been using key pass for years now and absolutely love it and know that my accounts are a lot safer than they would otherwise be.

[-] ninjaturtle@lemmy.today 3 points 6 months ago

On top of this, use products that are more privacy conscience, as in they take it more serious, such as an email provider.

this post was submitted on 16 Apr 2024

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