New York (CNN) — Understanding Your Online Privacy
With our lives becoming increasingly digital, it’s crucial to know who has access to your online conversations and searches, and how to protect your privacy in this connected world.
Recently, as billionaire Elon Musk and his team moved swiftly through various government agencies, journalists have started advising federal workers to use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps, such as Signal, for secure communication.
Signal is among several straightforward tools that not only help protect conversations with reporters but also facilitate personal chats with friends and colleagues outside work discussions.
Choose Personal Devices
When it comes to work-related communication, it’s wise to remember that anything you do on a work phone or computer can be monitored by your employer. “Consider who can see your communications if you’re worried about potential backlash,” said Daniel Khan Gillmor, a senior technologist at the ACLU. To safeguard your personal chats and online searches, it’s best to use your personal device.
This advice also applies to public or employer-provided Wi-Fi networks, which might track your activity. If you need to vent about work, keep those conversations to your home network or personal phone service. While employers may not see the details of your chats, they can still identify who you’re communicating with.
Why Use Signal?
Many tech platforms claim they offer encryption for privacy, including iMessage and WhatsApp, but experts agree that Signal is the best choice. It operates like any other messaging app, but it’s owned by a non-profit and automatically encrypts all messages. This means that no one, except the chatting parties, can see the messages being exchanged.
“If law enforcement shows up with a warrant, Signal has very little data to provide,” explained Eva Galperin from the Electronic Frontier Foundation. In contrast, traditional messaging apps may have to hand over conversations if ordered by the authorities.
While encryption is common, Signal doesn’t retain information like your contacts or messaging history, unlike some other services. Additionally, experts recommend activating features like “disappearing messages,” which automatically delete conversations after a set time—making it harder for anyone to access them later.
Consider Using Tor Browser
While many are familiar with VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), which can help disguise your internet traffic, they have their limitations. VPN providers can be compelled to share the data they collect.
For stronger privacy, experts suggest using the Tor browser. This tool operates similarly to Firefox or Safari but reroutes your internet traffic through various global servers, preventing anyone from tracking your movements online. It also helps safeguard your identity from websites you visit.
With Tor, if someone later tries to trace your online behavior through your home computer, they won’t find evidence of specific searches tied to your identity.
Other Tips for Staying Secure
Many companies are cracking down on information leaks, using tactics like watermarking emails to track who receives what. Because of this, security experts advise against sharing exact copies of documents or printed materials, as they could have invisible tracking marks that indicate when and where they were printed.
Remember, sharing sensitive information can have serious legal ramifications if it goes against a non-disclosure agreement.
Gillmor emphasizes that establishing secure communication methods with friends and colleagues is essential. “Protecting our rights is a group effort,” he said. “Taking time to learn about these tools is valuable, even if you never have to use them in a critical situation.”
In an ever-evolving digital landscape, understanding and implementing these privacy strategies is essential for everyone.
