It seems like just about everyone is interested in what you do on the Internet. While some, like marketers, hackers, and cybercriminals, are in it for financial gain, state-sponsored agents want to help world governments spy on you.

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Then, there are the cousins you only meet at the yearly family barbecue, or the online trolls, who are all just too curious. With increasingly sophisticated spying software available on the Internet to all types of threat actors, you must use privacy tools to secure yourself.

#1 Social Media Privacy Tools

Start by using your social media privacy tools. Limit your public posts to friends and family. Don’t share information that a threat actor can potentially use against you. For example, don’t share any data that could help a hacker piece together the passwords to your accounts.

#2 Anti-Malware Software

Don’t believe that your Windows or macOS security software will stop others from prying, especially if you use a third-party browser, like Google Chrome. Look for anti-malware software that blocks viruses, spyware, keyloggers, and stalkerware. These unwanted programs can help a cybercriminal breach your privacy.

#3 Password Manager

You probably know that you should set complex passwords and change them regularly. But who has the time to keep track of all of them? Find a reputable password manager that sets sophisticated login credentials, changes them regularly, and stores them in a secure location.

#4 Two-Factor Authentication

With two-factor authentication, a hacker will need a second way to prove their identity when logging in from a new computer, even if they have your password. Activate this feature for your email, social media, financial, and even your gaming accounts.

#5 Firewall

Ensure that your computer’s firewall is active, even when you’re using your reliable Internet connection at home. A firewall functions as a network gatekeeper, blocking dangerous traffic from your systems.

#6 Proxy Server

You can use a proxy to hide your IP address pretty easily. A proxy is essentially a computer on the Internet that communicates with websites for you. A high anonymity proxy will mask your IP address with a new one frequently and even stop websites from learning that you’re using a proxy. But when picking a proxy, please select a reputable one, as most free open proxies face privacy concerns from netizens.

#7 TOR

Many people ask what is Tor these days due to more incidents of online spying. Well, the TOR project helps Internet users protect their privacy. The TOR browser is an easy-to-use software that masks your IP address several times through its nodes. The biggest downside of using this technology is that TOR can be slow.

#8 VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN is a step above a proxy server or a TOR browser because it masks your IP address and encrypts your data. The latest VPN will also offer excellent Internet speeds by using cutting-edge technology and offering many servers. But whether you’re looking for a VPN or a proxy, think twice before using free ones, as they may spy on users or sell their data.

While these eight tools can help boost your online privacy, you should also be careful about the websites you visit and the emails you open to keep your digital security intact.