Online privacy is important. Take these steps to protect your financial and personal information.

Here are seven risky online habits to put away today, along with tips on better ones that can help you stay safer when you connect. | NortonLifeLock

Privacy relates to any rights you have to control your personal information. Security refers to how your personal information is protected. Some people regard privacy and security as pretty much the same thing, but they aren’t the same, and knowing how they differ may help you to protect yourself in an increasingly connected world.

Data brokers gather and sell information about you. Here’s how to gain some control over your data.

Take steps to boost your privacy online. Here’s what to do and why it’s important.

A virtual private network (VPN) gives you online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection. VPNs mask your internet protocol (IP) address so your online actions are virtually untraceable. They also help keep your web browsing anonymous. A good VPN can help protect your browsing history and prevent identity theft.

Learn how-to tips for using public Wi-Fi safely at the Wi-Fi network at your airport, cafe Wi-Fi networks, and hotel Wi-Fi networks.

A proxy server and virtual private network can both help protect your online privacy — but there are big differences. Learn more.

Ever wonder what happens when you drag old emails into the trash or delete personal records to free up space on a hard drive? You might be surprised to learn that your data may not really be gone.

A VPN tunnel — short for virtual private network tunnel — can provide a way to cloak some of your online activities. Learn more.

A virtual private network (VPN) can hide a user's internal protocol address (IP address) and block their location and browser history. This allows them to share and receive information on public internet networks more privately. Even if you use a private browsing mode, your IP address can still be collected. A VPN can offer increased security by helping hide your online identity and encrypt your traffic.

Are you tempted to invest in a VPN service provider for home internet access? You could, but learn whether it’s a wise financial move for you.

Numerous laws in the U.S. cover Internet, data security, and privacy in the United States, with the 1974 Privacy Act (link is external) arguably being the foundation for it all. The Privacy Act passed to establish control over the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of personal information by agencies in the executive branch of the U.S. government.

Some VPNs encrypt your connection to the internet, disguise your IP address, and prevent others, like the government or internet service providers (ISPs), from tracking your virtual whereabouts. There are plenty of legitimate reasons to want this degree of privacy, but you should understand what’s considered legal and illegal while using a VPN.

Data breaches are security incidents where information is accessed, stolen, and used by a cybercriminal without authorization. Data breaches impact individuals and organizations every day. Learn how a data breach occurs and how to protect your personal information.

Doxing could expose your real identity when you hope to remain anonymous. Be careful what you share online.

Public Wi-Fi allows you to access the Internet for free. There are a tremendous number of risks that go along with these networks. Business owners may believe they’re providing a valuable service to their customers, but chances are the security on these networks is lax or nonexistent.

A VPN can help you achieve more online privacy by masking your browsing activity from eavesdroppers, your ISP, and others. VPNs encrypt your connection to provide more security when you’re on public Wi-Fi networks in places like coffee shops and airports.

Incognito mode is private browsing that doesn’t leave as many tracks. It can erase temporary data that is captured by the PC or device you’re using. Deleting cookies is a great first step toward maintaining your privacy.

VPNs protect your public internet connection by encrypting your information and shielding your online activity from cybercriminals and even your own Internet Service Provider, or ISP. The most secure VPNs are likely transparent about their privacy policies, take steps to fix leaks, and won’t keep logs of your browsing history.

Encryption is the process that scrambles readable text and helps provide data security for sensitive information. Learn more.

Your digital footprint includes all traces of your online activity. This includes your IP address, your login details, and other personal information. Information that is posted about you also gets added to your data trail. It could show up when someone searches for your name online. Your online identity can influence different aspects of your life.

Cookies can be troublesome if you don't know how to clear or delete cookies. The purpose of the computer cookie is to help the website keep track of your visits and activity. A setting that controls or limits third-party and tracking cookies can help protect your privacy online.

So-called private browsers are a standard feature of several web browsers. They have private-sounding names like Private Browsing, Private Tab, and Private Window, but maintaining total privacy isn't one of them. it's important to understand what a private browser does, and does not, do.

The dark web is where people can buy illegal drugs and firearms. It's also dotted with sites that specialize in illicit pornography, including child porn. Many of the sites are illegal, but there are exceptions to this rule. You can find forums, blogs, and social media sites that cover topics such as politics and sports.

This article provides current step-by-step instructions on how to clear cookies from the latest versions of five popular web browsers. If you prefer to protect your privacy when it comes to cookies, you may want to delete them. Cookies record your personally identifiable information so they can help auto-fill forms on browsers.

The security of electronic voting machines has been the subject of scrutiny, just before the November U.S. presidential elections. Are they secure? Are they anonymous? And if the answer is yes, how...

Online dating is as normal to life as is online shopping. Believe it or not, online dating has been around for 20 years, and as a result, cybercriminals are finding big money in people looking for love.

There has been a lot of recent concern around loyalty cards and privacy. Cybercriminals have found ways to illegally acquire these rewards points and use them, either for themselves or in the underground economy.

Some 10 million identity thefts happen in the United States every year. Taking extra steps to protect...

Technology opens our lives up in ways that weren't possible even less than a decade ago.

According to several studies on cost of ownership, users should replace their computer devices every four years. Not everyone will need to upgrade his or her computer every four years, but it’s a..

Social media accounts are powerful tools in the wrong hands. Weve recently seen hackers take over the Twitter accounts of media outlets and large corporations, using them for anything from basic spam...

Looking for employment today is dramatically different from how it was just two decades ago. Its rare to just walk into a business, fill out an application, and get hired within the same day; todays...

When you “clean” your computer, you don’t just dust off the keyboard and wipe fingerprints from the screen. You also pay attention to the state of the hard drive, updating software and removing old programs.

Norton released results of their Online Shopping Survey just in time for the holidays, when online retailers offer sales to lure shoppers into buying presents for themselves and others.

Companies of all sizes use online surveys to gather important market research, which they later utilize to direct product development and marketing initiatives. This critical step in the marketing...

A major new survey titled reveals that 76 percent of Australian women under the age of 30 have experienced online harassment. This International Womens Day, lets make the online world a safer one. In...

Numerous laws in the U.S. cover Internet, data security, and privacy in the United States, with the 1974 Privacy Act arguably being the foundation for...

“We’re counting down days until Christmas is here, And gifting you cool security tips to be of good cheer, And make sure this season is the best of your year.” Happy holidays from Norton!

Major web browsers offer private browsing or incognito modes. But what does “private” really mean? Find out here.

Online-privacy concerns and Internet distrust have increased around the world. The reasons why may surprise you.

As you switch between devices, our calendars, emails, and other information follow us – always keeping us up-to-date. However, synchronization services may put your personal data at risk in ways you may not realize.

Learn how your actions can impact online privacy and device security. Here’s help during National Cyber Safety Awareness Month and beyond.

The threat landscape is evolving. Protecting your identity and your data should also evolve.

With the end of net neutrality, ISPs can now block, throttle or put data in slow and fast lanes. Find out how a VPN can help you navigate these changes.

If you’re concerned about online security and privacy, here are some gift ideas that can help keep you safer.

An unfortunate number of women are becoming victims of cyber crimes....

We all have things to hide. It could be how much money we make, our medical records or bank account numbers. Here are twelve tips to help you protect your privacy online.

Ridesharing services require riders' information such as real-time location data and a form of payment. This could pose risks to riders' privacy.

Help protect your browsing activity while using your Mac computer with a VPN. Learn how a VPN provides privacy while you browse and helps keep your information safe when using public Wi-Fi.

Apple and Google are developing a system to help track and contain the spread of coronavirus. Here's how it works and the privacy issues.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month — also known as NCSAM — has online security advice for you in October.

The new Norton with LifeLock helps protect your entire digital life: PCs/Macs, mobile devices, privacy, identity, family and smart home network

A security breach occurs when an intruder gains unauthorized access to an organization’s protected systems and data. Cybercriminals can also exploit software bugs or upload encryption software onto a network to initiate ransomware attacks. If a cybercriminal steals confidential information, a data breach may follow.

Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat have become digital billboards for internet users. People love sharing their personal views and news about what’s going on in their lives. But stop and think for a moment: some of this information is going up on the internet. Outside of your trusted circle of friends and relatives, who else is viewing what you post? Spam bots, vindictive acquaintances, and even cybercriminals could take an interest, too.

Here’s how to increase privacy when you go online. Find out the best ways to conceal you IP address.

TikTok privacy concerns revolve around the information it gathers about users, how that information might be used, and who might have access to it.

A VPN leak can make you IP address visible to others. Learn how to test whether your VPN has a leak.

Using a VPN will count against the data limits on your smartphones or tablets. But VPNs offer many benefits.

Robocalls number in the billions. Here are 15 tips to help stop — or at least slow down —the barrage of unwanted calls.

You might be tempted to sign up for a free VPN service. But are free VPNs safe to use? Learn more.

Video conferencing with healthcare providers can be helpful in the COVID-19 era. Learn how to help keep your medical information private.

Lessons from the Facebook investigation and settlement — and steps you can take to help protect your privacy on social media.

What is a privacy breach?

Don’t expect the Do Not Call Registry to shield you from every unwanted call. Here’s why.

The positives of storing data and files in the cloud are many, but you may have questions about security. Find answers here.

Connecting to the internet through a VPN provides greater privacy and anonymity. Learn how to set up a VPN on your router at home.

Is your DNA info safe from data breaches? Probably not, but privacy concerns may be more important

Help keep your browsing activity private by using a VPN on your Windows PC. Learn what a VPN is and how it helps to keep your information safe and private, especially when using public Wi-Fi.

VPNs with no logs protect your privacy by not keeping logs of where you go or what you do online.

Can cybercriminals spy on you through your webcam? Here’s why you should cover it up.

Your new Mac computer or iOS update means it’s a good time to think about security and privacy. Here’s how.

Password managers offer encrypted solutions for creating and storing strong passwords that help keep your data more secure.

Vacations can be an exciting, happy time for people to get away and avoid the everyday worries of home. But fun can come to a halt if your personal data is compromised while traveling.

Your personal information can be exposed in different ways. Sensitive data exposure is one way. A data breach is another.

Can smart speakers be hacked? The answer is important, since your personal information and privacy may be at stake. Learn more.

Identity theft is the most common complaint lodged with the Federal Trade Commission,...

All about the low-tech and high-tech methods that identity thieves use to exploit the vulnerabilities to access the data on your cell phone.

Every day more of the country gets better, faster Wi-Fi coverage. But that doesn’t stop your signal at home from dropping off or grinding to a halt every now and then. Here are the latest tips from our top experts on how to get the most from your..