Hide Your IP Address
Your IP address reveals your approximate location and can be used to track your online behavior. A VPN masks your real IP with one from their servers.
Stay Safe Online
Comprehensive guide to protecting your privacy and security on the internet. Learn about VPNs, secure DNS, and essential privacy practices.
Protect Your Privacy with a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and hides your real IP address, making it much harder for websites, advertisers, and hackers to track your online activity.
Encrypt Your Traffic
VPNs use strong encryption to protect your data from being intercepted, especially important on public Wi-Fi networks at cafes, airports, or hotels.
Prevent ISP Tracking
Without a VPN, your Internet Service Provider can see every website you visit. A VPN prevents this surveillance and keeps your browsing private.
The best VPN service for a free, open internet
Secures up to 10 devices with a single account.
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- The fastest VPN provider.¹ Experience lightning-fast connection speeds without compromising security or privacy.
- Secures up to 10 devices with a single account. Protect all your devices simultaneously with one subscription.
- Helps you avoid phishing, scams, and malware. Built-in threat protection keeps you safe from online dangers.
Essential Privacy Tips
Beyond using a VPN, there are many steps you can take to protect your privacy online. Here are our top recommendations for staying safe.
Use a Privacy-Focused Browser
Consider browsers like Firefox or Brave that block trackers by default. Avoid browsers that collect extensive data about your browsing habits.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Even if someone gets your password, they won't be able to access your accounts without the second factor.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Never reuse passwords across sites. Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for each of your accounts.
Keep Software Updated
Security patches fix vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Enable automatic updates for your operating system, browser, and applications.
Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi
Public networks are often unsecured. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi, or always use a VPN when connected to public networks.
Review App Permissions
Many apps request more permissions than they need. Regularly review and revoke unnecessary permissions, especially for location and contacts.
Use Encrypted Messaging
Choose messaging apps with end-to-end encryption like Signal. This ensures only you and your recipient can read your messages.
Disable Location Services
Turn off location services for apps that don't need it. Your location data is valuable to advertisers and can reveal sensitive information about your habits.
Recommended Privacy Tools
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Secure Email
End-to-end encrypted email keeps your communications private from prying eyes. Partner recommendation coming soon.
Private Browser
Browse without being tracked by advertisers and data collectors. Partner recommendation coming soon.
Secure DNS Providers
Your DNS (Domain Name System) translates website names into IP addresses. Using a secure DNS provider can improve your privacy, security, and even browsing speed.
Privacy Protection
Your ISP's DNS logs every website you visit. Secure DNS providers don't log your queries, keeping your browsing history private.
Faster Browsing
Many secure DNS providers have globally distributed servers that can resolve queries faster than your ISP's DNS, improving page load times.
Malware Blocking
Some secure DNS providers automatically block connections to known malicious websites, adding an extra layer of protection against malware and phishing.
Recommended DNS Providers
| Provider | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS | Features | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 |
1.0.0.1 |
Fastest DNS, privacy-focused, no logging | Free Privacy |
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 |
8.8.4.4 |
Reliable, fast, global infrastructure | Free |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 |
149.112.112.112 |
Blocks malicious domains, privacy-focused | Free Privacy |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 |
208.67.220.220 |
Phishing protection, content filtering options | Free |
| AdGuard DNS | 94.140.14.14 |
94.140.15.15 |
Blocks ads and trackers at DNS level | Free Privacy |
| Cloudflare Family | 1.1.1.3 |
1.0.0.3 |
Blocks malware and adult content | Free |
DNS over HTTPS (DoH)
For maximum privacy, use DNS over HTTPS which encrypts your DNS queries. Most modern browsers support this feature in their settings. This prevents your ISP from seeing which websites you're visiting.
How to Change Your DNS
You can change DNS settings on your router (affects all devices), or individually on each device. On Windows, go to Network Settings > Change adapter options > IPv4 Properties. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS.
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