Online security is becoming a bigger issue than ever, with 2016 seemingly one of the worst years to date when it comes to staying secure and private online.
This is according to virtual private network service provider, NordVPN, giving advice on how users can enhance their anonymity online.
The company says 2017 is not promising to be any better, considering increasingly restrictive surveillance laws are being passed around the world and authoritarian regimes are increasingly censoring the Internet.
It notes that when it comes to using public WiFi, and especially managing financial transactions, it's known that it's not safe to use a credit card or disclose any other personal information.
"For example, it has been shown that a Visa credit card can be hacked online in six seconds. Using crypto currency helps users stay anonymous to some extent - but what are the other ways to remain completely invisible online?"
NordVPN identifies five key services that could significantly enhance online anonymity and security.
Bitcoin
NordVPN says Bitcoin is a decentralised currency that does not belong to any country - just its user.
And when it comes to security, it's hard to beat it, the company notes, pointing out that Bitcoin online transactions are conducted without disclosing any personal financial information.
"When it comes to privacy, it's certainly reassuring that no one can trace who is the owner of a certain Bitcoin account."
However, NordVPN states that not all merchants accept Bitcoin. In those cases when using a credit/debit card is the only option - extra security steps should be taken. Using strong passwords and updating them often, ensuring the Web sites are trusted (double check for https), being wary of any suspicious redirects and using trusted encryption services (ie VPN service) to protect one's Internet traffic are bare minimum, it points out.
Encrypted e-mail
The virtual private network service provider urges that while Bitcoin is great for financial transactions online, it's advisable to stay private while conducting any other activities - such as e-mailing.
It says e-mails might also contain some private and sensitive information, which could be easily intercepted by hackers or any unwanted snoopers.
"The solution is to use one of the encrypted e-mail services. There are a few good examples, including Tutanota, or the Gmail-like ProtonMail that offer an automatic end-to-end encryption, and no personal information is required to create a secure e-mail account."
Encrypted messaging
Everybody uses their mobile devices for instant messaging - but how safe are regular communication apps? NordVPN questions.
"For example, WhatsApp has received some harsh criticism for tracing user chats even after their deletion. Signal, on the other hand, is an encrypted messaging and voice calling app that provides end-to-end encryption by default to secure all communications. The app can also verify the identity of people one is messaging with and the integrity of the channel they are using. When texting with non-Signal users, one has an option to invite them to an encrypted conversation via Signal."
PGP (Pretty Good Privacy)
According to NordVPN, users looking for an advanced option to secure their communication and personal files might be wise to turn to PGP, which is one of the most popular encryption software solutions used worldwide.
It points out that OpenPGP is used to encrypt data and create digital signatures and could be used to encrypt personal files or to exchange encrypted communication. It protects all communication with a digital signature and is available for all operating platforms.
VPN
The company says anyone taking their online security and privacy seriously will use a VPN - a virtual private network.
It explains that a VPN encrypts all users' Internet data into a secure tunnel and creates a secure connection between one's device and a VPN server. All the information travelling between the user's Internet-enabled device and the secure server remains invisible to any third-party, it adds.
"In addition to these super-tough security measures, anonymity-minded Internet users should be more vigilant, use extra caution when sharing information or opening messages from unknown recipients, while making sure their device's firewall is turned on and a reliable anti-virus program is installed and kept up to date."
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