I went down a privacy rabbit hole and came out with a whole new digital setup — here's which security tools I recommend so you can do the same

In today's digital age, online privacy is more important than ever. Hackers, data brokers, and even governments can pose a threat to our personal information, and with the prevalence of smartphones, the risk of theft increases. To address these concerns, I have taken steps to enhance my digital security and privacy.

Initially, I used Norton antivirus and Malwarebytes for protection, a password manager (1Password), and two-factor authentication for all my accounts. I also had Stolen Device Protection enabled on my iPhone and used various authenticator apps for enhanced security. While these measures remain in place, I have expanded my security toolkit with additional services and devices.

Encrypting my data is a top priority, as free services often compromise privacy. Platforms like Gmail and Outlook can scan email content using AI, potentially violating user privacy. To combat this, I subscribed to Proton Unlimited, which offers end-to-end encrypted email via Proton Mail and cloud storage through Proton Drive. Proton Unlimited also includes Proton VPN and Proton Pass, providing a comprehensive solution for secure cloud storage and browsing.

While I still use my less secure emails and cloud storage for certain tasks, I have migrated sensitive information, such as bank logins and encryption keys, to Proton services.

Creating a digital footprint requires vigilance. To limit online traces, I use a VPN most of the time, hiding my location, browsing activity, and safeguarding sensitive information on public Wi-Fi. However, some websites may block VPNs, necessitating server switching or disabling the VPN. Proton VPN is my preferred choice, but alternatives like Tuta and Mailbox.org are also available.