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What steps do you feel like are before a VPN?

Context: my gf mentioned getting a vpn for privacy, and I tried to explain that it "does" help, but it's more like type of windows on a house. It certainly can be part of the package, but it's no where near the foundation.

So i tried to explain the best that i could That if she was worried about online privacy the first step wasn't to mask traffic, but to not submit personal data to anything online like FB, not use Google services that package everything on you together to sell to advertisers, and to limit phone apps to essentials.

But I'm curious on what other steps you guys would consider the "foundation" of online privacy that should be prioritized before a vpn. Any thoughts? Or am I way off base?

Note: this is in context of vpn for privacy. Using vpn to avoid Geo blocking and censorship I see as incredibly valid for those that need it.

LWD ,
  1. Use different passwords for things
  2. Use a password manager
  3. Don't upload all your stuff to Google
  4. Switch to DuckDuckGo
  5. Install Firefox (or LibreWolf/Fennec) or at least Brave
  6. Use Signal
ninjaturtle ,
@ninjaturtle@lemmy.today avatar

On top of this, use products that are more privacy conscience, as in they take it more serious, such as an email provider.

shortwavesurfer ,

These are all fantastic options and that thing about the password manager is peer gold. I've been using key pass for years now and absolutely love it and know that my accounts are a lot safer than they would otherwise be.

Notamoosen ,
@Notamoosen@kbin.social avatar

I'm also going to add that any online service you sign up for, always check through their privacy settings and make sure the options to not gather data are enabled. Another one is to check through settings for your ISP and cellular plans. Some collect various data to "enhance" services. Lastly I'll mention that on mobile devices switch to a privacy oriented browser like the recommendations below, and use Progressive Web Apps instead of native apps. These will include the browser's privacy protections by default.

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