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Take your privacy to 11

11 new tips for today’s digital threats

In 2014, Proton Mail launched with a bold mission: to make online privacy the default. Eleven years later, the internet looks very different — and so do the threats to your personal information.

To celebrate our anniversary, we’re sharing 11 updated privacy tips that help you defend against new online risks. Hackers and tech companies are constantly building new ways to access and profit off your data. This list offers tried and true security advice, as well as new recommendations based on emerging cybersecurity trends.

1. Use unique, strong passwords for every account

This is still the best first line of defense. Proton has a free password manager that helps you generate and remember unlimited passwords, but for the anniversary they’re offering 50% off Pass Plus, which gives you additional privacy and convenience features.

2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

This simple step blocks hackers even if they somehow access your password.

3. Use end-to-end encryption whenever possible

If your data isn’t end-to-end encrypted, then tech platforms can access and abuse your information or leak it to hackers. End-to-end encrypted services protect your privacy and give you control. Proton uses end-to-end encryption by design, so there’s nothing extra you need to do to benefit from this increased security. Nobody else can see your emails in Proton Mail, your calendar events in Proton Calendar, or your files in Proton Drive.

You can currently get 50% off Proton Drive Plus to unlock 200 GB of storage or 50% off Proton Mail Plus to get a secure, ad-free inbox.

4. Watch out for quishing (QR code) attacks

QR code scams have become a go-to attack for scammers and hackers because they’re easy to deploy and difficult to spot. Always verify codes before scanning by checking to see if the code looks tampered with, and check the URL before opening the page. See more safety tips on quishing here.

5. Be wary of AI-generated phishing

Fake messages are getting smarter. Look for tone shifts and odd links, or strangers who seem to know a little too much about you.

6. Limit what you share on social media

Scammers use social engineering to trick you into making mistakes. They can use information you yourself share online to gain your trust and exploit you.

7. Don’t fall for deepfakes

Deepfake scams use AI technology to imitate people’s voice or likeness. You should verify anytime someone asks for details or payments in a way that feels off.

8. Monitor for dark web leaks

It’s now easier to monitor illicit data brokerages for your data, thanks to services like Proton’s Dark Web Monitor. We’ll alert you if your personal information is leaked.

9. Mask your identity and location

Your IP address gives websites and internet service providers a window into your location and all your browsing activity. Cut them off by using a trusted VPN. Proton’s free VPN will keep your online activity private, but you can upgrade to Proton VPN Plus with their anniversary deal at 70% off to get faster speeds and access to streaming platforms globally.

10. Use aliases to protect your identity

Unique email aliases keep your real address private and compartmentalized. Instead of giving away your email address when signing up for an account or a newsletter, use an alias.

11. Choose services that are open source

Transparency helps ensure services are secure against the latest vulnerabilities. Open-source software lets you verify security claims.