How secure are YOUR devices? Here are six handy tips to stop the government from spying on you
These quick tips could keep your information safe
THE government have just been granted more power to record your online activity – but will this affect your privacy?
As the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Act, commonly known as the Snooper’s Charter, has just passed into law, online confidentiality is becoming a hot topic of debate.
Theresa May’s government have been given the go ahead on the controversial bill, which will ensure that all your online activities are recorded and stored for up to 12 months.
The bill also means that your entire internet history is liable to be viewed by a number of government agencies, including the NHS and HMRC.
As Brits are becoming increasingly worried about their privacy, here are seven ways you can keep your devices secure and personal information safe…
1. Cover your webcam
When your laptop webcam isn’t in use, it’s advisable to cover it over with a piece of material or some tape.
If the news that perverts could be voyeuristically spying on your through your camera isn’t terrifying enough, some believe that the cameras can be infiltrated by the government.
In the new Oliver Stone biopic ‘Snowden’, a worrying scene showed Snowden peering at a member of the public undressing via her webcam, without her having any idea they were doing so.
2. Download Disconnect
Every time you visit a website, cookies are collected to track information about you as an internet user.
After getting this information, they can then sell on the data to companies who want to target you with advertising campaigns.
By downloading the Disconnect program, you can block invisible websites from storing tracking the websites you visit.
3. Use an encrypted e-mail account
When sending messages online, there is a worry that your private exchanges could be looked at by hackers.
To avoid your conversation from being spotted, you can opt for an encryption service.
By doing this, the words in your e-mail are scrambled up until they reach the inbox of the person you are sending it to.
4. Make the most of encrypted messaging
Similarly, the messages you send over the phone might not always stay private.
Encrypted texting is actually more common than you may think – as it’s used on Whatsapp, iMessage and Facebook Messenger.
If you’re worried about Apple or social media sites storing this information, you can swap these methods for Signal messaging.
The Open Whisper Systems service allows you to send messages, without being able to access any information about what you’re sending.
Related Stories
5. 'Harden’ your technology
It’s possible for agencies to hack into your phones and laptops to listen to your conversations or keep a track of you.
To keep devices as safe as possible, disabling microphone and location services functions could be a wise decision.
This may also involve ignoring some of your phones gimmicky features, such as phone dictation software, such as a Siri.
6. Avoid smart appliances
It might seem a bit barmy to warn you to be worried about your smart fridge, but they could actually be intercepted by hackers.
By infiltrating these seemingly innocent appliances, spies can find a whole host of information, including your e-mail logins and personal details.
To keep your smart devices safe, always install regular security updates and consider using a password to block outsiders from accessing them.