Use a VPN to encrypt all traffic between your device and websites - protecting you from ISPs, hackers, and surveillance
Install browser extensions like HTTPS Everywhere, uBlock Origin, and Ghostery to block tracking and force encryption
Configure your browser's privacy settings and enable private browsing to prevent data collection
Avoid public WiFi for sensitive activities or always use a VPN when on public networks
Choose a no-logs VPN provider with strong encryption and multiple server locations for maximum security
In my previous post about good password hygiene, I covered how password managers protect you from brute force attacks and social engineering. However, even the strongest passwords won't protect you from packet sniffing—the interception of data over networks. To secure yourself from surveillance and data theft, you need additional layers of protection.
Anyone with even a little bit of technical knowledge can read anything you send and receive over the Internet. If it’s not using HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), it’s fair game. That means every form and field you fill out on the Internet can be sniffed out and read by anyone. Not even a password manager will save you, as you can see in the example below.
So, what measures should you take to prevent this? The first thing you should do is configure your web browser’s privacy settings, like enabling private browsing in Firefox or setting Chrome not to save cookies. This is a small precaution, but one of the simplest you can take.
There are also several web extensions you can install to provide additional security. HTTPS Everywhere is an extension that enables HTTPS on most websites, encrypting your communications. Extensions like uBlock Origin and Ghostery block advertising and cookies, respectively. Plus, both extensions block the tracking used by advertisers to tailor ads to your personal information. Finally, NoScript can be used to disable javascript and flash on any websites not included in your personal whitelist.
These extensions are all valuable assets for securing your Internet access, but none of them are as secure or as efficient as the Virtual Private Network.
Virtual Private Networks
While using a Virtual Private Network (or VPN), everything between your device and the website you’re visiting is encrypted. That means nobody can read what you send. Not your ISP, and not the NSA. This is important, especially considering that some ISP’s save all of your traffic logs for 10+ years. Without a VPN, every nasty website you visit and everything that you say online can be recorded and logged by your service provider.
VPNs also help provide users with public safety. Remember, when using public wifi or public networks in general, anything that is not HTTPS can be tracked--even things like FTP or HTTP. Through the use of utilities like FaceNiff and Firesheep, a threat can intercept the cookies that allow you to remain logged into a website, hijacking your session. Threats can also perform Man-In-The-Middle attacks, changing the communications sent and received by your device. VPNs prevent session hijacking, and limit Man-In-The-Middle attacks because your data is encrypted.
While using a VPN, you’re also completely anonymous. Rather than having an IP that can be traced back to you, your IP is provided by the VPN service. This protects your identity, prevents data theft, and deflects black-hat hackers. It also permits access to any website that would otherwise be blocked by firewalls, whether you’re browsing from school or The People’s Republic of China. This is such a valuable selling point that even the United Nations recommends the use of a VPN. So does the EFF, and you should support them.
Updated 2026: The VPN landscape has evolved significantly since 2015. While Private Internet Access remains solid, there are now better options available. For comprehensive VPN recommendations with current pricing and features, check out our detailed Best VPN 2026 guide.
Current top VPN recommendations:
NordVPN: Best overall with 1,100Mbps speeds and double encryption from $3.39/month
Surfshark: Best value with unlimited devices from $2.19/month
Proton VPN: Strongest privacy with Swiss jurisdiction
ExpressVPN: Best for streaming at $4.99/month
When choosing a VPN, look for:
No-logs policy (independently audited)
Strong encryption (AES-256 or better)
Kill switch functionality
Multiple server locations
Good speeds for streaming and browsing
Multi-device support
I recommend reading our complete VPN comparison to find the best option for your specific needs, whether that's streaming, privacy, or general security.
