Protecting your privacy online

Learn some of the ways that using the internet can impact on your security and privacy, and what you can do about it.

Your online privacy matters, and there are simple things you can do to protect yourself. You can defend against hackers, viruses, and other malicious software, but also limit the amount of targeted advertising you have to see.

Google, Facebook, Amazon, and other sites offer free services in exchange for keeping a record of what you do, including:

Things you search for on their sites
What posts and pictures you ‘like’ on social media
Products you purchase or view.

Before providing details, check that the website address is correct, and that the site is secure, by looking at the Address bar for a padlock or https://. Do this when asked to provide:

Your name and address
Your date of birth
Credit card number, expiry date, and the CV2 security code.

Approving website cookies

When you visit a website for the first time, you may be asked to Accept or Approve cookies.

A cookie is a small piece of data that is saved to your web browser. The next time you visit the website, it will check for the cookie and, you may see that the site is personalised for you. For example, it may show a list of your recently viewed items. Cookies do not include personal information

You can block cookies when the site asks you, or use your browser’s Settings to block all cookies by default.

Using incognito or private mode

Your web browser has a special mode called incognito or private browsing. In this mode:

The browser does not keep a record of where you go on the internet
Your internet service provider (ISP) can still tell where you are going on the internet

Sites temporarily do not recognise you
The amount of targeted advertising you see while you’re using the web may be reduced.

Chrome

Click the three dots in the top right
Click New Incognito Window.

Edge

Click the three dots in the top right
Click New InPrivate Window.

Safari

Click File from the top right menu bar
Click New Private Window from the options that appear.

Home Wi-Fi and mobile data are safest

When you connect to your home Wi-Fi network, your password helps makes that connection secure. In public, some Wi-Fi has no password, or a temporary password. These networks are less secure.

But mobile data remains safe, even when you’re are out and about, because your mobile connection is exclusive to you.

Internet location vs your real location

When you visit a website, your device will tell the website some basic things about your location. This includes:

The country you access the internet from
Your nearest city.

Some websites can use this information to block your visit, or to show you an alternate version of the site. This is called geoblocking.

What is a VPN?

To help you browse the web in a more private way and with less targeted advertising, you can use a service called a Virtual Private Network, or VPN.

When you use the internet, you send and receive data to and from your device (phone, tablet, or computer). A VPN sends and receives your data through what’s called a tunnel, which can’t be viewed by other internet users.

To use of a VPN, you need to create an account and strong password, and then subscribe to the service. Some VPNs are free, but most charge a monthly fee.

You sign in to the VPN’s app on your device. The app runs in the background to make sure all your internet data is sent and received via the VPN.

A paid VPN subscription lets you use the same service on all your devices.

The main job of a VPN is to make it difficult for companies and others to:

Look at your internet usage
Track which sites you visit
See what you purchase

Know your geographical location (such as your country).

Benefits of using a VPN

A VPN can make it extremely difficult for advertisers to track you, and target ads to you.

When you travel overseas, your VPN can help you reach local sites in Australia that might be geoblocked.

Using a VPN is legal in Australia. In other countries, you should always follow local laws when it comes to using the internet.

A VPN can make using public Wi-Fi safer, but it’s still best to avoid doing important things like banking, while using public Wi-Fi

Even if a VPN says it protects you on public Wi-Fi, it’s still possible for others to see or steal your personal information.

Network lock is a feature that stops all data to your device if the VPN detects a problem. You can restart the VPN, or use your device without it.

What can’t a VPN do?

Some VPN advertising claims are a bit exaggerated or deliberately scary. A VPN can’t:

Completely hide your internet use from your ISP (internet service provider) or the government
Provide 100% privacy or protection
Scan or stop viruses or malicious software like antivirus software does.

Free VPNs and what they offer

There are two kinds of free VPN:

Free to use forever, but with limited features. These VPNs may also change or withdraw features from time to time, and some may even show ads on your device.
Free for a short trial period, but with full features. Most of these automatically subscribe you to a paid service after the trial (but you can cancel).

Free VPNs should have the following features:

Hide your browsing data from third parties (not your ISP or government)
Hide your location
Allow you to access websites that are normally blocked in your country.

Paid VPNs and what they offer

You can expect to pay around $12 a month, discounted to $99 a year (if you pay in advance). When choosing a paid VPN, always do your own research and choose a service that is right for you.

Before you choose, make sure you check your internet service provider supports VPNs! It is legal to use a VPN in Australia, but some ISPs don’t like them. And remember, your ISP can always see you are using a VPN, so it’s important not to do anything illegal while using a VPN.

A paid VPN should have the following features:

A no logging guarantee which means the VPN will never record your internet use to sell to advertisers
An app for all your devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers

Everything a free VPN offers
Easy set-up with an app, and activation via a simple screen with an on/off or connect button.

Tips for protecting your privacy online

The most effective thing for keeping you safe online... is you! If you keep the following in mind whenever you are online, it will help ensure you are using the internet safely and securely.

Keep your passwords private and always choose strong, secure passwords.

Keep your software and devices updated so that you can help stay protected against viruses and other threats.

Keep your computer’s operating system software up to date so that you can stay protected against viruses and receive new features.

Never click on a link online that offers to “speed up your system” or “clean and update your system”. These are unnecessary, may charge you lots of money, or could include viruses.

Always be careful when sharing personal data, especially date of birth, credit card numbers, and government information such as Medicare details.

Be careful when granting permissions to apps and be aware that you can choose to deny permission for an app to access device functions, such as your camera or contacts list.

Only give information to a trusted website showing https:// or the lock symbol in the Address bar.

Avoid clicking links in emails and text messages as these can download viruses onto your device.