Privacy & Safe Browsing: Questions and Answers
VPNs, private browsing, HTTPS, identity theft, encryption and protecting your family online.
Do I need a VPN?
A VPN is useful on untrusted networks such as public Wi-Fi, and for hiding your browsing from the local network or internet provider. It does not make you anonymous, stop phishing or remove malware, and it shifts trust to the VPN provider, so choose one carefully.
Full answer and next stepsDoes incognito or private browsing mode hide what I do online?
No. Private mode only stops your browser from saving history, cookies and form data on that device after you close the window. Your internet provider, employer or school network, and the websites you visit can still see your activity.
Full answer and next stepsDoes the padlock (HTTPS) mean a website is safe?
No. The padlock means the connection between your browser and the site is encrypted, so others on the network cannot read it. It says nothing about who runs the site; scam and phishing sites use HTTPS too, because certificates are free and automatic.
Full answer and next stepsHow do I reduce my digital footprint and protect my privacy online?
Review the privacy settings of your social accounts, limit what you post publicly (address, travel plans, birth date), delete accounts you no longer use, and give apps only the permissions they need. Less public information makes targeted scams and account recovery attacks harder.
Full answer and next stepsIs it safe to save passwords in my web browser?
For most people, a modern browser’s password manager is far safer than reusing passwords. It encrypts saved passwords and fills them only on the matching site, which also helps against phishing. Protect it by locking your device and turning on MFA for the browser account that syncs them.
Full answer and next stepsWhat is identity theft and how do I protect myself?
Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information, such as your name, ID number or bank details, to open accounts, borrow money or commit fraud in your name. Protect yourself by limiting what you share, using MFA, freezing your credit where available, and checking statements regularly.
Full answer and next stepsWhat does end-to-end encryption mean for my messages?
End-to-end encryption means only the people in the conversation can read the messages; the service provider carries them but cannot decrypt them. It protects messages in transit and on the provider’s servers, but not on a device that is unlocked, compromised or backed up without encryption.
Full answer and next stepsHow can parents help children stay safe online?
Use the parental controls built into phones, consoles and app stores, keep devices in shared spaces for younger children, and talk openly about scams, strangers and sharing photos. Children who know they will not be punished are more likely to tell you when something goes wrong.
Full answer and next stepsGo deeper
Step-by-step articles on this subject are in the Personal Security guides.