RSS Parrot

An Introduction to Trackers and the Data They Collect

https://avoidthehack.com/what-are-trackers

Published: September 5, 2024 19:00

Trackers are everywhere and come in many different forms. Some tracking methods are more invasive than others; this post aims to explain what "trackers" are, how they work, and give examples of the data they collect. …

Blocking Ads, Trackers, and Malware in Browsers, Devices, and Networks

https://avoidthehack.com/how-to-block-ads

Published: August 22, 2024 18:00

This post was originally published on 18 MAY 2022; it has since been updated and revised. You may hear a lot that you should block ads and trackers, but you may also have a lot of questions, such as (but not limited to): How can you block ads on your…

Your SOHO Router is a Juicy Target for Hackers

https://avoidthehack.com/soho-routers

Published: August 14, 2024 17:30

Your home or small office (SOHO router) is likely being targeted by cybercriminals, malware, and nation-state actors alike. Though this targeting often has nothing to do with wanting to spy on you, your SOHO router can be a valuable resource for threat…

How Using a VPN May Benefit Your Privacy

https://avoidthehack.com/vpn-benefit-privacy

Published: August 5, 2024 17:30

In the title of this post, keep in mind the keyword is may; as a forewarning, this is not a post that definitively says you must use a VPN regardless of the circumstances… because that is simply not true. From a privacy lens, VPNs are niche tools - once…

A Basic Guide to Router and Wireless Security for Regular People

https://avoidthehack.com/router-wireless-guide

Published: July 8, 2024 17:00

Router and wireless security for the home/small network is often overlooked due to the limitations of consumer grade hardware and general lack of awareness of network security (NetSec). As such, many users run home or small office networks that introduce…

DNS and Your Privacy: Should you use encrypted DNS?

https://avoidthehack.com/more-info-dns

Published: June 19, 2024 17:00

DNS enables the easy navigation from website to website as you currently know it. However, the system wasn’t exactly designed with your privacy and security in mind. Many DNS resolvers - such as your internet service provider's (ISP) - do not encrypt…

Avoid The Hack: 7 Best Authenticator Apps/Keys for MFA

https://avoidthehack.com/best-mfa-2fa

Published: June 11, 2024 16:00

Everyone should be using multifactor authentication (MFA) to further secure their online accounts - especially accounts deemed crucial, such as email and bank accounts. Stronger forms of MFA, which involve using an authenticator app or a hardware key,…

Mental Health Apps are Likely Collecting and Sharing Your Data

https://avoidthehack.com/mental-health-privacy

Published: May 15, 2024 16:00

May is mental health awareness month! In pursuing help or advice for mental health struggles (beyond just this month, of course), users may download and use mental health apps. Mental health apps are convenient and may be cost effective for many people.…

How to Use the Private Browser Comparison Tool

https://avoidthehack.com/how-to-bct

Published: April 23, 2024 14:00

This post is the official guide for using the Private Browser Comparison Tool. It includes what it is, its limitations, and how to use the tool. TABLE OF CONTENTS …

Avoid The Hack: 8 Best DNS Providers for Privacy (and adblocking)

https://avoidthehack.com/best-dns-privacy

Published: April 3, 2024 20:00

This post was originally published on 29 JAN 2022. It has since been updated and revised. DNS enables your devices to connect to the internet as we currently know it, translating the human-readable domain name to a machine-readable IP address. However,…

How to Set Up Firefox for Privacy

https://avoidthehack.com/firefox-privacy-config

Published: March 25, 2024 13:00

This post was originally published on 17 FEB 2021. It has since been updated and revised. This is a guide for tweaking the Firefox browser for enhanced online privacy. We explore the "normal" and the "advanced" tweaks here. This guide is intended for…

Avoid The Hack: The Best Pi-Hole Blocklists (2024)

https://avoidthehack.com/best-pihole-blocklists

Published: March 11, 2024 13:00

This post was originally published on 26 APR 2021; it has since been updated and revised. Looking for solid and maintained blocklists to round out the blocking capabilities of your Pi-Hole install? You've come to the right page. …