Google has recently shared a few useful tips on how to stay safe(r) online with Chrome. It even mentioned its “privacy by design” (they used the quotes) approach with Chrome that enables users to get things done online with “a little more peace of mind.”
Now, we would have things to add about that “piece of mind” as it presumes personal data collection on a level unseen in human history, but let’s hear what the Big G has to say. We’ll be adding our comments accordingly.
1. Check out Chrome’s Privacy Guide
Privacy Guide is a new feature that houses key privacy and security controls in Chrome, guiding users through various privacy options. For instance, you could use it to enable history sync or select Enhanced Safe Browsing for faster, proactive protection against dangerous websites, downloads, and extensions.
Privacy Guide is accessible from the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Chrome. From there, you should select “Settings” and then the “Privacy and Security” tab. The Privacy Guide option is available under “Clear Browsing Data.”
Alternatively, you can just use a more privacy-friendly browser like Epic, Brave, Opera, Firefox, etc.
2. Make sure to follow Safety Check’s recommendations
The Safety Check feature has been available for some time now, with Google recommending everyone to check it out occasionally. Now, it has a brain of its own and will alert you if it detects compromised passwords or harmful extensions. Also, it will remind you when there are updates to install. Furthermore, it will also serve personalized recommendations and reminders about what you have previously shared with websites so you can revoke permissions and protect your privacy. Unsurprisingly, “turn off Google tracking” is not an option you can choose.
3. Easy way to clear your browsing data
Instead of going through options in the “Settings” menu, you can also type cut by typing “clear browsing data” in the Chrome address bar. This will open up that menu so you can more easily delete all cookies and site data or do it on a more granular level. Whatever works for you best.
4. Lock your incognito session
There is an option to resume an Incognito session that was interrupted. This is available to all Chrome users on iOS and currently rolling out to Android users. Just go to Chrome Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Turn ON “Lock incognito tabs when you close Chrome.” You can even set biometric authentication to resume an Incognito session that was interrupted. Pretty cool, though you can do that without also with a more privacy-friendly browser coupled with a VPN.
5. (Don’t) Use Google Password Manager
I know many folks rely on Google to store their passwords and even personal information. We try to persuade people not to do that and instead use a dedicated password manager like NordPass or 1Password. Both are made by companies that also happen to offer VPN services, and you can buy both their password manager and a VPN in a bundle. That will not only save you money but get you a much better option to store your password while protecting you from the company that dares to share privacy advice.
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And that wraps it up. Google’s advice is, I guess, good for newbies and those who don’t take their privacy seriously. But even they could benefit from a good VPN. So, if you’re in that group, grab one now. 😉