As we move further into 2026, the digital landscape continues to evolve. Tracking is more sophisticated, and data is the new oil. Protecting your digital footprint isn't just about hiding; it's about controlling what you share.

Here are our top 5 tips for staying secure this year.

1. Audit Your Permissions

Go through your phone and browser extensions. Does that flashlight app really need access to your location? Does that recipe extension need to "read and change data on all websites"? Be ruthless. Revoke permissions that aren't strictly necessary.

2. Use a Password Manager

This is non-negotiable. Humans cannot remember 50 unique, complex passwords. Let a password manager do the heavy lifting. This protects you from credential stuffing attacks, where a leak on one site compromises your accounts on others.

3. Embrace "Burner" Identities

For services you don't fully trust, use alias emails (like those from SimpleLogin or Apple's Hide My Email) and virtual credit cards. If a service gets breached, you can simply burn the alias without exposing your primary identity.

4. Default to Ephemeral Messaging

On Signal, WhatsApp, or Telegram, turn on disappearing messages by default. There is no reason for your casual "heading home now" text to be stored on a server for ten years. Treat digital conversations like face-to-face ones: fleeting.

5. Be Careful How You Share Files

Avoid attaching sensitive documents to emails. Once sent, you lose control. Use a secure sharing platform like SnapSend that allows you to set expiration dates and destruction policies. Maintain ownership of your data, even after you hit send.

Conclusion

Privacy requires vigilance, but it doesn't have to be a burden. By building these habits—auditing, automating, and minimizing—you can significantly reduce your risk profile.

Stay safe out there!