I struggled to update my ten year old iPhone because it didn’t have enough free storage. I followed this guidance (from Perplexity) to create some free space. (I also temporarily deleted the Apple Music app and reinstalled it after the operating system update.)
Category: IT &Technology
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Virtual Payment “Cards”
Something I’ve just become aware of – the ability to create and use on-off payment details for online retail purchases. This is a facility that’s appearing with the new payment cards – Revolut, Monzo and payment/transfer systems – Wyse. In essence you can setup your account to use payment details just once from your account and then they will be removed from your card, thus enabling you to protect the source of your payment.
Here’s a short presentation of what you can do, using Revolut as an example …
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Presentation 14th May 2026: Privacy & Security Settings
I’m loading this onto the website before the meeting so that you can download the PDFs and have them available to help you with what is a quite information intense subject.
The Presentation is quite a large document, so perhaps best to download and save, or just view online here which you can view in full-screen by clicking on the icon to enlarge in the bottom right-hand corner of the presentation box below …
You CAN download from the link in the bottom right-hand corner of the presentation box above as a PDF, but you are now able to download it as a Powerpoint presentation, from the ZIP file, which you will have to uncompressed to run.
The guide (do not print without looking at it first – large document – perhaps better to download and save on your device …
Here’s a short guide that’s easier to show to someone who’s not been to the sessions …
… and a couple of other notes. This one details why/how you should continue to use a Password Manager for those sites that haven’t implemented Passkeys as well as storing Passkeys …
… and then a couple of links that might be worth checking to review how you can move Passkeys to another device …
Moving your passkeys with the Apple Passwords app
… this is not just restricted to Apple, of course, and then if you’re a 1Password user you might like to look at this …
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Meeting 9th October 2025
Here is the agenda for the meeting produced by Iain …
There was quite a lot of discussion on the merits, or otherwise, of Perplexity (or any other ChatBot) being part of a browser – in this case Comet. The group agreed that a session to review and update our knowledge of advances in AI would be timely.
… and the we had the Buzzword “Smart Watches” from Phil …
This BuzzWord created a lot of comment especially on health issues, and we should take seriously the suggestion to ensure our Medical IDs were up-to-date on our smart phones, as well as getting confident about the benefits of using the watch rather than the phone for a lot of everyday tasks. Phil advocated that no one needed more than the entry level iPhone SE – if you were considering an Apple Watch.
The main discussion of the session revolved around “The Apps I use”. I’ll try and write more about these in the Forum Topic that I created for this subject some time ago, so will here just list the apps. The Forum post will have (hopefully) a link to it added …
Helen kicked a lively session off with her use of the Cardiff Bus app which enable her and others to easily see where the bus they were waiting for actually was. It also has good timetables and maps to plan your journey. A well used app by most members of the group, and one that was well appreciated and easy to use.
Renee then highlighted her use of WordReference – an app that works like a dictionary, when you just can’t find the word you’re looking for.
Sianed initiated a bit of a discussion around her use of Waze which she found much better than her satnav and Google Maps for helping her find the best route in the car from A to B, due to it’s crowd-sourcing of road conditions. It’s also a great source of engagement for grandchildren when driving them around as they feed the app with (hopefully) valid information and advise on when there’s a police car hiding!!
Yvonne is very keen on using BBC Sounds – I must get round to using it more, especially as it not only has loads of music on it, but also live streaming of the radio channels, I believe.
Don came up with Bluebirds, an app he’s been encouraged to use now that he’s. season ticket holder at Cardiff City. I think it was him that mentioned Find Me – a location tracker. This then led to mentioning of Life360 and using Find my xxx (if you’re an Apple Family member); all useful apps to track errant children or grandparents!!!
Nita mentioned BusTimes.org, a website that allows you to stack buses all over the country with, it has to be said, a level of inaccuracy, but useful all the same to help you plan a journey. She also mentioned Your Parking Space, an app and website which enables you to book 350000 parking spaces across the UK. This of course kicked off a long discussion of car parking in general, and how awkward it can be to download an app to pay for parking in a location with a poor cell signal. So it might be advisable to download and install Ringo and PayByPhone onto your phone to reduce annoyance and anxiety! An alternative to Your Parking Space is JustPark which I’ve used to book a parking space in someone’s front garden in London. The things you can do!!
Phil mentioned a Paint application on MacOS, similar to the one he’d first used on Windows 95, which was simple to use. I’ve tried to locate it, but so far have been unsuccessful. He also mentioned MusicScore, which was great for music notation scores when it was first launched in that it allowed you free access to music. Things have changed now and it’s not only a subscription service but you also have to pay for downloads.
George then introduced us to two medical devices and their associated software. First he praised the Omron range of devices – blood pressure, weight, temperature, whose results could all be integrated into an app and then downloaded into a spreadsheet or fed to other Health apps. He also described the clever integration of hearing aids with controls on your phone to optimise the listening/hearing experience in different environments. Margaret mentioned her hearing aids were controlled by MyPhoneAK, I suspect there are other apps that do something similar, mine is Hearing Remote.
Margaret then mentioned her use of her Windy app and the website, which gives a visual presentation of how the weather is progressing – strongly recommended to give it a look. I mentioned my use of Yr from the Norwegian weather service which I found particularly useful when travelling. George then added Marine Traffic (for boats) which works in a similar way to Flight Radar – mentioned by Shiela (for commercial airlines) in tracking the whereabouts of boats, and of course in identifying them from out of visual range.
Anne loves the Translate app (Google or Apple), and who doesn’t! You’ll soon be able to have a real-time conversation with someone speaking your collective native languages with spoken translations instantaneously.
Tom highlighted his use of Google’s Notebook LM which he uses for Research and Note Taking and Recall which (if I’ve understood it correctly) can summarise from articles, documents or books into a single “note” and then with Obsidian (a personal knowledge base and note-taking application) store it for you for later reference.
Wordgames, puzzles and assistants were then mentioned by a number of people. Sheila uses Crossword Solver (I’m not sure which one – there are many) to help solve crosswords from known letters. Iain mentioned that he always had to be doing something, so in the blank spaces he would play Solitaire. Phil mentioned that he’d used ChatGPT to solve Sudoku puzzles, and Iain (and others) have used Anagram Solver. [I have to admit this is not, and never will be, an area of interest to me – shame on you, I hear you say!!]
Dave (a self-described petrol-head) uses an application – Torque to help with his rebuilding/restoring of cars beyond their sell-by date 🙂
Phil chipped in with a thumbs up for Tile Tags as a less expensive option to proprietary Apple tag devices, and ExpertRAW was mentioned as an Android alternative to Halide that I mention in my list of Favourite apps.
Lastly, Helen asked if anyone had any thoughts on how to get old family videos that had been transferred onto DVD onto a Digital platform. Tom came back with a really useful suggestion – using MakeMKV from a DVD player on your computer. I think that (with perhaps an introductory session on video-editing might be a good idea for a practical session at some time in the future.
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How did it all start for me?
It was one of these three, I think probably the middle one …
… that kicked off my interest in computing. Of course these were very much analog mechanical calculating machines, and I never got the hang of how to use them however hard I tried in the Statistics Practical labs at UCW Aberystwyth in the period 1969-70, but they did revive my interest in mathematics which I’d had to drop as an ‘A’ Level subject, and soon after, multi-variate statistics became my focus for much of the next 10 years as I struggled to complete (#fail) a PhD.
However, when we went through the induction course and were told that we should sign-up for a course on programming in Wirth’s Algol 60, I didn’t delay. The die was cast, my future was sealed. I spent the next three years learning Fortran IV, then Dartmouth Basic (used on Teletypes) to submit jobs to the Elliot 4130, later a ICL 190x that the Computer Centre had. My data sets were so large I had to submit jobs to the Regional Computing Centre at Manchester which meant I had to work every evening to get the data set correct, then submit the job through a landline (modem connection) so that it ran through the night and returned the job the next day for me to print out the results and prepare my data set, or change the algorithm, for the next nights job. Oh happy days!!! Oh to be so young and energetic again!!!
Later when abandoning my lecturing role at a College of Education I did a MSc Computer Science conversion course at Bradford where I was given a Digital Equipment PDP 11/60 to play with and build my own Disk Operating System (Modos) using another of Wirth’s programming languages – Modula. He went on to develop Ada which was widely adopted in the defence and general scientific community. So that led me into Systems Programming.
I returned to Cardiff in 1981 at what was then South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education as Systems Programmer for their brand new Prime 500 computer and had to learn a new operating system – Primos, and new programming languages – PLP (as well as using my Fortran experience).
Latterly as computing developed and fighting for time-share and batch-processing came to be a thing of the past – much as mechanical calculating machines had disappeared – I embraced the internet in the early 1990’s. I created the first website for what had become UWIC, and had learnt a fair bit about HTML, and scripting.
It all went downhill from then on as management responsibilities took over and programming became a thing of the past. Of course I do still dabble, but really – it’s way beyond me, as my eldest son tells me on more than one occasion.
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Digital Identity
We’ve touched on this topic in number of ways “over the years”, but never specifically looked at Identity – our identity and how it is handled, and yes mistreated, in the digital world.
I don’t intend to go over old ground again, but will provide a basis to introduce what will be the main subject of today – Passkeys, which Iain will present. I will do that through referencing previous posts on this website.
We start with the first post I wrote way back in 2015, aptly entitled “Let’s start at the beginning …“. In this I go through the basic steps in creating a strong password and a few other things besides.
Then in 2020 we discussed using Password Managers in the post “Using a Password Manager and implementing Two Factor Authentication” which again reviews setting a password before moving into the area of using password managers – which have the advantage of your passwords being configurable to be available on any many machine, anywhere as they’re held in encrypted form, in the cloud. This post also introduces the idea of Two Factor Authentication (2FA) whereby having logged into a website you’re challenged to use an application (usually held on your smartphone), eg Google’s Authenticator or Authy (the one I use) to provide a second credential to the website to confirm you are who you said you are! [I’m afraid the images appear to be missing, but I’ll try and find them!!!]
Earlier this year (in January, I touched on Passkeys) in this post “Prevention and protection from Scams“, which also referenced my main post on the subject – “Keeping safe online” – which I’ve tried to keep up-to-date and will review again in the near future.
And then, in March 2025, I made you aware of the value of having an Apple ID and account – even if you’re not an Apple user, as a means of getting a set of user credentials (Identity) that you can use instead of supplying your regular email address, and creating a password, when requested, when visiting a website – often for purchases. Apple is well recognised for its privacy and security concerns, and unlike Microsoft, Google, Facebook or X, is more likely than any of the others to not use your Identity for any other purpose other than providing you with a digital identity.
That leads nicely into a bit of history from my working life at Cardiff University that I’ve never shared with you before which I’m very pleased to have been part of. Let me paint a picture, you need to go back 20 years; I’ll share a number of scenarios.
First. You’re a student, or a member of staff, you want an email address, you want to access file store, you want to access the growing number of resources available from the internet through the library, or even just manage your library subscription. You need a UserID and Password, or multiple UserIDs and Passwords to do what you want to do online. Nothing new here, it’s what you experience every time you access a new website! But quite a drudge when you’re in the same institution.
Solution. The IT department creates a unified Identity system that all departments can use. A single UserID and Password for each user.
However. If the staff member or student (on vacation at home say) wants to access their email, file store, whatever from another institution, they most normally couldn’t and the best they could hope for was applying for a “temporary”, or “guest user” account which would at best only provide limited privileges to the visited institution. Rather frustrating.
Solution. Cardiff University through the work of a young researcher – Rhys Smith (who’s tragically not with us anymore) – investigated and implemented (with external funding from JISC) the possibility of using a technology which went by the name of Shibboleth, but more accurately used Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) architecture to provide Single Sign On to all resources within an organisation in the first instance …
In information technology, Shibboleth is a community-wide password that enables members of that community to access an online resource without revealing their individual identities. The origin server can vouch for the identity of the individual user without giving the target server any further identifying information.[25] Hence the individual user does not know the password that is actually employed – it is generated internally by the origin server – and so cannot betray it to outsiders.
… but then by binding other organisations together into Federations, allowed all users of a federated organisation to access the resources they were entitled to use (from their host organisations’ permission policies) from any other institution in the same federation. In the UK this became the UK HE Federation. Nirvana! [Following on from this in due course, individual Federations applied to become members of more universal federated access and Microsoft and Google (for instance) implemented federated access using SAML v.2]
But how about WiFi, wasn’t that the solution anyway? Well yes, it was in one sense but if you wanted to move from one campus to another and use that institutions’ WiFi network you still had to apply for a separate UserID and Password. The work Cardiff did was to extend their work with SAML/Shibboleth to provide WiFi Roaming which meant that you could move between institutions and your host institution would provide the credentials that allowed you to login on different campuses.
End of history, but a fine exemplar of the implementation of Single Sign On. My role … I led a UK project to encourage and develop good practice in Identity Management within institutions, and then to encourage the institutions to take-up Shibboleth and Federated Access Management. For more information on this you can refer to Perplexity (of course!!!)
And so to Passkeys …
Link to the Google video on YouTube about Passkeys.Finally, a couple of links to hardware implementations of Identity Security …
Claude …
Can you detail and describe physical devices used for identity purposes to allow access to systems, ie dongles or USB-stick based devices
Physical identity devices for system access come in several forms, each with different security mechanisms and use cases:
Hardware Security Keys
FIDO2/WebAuthn Keys (like YubiKey, Google Titan, SoloKeys)
- Small USB, NFC, or Bluetooth devices that implement open authentication standards
- Generate cryptographic signatures to prove identity without transmitting secrets
- Often feature a physical button that must be pressed to authorize access
- Resistant to phishing attacks since they’re bound to specific domains
- Support multiple authentication protocols (FIDO2, U2F, PIV, OATH)
Smart Cards and Tokens
PIV/CAC Cards
- Credit card-sized devices with embedded chips
- Common in government and enterprise environments
- Require PIN entry and card reader
- Store certificates and cryptographic keys securely
USB Cryptographic Tokens
- Larger than security keys, often with displays and keypads
- Can store multiple certificates and keys
- Some generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP)
- Examples include SafeNet eToken, Nitrokey Pro
Biometric Devices
USB Fingerprint Readers
- Standalone devices that authenticate users via fingerprint
- Often used with Windows Hello or similar systems
- Can be integrated into keyboards or mice
Facial Recognition Dongles
- Less common but emerging technology
- Small cameras that perform facial authentication
Specialized Security Dongles
Software License Dongles
- Protect expensive software from piracy
- Contain encrypted keys that applications check
- Examples include HASP dongles, Sentinel keys
Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallets
- Secure devices for managing digital currency private keys
- Examples include Ledger, Trezor devices
- Often require physical confirmation for transactions
Technical Characteristics
These devices typically feature:
- Tamper-resistant hardware that protects stored secrets
- Secure elements or trusted platform modules (TPMs)
- Various connectivity options (USB-A, USB-C, NFC, Bluetooth)
- Battery-free operation (powered by host device)
- Cross-platform compatibility
The main security advantage is that sensitive cryptographic material never leaves the device, making them highly resistant to remote attacks and credential theft compared to software-only solutions.
… and from ChatGPT.
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Apple accounts – Sign in with Apple and Hide my email
[With grateful acknowledgment to Claude]
Do you need a paid subscription to open an Apple account and be able to Sign in with Apple?
No, you don’t need a paid subscription to open an Apple account or use Sign in with Apple. Creating an Apple ID (Apple account) is completely free and allows you to:
• Sign in with Apple on third-party websites and apps
• Access basic Apple services like the App Store
• Use iCloud’s free tier (with 5GB of storage)
• Make purchases in Apple’s digital stores
Paid subscriptions like Apple One or individual services (Apple Music, iCloud+ storage, etc.) are optional add-ons to your free Apple ID account.
To create an Apple ID, you just need an email address, a password, and some basic personal information. You can sign up directly on an Apple device or through the Apple website.What about Hide my Email address?
You’re asking about a good feature! Hide My Email is part of Apple’s privacy features, but it has different availability:
Free version:
• You can use Hide My Email when signing up for services with “Sign in with Apple” – this gives you a randomly generated email address that forwards to your real one
• This basic functionality is available to anyone with a free Apple ID
Paid version (requires iCloud+ subscription):
• The full-featured Hide My Email service that lets you create and manage multiple private email addresses anytime (not just when signing up for services)
• Create unlimited email addresses
• Manage all your private email addresses in Settings
• Use custom domain names with iCloud Mail
iCloud+ subscriptions start at $0.99/month for the 50GB plan, which includes the expanded Hide My Email functionality. The subscription also includes other privacy features like Private Relay and expanded HomeKit Secure Video support. -
How much privacy do I want/need?
What a question! Total of course might be the first answer, but is it actually the right one. It’s an entirely personal choice, and you have to weigh up how much you want to share of yourself online, how much personal information you need to share online, and how to secure that which you have to provide online to obtain services. Yes – it’s not an easy question to answer! But first some highlights …
UK Government forces Apple to remove Advanced Data Protection for its users in UK
New rules to protect your rights and activity online in the EU
… and the UK’s GDPR post-Brexit
What goes on in the US Defense establishment?
UK High Court forces Meta to consider a subscription model
Do you really need to do this to enter the US now?
The US CISA is seriously worried about protecting itself and its workers
How to avoid US-Based Digital Services—and Why You Might Want To
… and of course I couldn’t resist sharing this …
So where should we start. Well … I thought I’d just ask Perplexity and Claude to help me …
Perplexity advise me thus …
The amount of privacy you need or want depends on your personal values, lifestyle, and circumstances. Here are some considerations:
Factors Influencing Privacy Needs
1. Personal Boundaries: Privacy allows you to maintain control over sensitive information about yourself, such as financial, medical, or personal details.
2. Life Stage: Adolescents often need privacy to explore their identity and independence, while adults may seek it to protect personal data or maintain emotional boundaries.
3. Cultural and Social Context: In some environments, privacy can be a matter of safety (e.g., journalists in authoritarian regimes), while in others, it may be less critical.
Balancing Privacy and Openness
• Online Privacy: Use tools like password managers, VPNs, and privacy-conscious apps to protect your data.
• Relationships: Healthy relationships respect privacy but avoid secrecy that harms trust.
• Public Interactions: Avoid oversharing in public spaces or online forums to maintain control over your personal information.
Practical Steps
• Define what information you’re comfortable sharing.
• Use privacy tools to secure digital data.
• Communicate clearly about boundaries with others.
Ultimately, the right level of privacy is subjective and should align with your comfort level and values.… whilst Claude “goes the extra mile” and provides me with a Comprehensive Personal Privacy Guide …
# Digital Privacy Mastery: Protecting Your Online Presence
## Digital Privacy Landscape
### Understanding Digital Privacy
Digital privacy is about controlling your personal information in the online world, protecting yourself from:
- Data collection and tracking
- Unauthorized access to personal information
- Potential misuse of your digital footprint
- Cybersecurity threats
- Online surveillance and profiling
### Digital Privacy Threat Landscape
#### Primary Digital Privacy Risks
1. **Data Harvesting**
- Corporate data collection
- Targeted advertising
- Behavioral tracking
- Comprehensive digital profiling
2. **Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities**
- Personal data breaches
- Identity theft
- Financial fraud
- Unauthorized account access
3. **Online Tracking Mechanisms**
- Cookies and tracking technologies
- Social media data mining
- Search engine tracking
- Cross-platform data sharing
### Digital Privacy Assessment Levels
#### Basic Digital Privacy (Beginner Level)
- Limited awareness of online tracking
- Minimal privacy settings
- Using default browser and app configurations
- Sharing personal information freely online
#### Intermediate Digital Privacy (Aware Level)
- Understanding basic tracking mechanisms
- Selective social media sharing
- Using some privacy tools
- Aware of potential online risks
- Implementing basic security measures
#### Advanced Digital Privacy (Expert Level)
- Comprehensive online protection strategy
- Minimal digital footprint
- Advanced encryption and anonymity tools
- Proactive threat monitoring
- Strategic online information management
### Comprehensive Digital Privacy Toolkit
#### 1. Personal Information Management
- Audit existing online accounts
- Minimize personal data sharing
- Use alternative/temporary contact information
- Create dedicated email addresses for different purposes
#### 2. Authentication and Access Control
1. **Password Management**
- Use complex, unique passwords
- Implement password manager
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Regularly update passwords
2. **Account Security**
- Review app and service permissions
- Disconnect unused accounts
- Use privacy-focused authentication methods
- Implement login alerts
#### 3. Browsing Privacy Techniques
1. **Anonymous Browsing**
- Use privacy-focused browsers
- Implement VPN services
- Utilize browser privacy extensions
- Enable do-not-track settings
2. **Tracking Prevention**
- Block third-party cookies
- Use anti-tracking browser extensions
- Disable location tracking
- Limit browser fingerprinting
#### 4. Social Media and Online Presence
1. **Platform Privacy Settings**
- Minimize public profile information
- Restrict personal data visibility
- Control tagging and sharing permissions
- Regularly audit connected applications
2. **Content Strategy**
- Be selective about online sharing
- Use pseudonyms when appropriate
- Understand platform data policies
- Implement content self-censorship
#### 5. Advanced Privacy Technologies
- Encrypted messaging apps
- Anonymous communication channels
- Decentralized network technologies
- Privacy-focused cloud services
- Secure file storage solutions
### Privacy Tools Recommendation
#### Essential Privacy Tools
1. **Browsers**
- Brave
- Mozilla Firefox (with privacy extensions)
- Tor Browser
2. **VPN Services**
- ProtonVPN
- Mullvad
- NordVPN
3. **Password Managers**
- Bitwarden
- 1Password
- LastPass
4. **Tracking Blockers**
- uBlock Origin
- Privacy Badger
- NoScript
5. **Encrypted Messaging**
- Signal
- Telegram (secret chats)
- Wire
### Psychological and Practical Considerations
#### Digital Privacy Mindset
- Treat personal data as valuable asset
- Develop critical thinking about online sharing
- Stay informed about privacy technologies
- Cultivate a proactive privacy approach
#### Continuous Privacy Improvement
1. Regular privacy audits
2. Stay updated on emerging threats
3. Adapt privacy strategies
4. Learn from privacy best practices
5. Invest in privacy education
### Legal and Ethical Dimensions
- Understand data protection regulations
- Know your digital rights
- Recognize ethical data use
- Support privacy-focused initiatives
### Conclusion: Your Digital Privacy Journey
Digital privacy is an ongoing process of:
- Awareness
- Strategic management
- Continuous learning
- Technological adaptation
**Key Takeaway**: Your digital privacy is a personal responsibility and a fundamental right in the digital age.
### Action Plan
1. Conduct immediate privacy audit
2. Implement basic protection tools
3. Develop privacy-conscious habits
4. Continuously educate yourself
5. Regularly reassess your digital privacy strategy… so with that, I might as well stop and let AI take over!!!! Here’s Claude’s presentation …
# Securing Your Digital Privacy
## Table of Contents
1. Understanding Digital Privacy
2. Risks in the Digital Landscape
3. Protective Strategies
4. Essential Tools and Techniques
5. Best Practices for Everyday Protection
---
## 1. Understanding Digital Privacy
### What is Digital Privacy?
Digital privacy is the protection of personal information in the online world, encompassing:
- Personal data protection
- Control over personal information sharing
- Prevention of unauthorized access to digital identities
- Maintaining anonymity and security in digital interactions
### Why Does Digital Privacy Matter?
- Prevent identity theft
- Protect personal and financial information
- Maintain personal autonomy
- Avoid targeted manipulation
- Safeguard professional and personal reputation
---
## 2. Risks in the Digital Landscape
### Common Digital Privacy Threats
- Data breaches
- Phishing attacks
- Social engineering
- Tracking and profiling
- Unauthorized data collection
- Malware and ransomware
### Potential Consequences
- Financial fraud
- Personal information exposure
- Reputation damage
- Stalking and harassment
- Professional and personal discrimination
---
## 3. Protective Strategies
### Personal Information Management
- Minimize personal data sharing
- Use privacy settings on social media
- Be cautious about online forms and surveys
- Regularly audit online accounts and permissions
### Digital Footprint Reduction
- Use pseudonyms when possible
- Limit personal information in public profiles
- Be mindful of location sharing
- Regularly delete unnecessary online accounts
---
## 4. Essential Tools and Techniques
### Privacy-Enhancing Technologies
1. **Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)**
- Encrypt internet connection
- Mask IP address
- Recommended Services:
* ProtonVPN
* Mullvad VPN
* NordVPN
2. **Secure Messaging Apps**
- End-to-end encryption
- Recommended Apps:
* Signal
* WhatsApp
* Telegram (secret chats)
3. **Password Managers**
- Generate and store complex passwords
- Recommended Tools:
* BitWarden
* LastPass
* 1Password
4. **Browser Privacy Tools**
- Privacy-focused browsers
- Browser extensions
- Recommended Options:
* Brave Browser
* Firefox with privacy extensions
* DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser
---
## 5. Best Practices for Everyday Protection
### Practical Privacy Tips
- Use two-factor authentication
- Regularly update software and devices
- Be skeptical of unsolicited communications
- Use unique passwords for each account
- Enable encryption on devices
- Avoid public Wi-Fi without VPN protection
### Online Behavior
- Think before posting
- Limit personal information sharing
- Be aware of app permissions
- Regularly review privacy settings
- Use privacy-focused search engines
---
## Additional Resources
### Recommended Websites
- [Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)](https://www.eff.org/)
- [Privacy Tools](https://privacytools.io/)
- [Have I Been Pwned](https://haveibeenpwned.com/)
### Learning More
- Take online privacy courses
- Follow cybersecurity blogs
- Stay informed about latest privacy technologies
---
## Conclusion
### Your Digital Privacy is Your Right
- Be proactive
- Stay informed
- Continuously educate yourself
- Protect your digital identity
*Remember: Digital privacy is an ongoing process, not a one-time solution!*… that’s just too much to take-in isn’t it, so I think I still have a place, and I’ll simplify things down to just a few points – but please take note of both of these AI contributions as a checklist to visit and re-visit on a regular basis.
So my plan is to cover the following:
Safeguarding
- Cookies – Deny usually works (but you may need to temporarily switch off adblockers if the site is of particular value/importance to you – but remember to switch it back on afterwards. Alternatively – look for a different site that doesn’t impose that requirement. It’s nearly always imposed to get marketing information from you – what you’re doing, what you’re looking at, where you are, what you’re buying etc etc.
- Adblockers – these protect you from yourself to some extent, as you won’t see adverts that you might be tempted to click on; but they also remove invasive ads from appearing on your screen and interrupting your reading. They should also prevent pop-ups (in small windows) appearing – but be aware that some websites have this facility hard-wired into their code, so the best solution is to avoid such websites as you can’t switch-off the pop-ups. Claude gives advice on the best ad blockers available …
Choosing the best ad blocker depends on your specific needs, such as browser compatibility, customization options, and additional features like privacy protection. Here are some of the top ad blockers for different scenarios:
## Top Ad Blockers for 2025
### 1. **AdGuard**
- **Best For:** System-wide ad blocking and broad compatibility across multiple browsers and devices.
- **Features:** Offers robust app coverage, parental controls, browsing security, and a VPN. It has a user-friendly interface and provides detailed statistics on blocked ads.
- **Compatibility:** Browsers, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- **MV3 Compliance:** Yes, with a compliant beta extension for Chrome.
- **Cost:** Starts at $29.88, with plans covering up to nine devices[1][2].
### 2. **uBlock Origin**
- **Best For:** Customization and Firefox users.
- **Features:** Highly customizable with the ability to add custom filters and scripts. It is free and open-source.
- **Compatibility:** Primarily for browsers.
- **MV3 Compliance:** No.
- **Cost:** Free[1][3].
### 3. **Total Adblock**
- **Best For:** Ease of use and YouTube/Facebook ad blocking.
- **Features:** Blocks third-party trackers, improves page load times, and offers a premium plan with antivirus software.
- **Compatibility:** Browsers.
- **MV3 Compliance:** Currently unaffected but lacks a clear transition plan.
- **Cost:** Free version available, with premium starting at $1.59/mo[2].
### 4. **Surfshark CleanWeb**
- **Best For:** Unlimited devices and VPN integration.
- **Features:** Blocks ads across multiple devices, including smart TVs, and offers VPN benefits like data encryption and phishing protection.
- **Compatibility:** Unlimited devices, including smart TVs.
- **MV3 Compliance:** Unaffected.
- **Cost:** Bundled with Surfshark VPN[2].
### 5. **Ghostery**
- **Best For:** Privacy-focused users.
- **Features:** Offers anti-tracking features and detailed ad-blocking statistics.
- **Compatibility:** Chromium-based browsers, Android, and iOS.
- **MV3 Compliance:** Yes.
- **Cost:** Free, with premium options available[1][3].
### 6. **Adblock Plus**
- **Best For:** General ad blocking with acceptable ads feature.
- **Features:** Allows acceptable ads to support websites, with a user-friendly interface.
- **Compatibility:** Chrome and other browsers.
- **MV3 Compliance:** Not specified.
- **Cost:** Free[8].
### Comparison Table
| Ad Blocker | Best For | Compatibility | MV3 Compliance | Cost |
|------------|---------|---------------|----------------|------|
| AdGuard | System-wide blocking | Browsers, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | $29.88+ |
| uBlock Origin | Customization, Firefox | Browsers | No | Free |
| Total Adblock | Ease of use, YouTube/Facebook | Browsers | Unaffected | $1.59/mo+ |
| Surfshark CleanWeb | Unlimited devices, VPN | Unlimited devices | Unaffected | Bundled with VPN |
| Ghostery | Privacy features | Chromium-based browsers, Android, iOS | Yes | Free+ |
| Adblock Plus | General ad blocking | Chrome and other browsers | Not specified | Free |
Each of these ad blockers offers unique benefits depending on your priorities, whether it's customization, privacy, or ease of use.
Sources
[1] Best Ad Blockers of 2025 - Cookies https://www.aboutcookies.org.uk/ad-blockers
[2] Best Ad Blockers That Still Work in Chrome March 2025 https://allaboutcookies.org/best-ad-blockers-for-chrome
[3] The Best Ad Blockers for 2025 - PCMag https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-ad-blockers
[4] What is the best AdBlocker for Chrome? (browser opinions aside) https://www.reddit.com/r/Adblock/comments/1ex5hyq/what_is_the_best_adblocker_for_chrome_browser/
[5] Best ad blockers of 2025 - TechRadar https://www.techradar.com/pro/best-ad-blockers
[6] AdBlock — block ads across the web - Chrome Web Store https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/adblock-%E2%80%94-block-ads-acros/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom
[7] Best Ad Blocker 2025 | My top choices that REALLY work! - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92ITOpOxRcQ
[8] Adblock Plus | The world's #1 free ad blocker https://adblockplus.org… add to this Magic Lasoo if you use Apple kit with the added benefit that it blocks ads on YouTube if you view through Safari [otherwise you’ll need to consider purchasing YouTube Premium at £12.99pm, which might be worth it if you’re a big YouTube watcher].
- Password managers
A subject we’ve looked at before; recommended password managers would be one from this article, 1Password has my son’s recommendation; but as you know I rely on the less feature-rich but very effective – within a 100% Apple environment – Password app (using iCloud Keychain)
- Two factor authentication (2FA)
You might care to look at this page from the BBC on 2FA as well – I would recommend using Authy, if you go down the third-party authenticator route
[A Postscript from Signal – 28/03/2025]
I don’t think I mentioned it yesterday but with an increasing number of apps, the two above included, you don’t need to provide login credentials, you can “Login with Apple” or Google, and I think Microsoft for some. This means the app account is tied to your Apple account (or whatever) and an anonymous userId is created which provides privacy as well as not needing to create a password as well.
Thus your Apple account (or whatever) provides a single sign on (SSO) option which provides increased privacy. This article – https://www.macworld.com/article/234043/sign-in-with-apple-faq-what-you-need-to-know-about-apples-single-sign-on.html – provides more information on the approach and makes the case for using SSO with Apple over other possibilities.
Having an Apple account (used to be called AppleID) is not restricted to having an Apple device either – https://macreports.com/what-you-can-do-with-an-apple-id-without-an-apple-device/ – so it might be worth considering getting one, if Privacy is important to you.
- Don’t proceed with Free option, or 7-day trial if ads appear immediately you take your first step (eg I followed after research a link to the best recommended software for a particular purpose, but after I downloaded it – no problems, I was immediately bombarded by ads when I started the app up with the plea to pay for an ad-free version), and don’t take the 10% off next purchase offer – this is a particularly insidious “trick” often linked to travel websites, where you are offered 15% off your next purchase, only to find that by clicking on the link you have to provide information, or permission, to send personal information to other businesses.
- Be mindful of links on purchase sites – similar to the above, but just be aware that the re-direction takes you away from the original website where you might have felt relatively safe. On that not, always use a Credit Card for online purchases (or Apple or Google Pay, or Paypal) as you’re provided with some protection against fraud.
- Beware of location tracking – switch-off all that don’t need your location to work. In your apps just be aware that not all apps need to know where you are – maps … yes; weather – maybe; asda – not really!
- Privacy settings in apps – Facebook, Google
Facebook (from Perplexity) …
To enhance your privacy on Facebook, here are key settings to adjust:
1. Control Who Sees Your Posts
Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Privacy.
Adjust the audience for your posts: choose "Friends," "Only Me," or customize it further. Avoid "Public" for maximum privacy.
2. Manage Profile Visibility
Edit your "About" section to limit shared details like work, education, and contact info. Set visibility to "Friends" or "Only Me".
Turn off search engine linking to your profile under Settings & Privacy > How People Find and Contact You.
3. Secure Your Account
Enable two-factor authentication and use a strong password.
Regularly review apps connected to your account and remove unnecessary ones.
4. Limit Old Posts
Use the "Limit Past Posts" option in Privacy Checkup to restrict visibility of older posts.
5. Control Tags and Posts on Your Profile
Under Profile and Tagging, decide who can post on your profile and who can see tagged posts. Set to "Friends" or stricter options.
6. Ad Preferences
Turn off personalized ads by reviewing ad preferences in Settings & Privacy > Ad Preferences.
Review these settings periodically for better privacy control!… and remember my advice to logout from Facebook and Instagram after use. A belts and braces protection of your privacy.
Then for Google, start at accounts.google.com …
Screenshot Perplexity on Google Privacy settings gives me …
Google offers several privacy settings to help users control their data and online experience. Here are key privacy settings you should consider adjusting:
Web & App Activity
Turn off this master privacy control to limit Google's collection of your search history, location data, and app usage. To do this:
Go to any Google website
Click on your profile picture
Select "Google Account"
Navigate to "Data & Privacy"
Find "Web & App Activity" and turn it off
Location History
Disable location tracking by turning off both Web & App Activity and Timeline (formerly Location History). This prevents Google from storing detailed information about your movements.
Auto-Delete Options
If you prefer to keep some features enabled, set up auto-delete for your data:
Go to "Privacy & Personalization"
Select "Web & App Activity" or "Timeline"
Choose "Auto-delete" and set your preferred time period
Ad Personalization
Limit targeted advertising by adjusting these settings:
Go to "Privacy & Personalization"
Find "Ad Personalization"
Turn off personalized ads
Chrome Privacy Settings
For Chrome users, consider these adjustments:
Disable automatic sign-in: Settings > Sync and Google Services > Turn off "Allow Chrome Sign-In"
Sign out of Chrome: Click your profile picture > Sign out
Manage sync settings: Settings > Sync and Google Services > Manage What You Sync
Additional Controls
Review and limit data sharing with third-party apps and services
Use Google's Privacy Checkup tool to review and adjust your settings
Explore the "Data & Privacy" section in your Google Account for more options
Remember, while these settings can enhance your privacy, they may also affect some Google services' functionality. Regularly review and update your privacy settings to maintain your desired level of data protection.Options you might consider …
- Subscription rather than free – a hobby horse of mine! If it’s worth using, it’s worth paying for – especially if it prevents your information being sold on to other sites, or marketing organisations.
- Privacy focussed solutions as a choice – Proton vs Google;
- Open source as a consideration – always investigate whether there is a FreeWare or DonationWare option, and then consider offering a subscription is requested – Wikipedia, Signal, Libre, etc etc
- Wise choices when downloading – be sure of the website before you download software
Here are some of the best sites for downloading safe freeware:
1. **FileHippo**
- **Features**: Offers a wide range of current apps, categorized for easy navigation. Provides older versions of software, which can be useful if newer versions cause issues.
- **Benefits**: Properly labels any additional software offers, making it easy to avoid unwanted downloads[2].
2. **Softpedia**
- **Features**: Over 1 million software titles, regularly updated and checked for malware. Offers mirrors for previous versions of programs.
- **Benefits**: Detailed descriptions, user reviews, and editor ratings help ensure safe downloads[1][2].
3. **MajorGeeks**
- **Features**: Long-standing reputation for reliability, with a curated list of top freeware picks.
- **Benefits**: Known for its trustworthiness, despite a somewhat outdated interface[2].
4. **SnapFiles**
- **Features**: Highlights a "Freeware Pick" and a "Random Pick" to discover new apps. Includes user reviews and warnings about bundled software.
- **Benefits**: Offers a section for portable programs, ideal for running apps without installation[2].
5. **Ninite**
- **Features**: Allows downloading multiple apps at once, automatically rejecting toolbars and unwanted software.
- **Benefits**: Ideal for setting up new PCs or reinstalling software securely, with background updates[2].
6. **Tucows**
- **Features**: Established reputation with a wide range of software available.
- **Benefits**: Known for reliability and safety, though less frequently updated[1].
7. **Portable Freeware**
- **Features**: Curated directory focusing on portable freeware with comprehensive descriptions and user comments.
- **Benefits**: Ensures software runs without installation and leaves no traces on the host machine[3].
8. **Chip.de/Chip.eu**
- **Features**: Offers a variety of software with hints about potential toolbars or adware within the software itself.
- **Benefits**: Known for avoiding adware wrappers in downloads[1].
9. **Nonags**
- **Features**: Specializes in non-adware freeware, ensuring safe downloads.
- **Benefits**: Ideal for those seeking software without bundled unwanted programs[1].
10. **GitHub**
- **Features**: A platform primarily for open-source software development, offering a wide range of free and safe software.
- **Benefits**: Software is often reviewed and audited by the community, ensuring safety and quality[3].
Sources
[1] what's your trusted site for freeware? (sourceforge ect.) : r/software https://www.reddit.com/r/software/comments/1xwokn/whats_your_trusted_site_for_freeware_sourceforge/
[2] Safest Websites to Download Windows Software - Bug Zero https://blog.bugzero.io/safest-websites-to-download-windows-software-ffff6b2e152b
[3] Best Website for downloading Freeware Software? - Bogleheads.org https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=404839
[4] The best free software that's completely safe (we've checked) https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/the-best-free-safe-software-ajW7U4V3dBVU
[5] CNET Download: Free Software Downloads and Reviews for ... https://download.cnet.com
[6] The 10 Safest Free Software Download Sites for Windows in 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCaTww_6YcY
[7] Top 10 Sites to Download Free PC Games Completely Safe and Legit https://www.movavi.com/learning-portal/sites-to-download-free-pc-games.html- A VPN offers a degree of protection (even with a cell connection)
Using a VPN while connected to a cellular internet connection is not strictly necessary but is highly recommended for several reasons:
### **Why Use a VPN on Cellular Data?**
1. **Enhanced Privacy**:
- Cellular providers can track and log your online activity. A VPN encrypts your data, preventing your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from monitoring or selling your browsing habits[2][3][4].
2. **Increased Security**:
- While cellular networks are generally more secure than public Wi-Fi, they are not immune to threats like phishing or malicious attacks. A VPN adds an extra layer of encryption to protect sensitive information[1][2][3].
3. **Bypass Geo-Restrictions and Throttling**:
- A VPN allows you to spoof your IP address, enabling access to region-specific content or bypassing ISP throttling during high-bandwidth activities like streaming or gaming[2][3].
4. **Protection Against ISP Tampering**:
- Some ISPs compress or modify website content for mobile browsing. A VPN ensures you access unaltered content[1].
### **When You Might Not Need a VPN**
- If your primary concern is casual browsing or using apps like WhatsApp or Facebook, and you trust your cellular provider, a VPN might not feel essential[5].
- Using a VPN increases data usage (by 5–15%) and can drain your battery faster, so it may not be ideal if you're on a limited data plan or low battery[1][2][4].
### **Conclusion**
While cellular networks are safer than public Wi-Fi, using a VPN enhances privacy and security. It is particularly valuable if you frequently handle sensitive data, want to avoid ISP tracking, or access geo-restricted content. However, consider the trade-offs in terms of data usage and battery life.
Sources
[1] Does a VPN work on mobile data? - Surfshark https://surfshark.com/blog/does-vpn-work-on-cellular-data
[2] Should you use a VPN when connected to cellular data? | Tom's Guide https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/vpns/should-you-use-a-vpn-when-connected-to-cellular-data
[3] Does VPN work on mobile data? - Cybernews https://cybernews.com/what-is-vpn/does-a-vpn-work-on-mobile-data/
[4] Does a VPN work without Wi-Fi? - NordVPN https://nordvpn.com/blog/does-vpn-work-without-wifi/
[5] Who here uses VPN when on mobile data? - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/VPN/comments/n8x2kv/who_here_uses_vpn_when_on_mobile_data/
[6] Do you need a VPN on your phone? Here's the truth. - Mashable https://mashable.com/article/do-you-need-a-vpn-on-your-phone
[7] Why You Need a VPN on Your Smartphone | McAfee Blog https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/mobile-security/privacy-please-why-a-vpn-on-your-smartphone-may-be-a-smart-move-for-you/
[8] Do I Really Need a VPN at Home? - PCMag https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/do-i-need-a-vpn-at-homeSo it’s up-to-you – how much privacy do you actually want; how much privacy do you need!
-
Apple Trade In Scheme
I had an Apple MacBook Air. I bought it early in the lockdown year 2020. At the time, I bought the base model with just 256 Gb of storage. I decided that I could probably get around that limitation simply by storing things in my Apple Cloud. For a while, that appeared to work. Then a few weeks ago I decided to find out how much actual storage I had left available. I’d actually used nearly 200 Gb.
It was then that I discovered that Apple operated a trade in scheme. It works like this. You log on to the Trade In website and provide the details of your device; serial number and the state of its general condition. The then give you an indication of the estimated value. I was offered £275. Considering that I’d made good use of this laptop for about five years, I felt that was a good deal.
Problem was, until then, I really hadn’t thought of getting a new computer. Perhaps about two years in the future was my thinking. However, if my laptop was worth £275 now, I really didn’t think it would be worth that much in two years time.
I’d heard so many good things about the Apple Mac Mini that I decided that this might be for me. It dawned on me that although I’d bought a laptop five years ago, I had never ever taken it out. I had it connected to a large monitor. I also had Apple bluetooth keyboard and mouse. I really didn’t need a laptop.
You start the Trade-In process by filling in an on-line form. Basically, you get asked about the device’s condition. Any scratches, bumps or bulges, that sort of thing. From this, you get awarded a valuation. If you accept, in a few days time, you receive a delivery; a box to pack your device and some instructions on how to proceed.
This isn’t just limited to Apple devices. They accept other brands but they only pay out in the form of an Apple gift card.
I had to create a back-up using something called Time Machine. This, supposedly creates a file containing all of your documents and settings from your old machine. This can then be plugged in to your new machine, which will then set itself up just like your old machine. Well. We’ll see.
I then had to re-set my laptop to day one, thus deleting everything from my old laptop. After that, I packed up the laptop using the provided box and took it to the post office.
I’ll be honest, I found this process a bit emotional. Watching the laptop delete all of the data, then handing it over to the post office, it was a bit like taking an old dog to the vet for the last time. But, hey ho, we must move on.
I made one mistake. Apple devices have a feature called Find My. This is a security device. If your device is lost or stollen, Find My helps you to locate it. It has to be turned off before you start the procedure. They can’t proceed until it is turned off. Eventually I found that you could turn off this feature ‘in the cloud’.
Be prepared for a wait. This isn’t a fast process. It appeared to me that every step along the journey takes 3-5 days. 3-5 days to receive your box. 3-5 days for your device to be delivered to Apple. 3-5 days for them to confirm your valuation, 3-5 days to receive your Apple gift card. Only then will you be able to order your new device.
I suppose you need to think long and hard before considering this service. You could find yourself without your computer for three to four weeks. Also, I estimate that I’m going to get about 25%-30% of my original purchase. Maybe I should have delayed or found another way to fund my new computer. However, I console myself by looking at YouTube videos that tell me that the new Mac Mini is indeed the best thing since sliced bread.