All posts about Privacy | mail.com blog

Metadata explained: The invisible data behind your files

You hit upload. You hit send. You drag a file into a folder and forget about it. Simple, right? Except your photo, document, or webpage isn’t traveling solo. Every digital file carries metadata in the background… It’s automatically attached, quietly tagging along, and rarely noticed.

Hand holding a smartphone above a computer keyboard

Posted in

How-to Privacy

1 person found this article helpful.

Five online security myths that could put you at risk

When it comes to internet security, there are some myths that just won’t die – and putting our faith in them can have serious consequences. Today, we debunk some of the most common myths and show you how to protect your online accounts from scammers and cybercriminals.

An older woman walks through the rain holding an open umbrella while looking at her smartphone.

Posted in

Cybersecurity Password Phishing Privacy

26 people found this article helpful.

When and how to send an anonymous email

Anonymous emails sound a bit suspicious at first. But in real life, they’re usually about something much simpler: privacy. Sometimes you want to speak up, give feedback, or ask a question without attaching your name, your inbox, or your whole digital identity to it.

Person works on laptop on wooden table their face is not visible

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Aliases How-to Privacy

68 people found this article helpful.

What happens to my Instagram account when I pass away?

Instagram is more than just a place to share photos and videos. It’s a digital diary, a hub for connection, and often a reflection of our lives. But what happens to your account when you pass away? Can you prepare for that in advance and ease some of the emotional and practical burden for your loved ones?

Person holding a smartphone about to tap the screen.

Posted in

How-to Internet Privacy

37 people found this article helpful.

Your digital footprint: Why Gen Z should care (and how to take control)

Gen Z was the first generation to grow up with unlimited internet access. From Vine to Tumblr to Instagram, these platforms shaped how we connect and express ourselves. And although it was all fun and games at first, none of us considered the long-term impact of our internet presence, AKA our “digital footprint.”

Two people interact with a digital interface surrounded by floating images and data streams.

Posted in

How-to Internet Privacy

24 people found this article helpful.

Eight easy ways to keep your phone & data safe when you travel

It seems impossible to imagine traveling without our phones these days. A smartphone lets us capture precious memories, keep in touch with our loved ones, and navigate strange cities. So picture what would happen if your phone was lost, damaged, or stolen in the middle of your trip.

Man and woman lean against car on shore looking at phone

Posted in

App Privacy Security

535 people found this article helpful.

DeGoogle your life and improve your privacy in 2025

As cybercrime becomes more prevalent, everyone is concerned about their online privacy. The internet can be a scary place, to say the least, and no matter how much we learn about all the phishing scams we might encounter, sometimes it’s just not enough to keep us safe. But what if we told you there’s one everyday tool that poses a serious risk to your data security

Posted in

Internet Privacy Trends

93 people found this article helpful.

How to wipe a hard drive so your data is truly erased

You’ve just purchased a shiny new laptop, and now you’d like to donate your old computer, give it to a family member, or recycle the hardware. We applaud your sustainable choices! But wait – have you deleted all the data on your hard drive? Is it really, truly gone? Or can whoever gets your old device recover any of it?

Smiling young woman looks at laptop on desk covered with papers

Posted in

How-to Privacy Security

106 people found this article helpful.

What is an SSL certificate?

SSL, TLS, https – it may seem like alphabet soup, but it actually has to do with the security of your data as you surf the web. Whether it’s your online banking credentials or the credit card information you enter on an online shopping site, SSL protocols keep sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands.

Close-up of web browser address bar reading “https”

Posted in

Internet Privacy Security

258 people found this article helpful.

What is a VPN, what does it do, and why might I need one?

Looking for a way to boost your security when using public Wi-Fi? Tired of being tracked when surfing the web? Want a way around geographical restrictions on internet content? There is one tool designed to answer all these problems: a VPN. So, should you consider using one?

Man stands at counter in café looking at tablet computer

Posted in

Internet Privacy Security

231 people found this article helpful.

What are cookies on a website and how are they used?

Unfortunately, website cookies are not a yummy treat – although the fact that they only exist in the virtual world means that at least they don’t contain calories! When the pair of shoes you were admiring weeks ago suddenly appears in ads on every website you visit or online shopping sites know your name, website cookies are behind it.

Three chocolate chip cookies stacked against a white background

Posted in

Browser Cybersecurity Internet Privacy

2,044 people found this article helpful.

What is cyberstalking? Definition and prevention

Complete strangers can see when you’ve liked a photo, commented, and a lot of other actions. Unfortunately, there are people out there that will stalk others in-person and online. Most of us use social media nowadays to keep in touch with friends and family, but there is also the risk of being stalked online.

Man wearing glasses looks at computer in frustrated manner

Posted in

Cybersecurity Internet Privacy

212 people found this article helpful.

How to choose the best password manager for you

Why use a password manager? It can be hard to come up with and remember unique and secure passwords for all the websites we use nowadays. But as soon as we get lazy – using the same password on multiple sites or a weak password like Password123 – we leave our data vulnerable to hackers and other cyber criminals. One solution is to use a password manager.

Symbols for password lock and online services over image of man’s hands and tablet

Posted in

Password Privacy Security

284 people found this article helpful.

Secure Wi-Fi router: 8 ways to keep your home network safe

Nowadays most of us use Wi-Fi at home to connect all our personal devices – computer, smartphone, smart TV, etc. – to the internet. In addition to the convenience of checking social media from our comfy beds, however, we use our home networks for more sensitive purposes like online banking and remote work. So, it’s not just important to protect our accounts and devices from hackers, but the Wi-Fi router as well.

Posted in

Cybersecurity Internet Privacy

234 people found this article helpful.

What is catfishing online & how to catch it

Online dating is the new norm for many people because it’s easy to match with people at your fingertips. Can you ever really know who you’re talking to online? Even if you haven’t seen the documentary or the popular TV show, catfishing happens more often than you might think.

Posted in

Cybersecurity Internet Privacy

220 people found this article helpful.

Doxing: When your personal data is published online

In a world where a lot of our lives take place online, it can be hard to keep personal information private. This is made painfully clear by the practice of “doxing” – maliciously publishing someone’s personal data online.

Closeup of man’s face with document reflected in eyeglasses

Posted in

Cybersecurity Internet Privacy

228 people found this article helpful.

Unused emails: What happens to inactive accounts?

A lot of people have a “junk” email address or an old account they rarely log in to. But did you know that unused accounts can risk your online security and your data, and that inactive email accounts can “expire”? Explore your options for inactive email addresses.

Close-up of hourglass in front of businessperson working in office

Posted in

Email Phishing Privacy Security

290 people found this article helpful.

What is my IP address? And what is it used for?

Have you ever contacted customer service and, before your request could be handled, asked to provide your IP address? The question sometimes comes up in the context of emailing or cloud storage, but, unlike our email address or phone number, it’s not usually information we have on the tip of our tongues!

Blue computer screen with white text showing IP address

Posted in

Internet Privacy

95 people found this article helpful.