As our world continues to adapt to digital platforms, different daily routines are becoming more accessible. Product purchases, data transfers, and everyday conversations are now easier through a wide selection of devices and methods. Although this lets people lead more convenient lives, it also leaves them open to leaving vulnerable digital footprints that can be exploited by cybercriminals, data brokers, and invasive marketers.
(Updated August 2025)
The importance of maintaining online privacy
Online privacy is a concern for many consumers, with many studies revealing that there aren’t any severe legal ramifications to the business of market data collection. Your online behavior is up for grabs and often sold to different marketing companies for research and market analysis. In 2025, the average person has their data shared with over 700 companies through everyday browsing activities. If you see yourself as a private person, you might want to think twice about who has access to your digital footprints. Thankfully, there are privacy measures for you to keep a low-profile as the world continues to go digital.
Recent data breaches affecting major corporations in 2024 and early 2025 have exposed billions of user records, making personal privacy protection more critical than ever. The rise of AI-powered data analysis tools means that companies can now extract more detailed insights from your digital behavior than previously possible.
If you’re not sure what security measures to start with, we will share three ways to improve your online security.
1. Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are becoming a popular method of masking internet identity. It allows you to cover your tracks through the VPN service to prevent your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and other websites from tracking your browsing history. Besides protecting your browsing activities, VPNs also allow you to access region-locked content on different platforms.
In 2025, VPN usage has increased by 45% compared to previous years, with more people recognizing the importance of encrypted connections. When choosing a VPN, look for features like:
- No-logs policy (verified by independent audits)
- Kill switch functionality to prevent data leaks
- Multiple server locations (aim for at least 50+ countries)
- Strong encryption protocols (OpenVPN or WireGuard)
- Split tunneling capabilities for selective protection
Although VPNs generally have a reasonable subscription fee ranging from $3-15 per month, many consumers still opt for free service providers. This is a dangerous practice since these providers can harvest your browsing history data themselves to sustain their platform. It’s essential to look for a credible and secure VPN so that you don’t make the mistake of compromising your online security. Remember: if the product is free, you might be the product.
Pro Tip: Test your VPN’s effectiveness using online tools like DNSLeakTest or IPLeak to ensure your real IP address isn’t exposed.
2. Utilize a second phone number
Since smartphones are slowly integrating laptop and desktop functions, it’s now one of the many ways to confirm user identity. Most business transactions require online users to verify their phone numbers to ensure that they aren’t sock puppet accounts. However, you may end up signing your phone to numerous spam texts and newsletters if you aren’t careful. In 2025, the average smartphone user receives 15-20 spam messages daily, a 30% increase from 2023.
One viable way to bypass this security measure is to get a second phone number. Instead of buying a new phone account, you can generate a second phone number that separates robocalls and spam from your personal messages. Our app at Mobile SMS gives you a disposable burner phone number to temporarily access any site to protect your online privacy.
Additional benefits of using a second phone number:
- Protect your identity when selling items on online marketplaces
- Keep dating apps separate from your personal life
- Create business accounts without exposing personal information
- Sign up for rewards programs without spam consequences
- Verify social media accounts while maintaining anonymity
For maximum flexibility and privacy, consider MobileSMS.io’s All Services 30-day rental plan, which provides access to multiple verification platforms without the limitations of traditional phone services. This non-VoIP solution ensures compatibility with even the strictest verification systems.
3. Be mindful of your GPS
GPS tracking is an excellent way for search queries to give you the best results near your location. It’s a feature that’s necessary for restaurants and taxi-hailing services to operate. Although it comes with plenty of uses, you should be wary of which apps have access to your phone’s GPS. In 2025, location data has become one of the most valuable commodities in the digital marketplace, with companies paying premium prices for precise movement patterns.
Whenever you’re using an app, make sure to enable only your device’s access points when necessary. This includes preventing access to GPS, media files, and posting to social media. Sometimes, the convenience of the streamlined access of your phone’s different functions can be a severe risk of leaking data privacy. Turn off your GPS when you don’t need it and double-check if any questionable apps request access on your phone where they don’t need to.
GPS Privacy Best Practices for 2025:
- Set location permissions to “While Using App” instead of “Always Allow”
- Regularly audit which apps have location access in your phone settings
- Disable location-based ads in your device’s privacy settings
- Turn off “Significant Locations” tracking on iOS devices
- Use airplane mode when you don’t need connectivity
- Consider using mock location apps for non-essential services
Additional Security Measures to Consider in 2025
Beyond these three primary methods, consider implementing these additional security practices:
Password Management: Use a reputable password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for each account. With the average person having over 100 online accounts in 2025, password reuse has become a critical vulnerability.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA wherever possible, but avoid SMS-based authentication when you can. Instead, use authenticator apps or hardware security keys. For services requiring SMS verification, MobileSMS.io’s secure rental numbers provide an excellent alternative to using your personal number.
Browser Privacy: Switch to privacy-focused browsers like Brave or Firefox with enhanced tracking protection. Install extensions like uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger to block trackers and ads that compromise your privacy.
Email Aliases: Use email aliasing services to create unique email addresses for different services, making it easier to identify data breaches and control spam.
Common Privacy Mistakes to Avoid
- Accepting all cookies without reading what they track
- Using public WiFi without VPN protection
- Oversharing personal information on social media
- Ignoring software updates that contain security patches
- Clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts
- Using the same password across multiple accounts
Conclusion
When facing technological advancements, consumers need to be wary of how change doesn’t always mean a safer environment. This is true for all online transactions, from buying from an online store to accessing your tax information through online digital portals. Improving your online security is one of the many precautions that you need to invest in as brands and businesses are slowly dropping analog interactions.
The landscape of digital privacy in 2025 requires proactive measures and constant vigilance. By implementing these security practices and staying informed about emerging threats, you can significantly reduce your digital footprint while still enjoying the conveniences of modern technology. Remember, privacy isn’t about having something to hide—it’s about protecting your fundamental right to control your personal information.
Utilizing modern tools to exercise your right to data privacy is an excellent way to keep your digital footprint to a minimum. If you want an app that provides disposable SMS verification when accessing different sites, download our app today! Our USA-based, non-VoIP numbers ensure maximum compatibility and privacy protection for all your verification needs.