How To Encrypt everything online

Encryption tools offer a secure, powerful way to foil hackers, cyber snoops and other prying eyes.

Here I reveal seven simple, free tricks for keeping all your online activities private.

Stay safe on unsecured Wi-Fi with VPNBook

Public Wi-Fi, hotspots are usually unsecured, which leaves you vulnerable when using them - unless, that is, you encrypt the connection yourself. One way to do this is by using a virtual private network (VPN), which not only encrypts your connection but also re-routes it so that your movements are harder to trace. Most VPN services require a subscription, but the excellent VPNBook (www.vpnbook.com) offers two free options that work across all browsers and devices. The ultra-simple PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) version of VPNBook doesn't require any additional software. Open the 'Network and Sharing Center' in Windows (through Control Panel, 'Network and Internet'), choose 'Set up a new connection or network', then select 'Connect to a workplace'. Configure the connection using VPNBook's IP address and login details. However, some ISPs block PPTP, which means the service won't work. If this is the case with your broadband provider, you can download VPNBook's free OpenVPN client instead, which will get around the restriction.

Add an extra layer of encryption using Tor
If you're really concerned about privacy, you can go further than a VPN by using something called 'onion routing'. Originally conceived by the US Navy, Tor (www.torproject.org) is a free service that provides multiple layers of encryption, while routing your connection randomly through dozens of servers around the world. This makes it all but impossible to trace your online activity. The best way to use Tor is by downloading and Installing a special browser. Click the Download Tor link on the homepage, then double-click the downloaded file to extract it. This will create a Tor Browser folder. Double-Click the Start Tor Browser file to launch it. You should see a message saying that your browser is now configured to use Tor, so you can start browsing the web anonymously.

Encrypt every website you visit
A quick and easy way to browse a specific website privately is to use a web proxy service, such as the delightfully named Hide My Ass (www.hidemyass.com), which basically positions itself between you and the Internet, masking your personal IP address. You don't need to set up an account, change any Windows settings or download any software. Just go to the website, type the URL of the site you want to visit into the Web Proxy box and click the Hide My Ass button. You can add an extra level of security by switching On SSL (Secure Socket Layer). The Advanced Options include a useful tool that conceals the site you're trying to access. You can also use the server and IP-address settings to pretend you're based in the US or Netherlands. The downside's that surfing with a web proxy can be significantly slower than normal.

Scramble your posts on social-networking sites
Are you worried about who might be reading your tweets or Facebook posts? If so, you need Scrambls (http://scrambls.com). Available as a browser plug-in for Firefox, Chrome and Safari (Internet Explorer is currently not supported), Scrambls encrypts posts so that only other Scrambls users can read them. To everyone else, the text will lust appear as random symbols. It's also possible to limit decryption to specific groups or individuals, so that Scrambls users you don't know can't access your messages. Scrambls is free but you'll need to register to use it. Click the 'set up browser to scramble link on the homepage, install the browser add-on, then sign up using your email address or social account. To make a Scrambls Post, click the toolbar button and choose 'scrambl all text', or select 'scrambl marked text' and surround the words to encrypt with "@@", for example @@ I am scrambling this sentence@@.

Stop cloud-storage services accessing files 

Check the terms and conditions for Amazon Cloud Drive (www.amazon.co.uk/clouddrive) and you'll find a worrying clause that states "we may use, access and retain your files in order to provide the service to you... and you give us all permissions we need to do so". Other online storage services, including Google Drive. SkyDrive and Dropbox, have similar rights to access your files. One way to maintain your privacy while keeping Your files in the cloud is to encrypt your files before you upload them. An easy, free way to do this Is by using BoxCryptor (www.boxcryptor.com). Download the free program (i0S and Android versions are available, too) and create a BoxCrypt folder within the online drive of your choice. Anything you upload to this will automatically be encrypted. 

Encrypt online chats to beat eavesdroppers 

By their very nature, most online chats and instant messages are personal. However, they're not necessarily private. Cryptocat (https://crypto.cat) is a simple, free web app that uses the encryption technology Off-the-Record Messaging (OTR) to stop other people eavesdropping on your conversations. It works in your browser - supporting Firefox, Chrome and Safari - though you'll need to download a small plug-in first. It's a basic chat client with none of the advanced features of Skype or AIM, but it doesn't ask for any Personal details and it generates fresh encryption keys for every web chat (the other Person will also need to install the plug-in). Note that Cryptocat doesn't mask your IP address, and the developers recommend you use it in conjunction with Tor (see earlier tip, opposite). 

Cloak your email address using Gliph 

Gliph is a browser plug-in (for Chrome and Firefox) and an app for iPhone and Android, which has a number of clever features. Chief of this is its own secure online identity system, which disguises who you are by using a collection of symbols instead of an alphanumeric user name. One very useful feature of Gliph is the ability to 'cloak' your email address. This lets you use a disposable email address to sign up for services, while encrypting your real one. Once you have set up the service by 'claiming' a unique gliph, tap the Cloak icon, confirm your genuine email address, then tap Create New Cloak to get your disposable one. You can use your new Gliph email a_dress to sign up to any website or internet service, and all your mail will get routed to your real email address. IF your online identity ever gets compromised by someone who guesses you're behind the coded name, your real address will remain safe.