1. Disable Thumbs.db – This thumbs.db is a database file containing the small images displayed when you viewed a folder in Thumbnail View. It is a hidden file not viewed by most users and not updated when files are moved from a folder which images have passed through or deleted. For more info on how to do that – check Raymond.cc blog ( here)

2. Use encryption for your sensitive data ( bank accounts, credit card statements …etc) . You will be able to find many programs that can do that for you. The best freeware is TrueCrypt ( link) – it is easy to use and small at size. You can use it to create encrypted volumes on your PC , your USB drive …etc. You can check out the post in gHacks( here) to learn more about TrueCrypt(tutorial). If you decide to spare some cash – I am going to recommend PGP ( link) and Steganos (link) – both companies offer first class software which can be used to encrypt files and secure your privacy. I have been using Steganos Security suite from quite some time and few people did a penetration test – they have failed . PGP has been recommended to me by a friend of mine – and I have it on my pc – but I am still figuring all its features.

3. Don`t just delete – shred the data! Simply deleting files or emptying your recycle bin will delete the data temporary , but it will still be easily recoverable with the variety of tools available nowadays. One does not have to use complicated forensic tools such as Encase and FTK – to get acceess to your data. Some freewares would do …That is why you really need to make sure that your data is overwritten – both Steganos and PGP offer such functionality ( you could even overwrite the free space on your computer – to be sure that it is fresh and completely empty without any references to files that may have been there ). One software – called Evidence eliminator has probably the best marketing when it comes to securing your privacy online ( well not that I agree with their scare tactics ) – anyway various cases have proved that it works – through one hint from me – never -I repeat never put your Trust in a single software – better use some combination of software and tools to ensure your complete privacy.

4. Use Firefox ! Or simply do not use IE because it saves all kind of information about your surfing habits . Not only the cache and web history – but and that nasty index.dat file. (link). Also firefox with its plugin systems provides many options to boost your privacy level – security hacks list 10 of them – here

…if you have more ideas about how to protect your privacy – leave me a comment and I will update the checklist

Technorati: privacy, Privacy checklist, encryption, Thumbs.db