Locked and secure – How to store private diaries safely online?
Keep their diaries on their computers or in the cloud a physical book. However, this comes with risks if not done carefully. Choose a password manager. Using a dedicated password manager like LastPass or 1Password is essential for keeping all your online logins safe. Generate a long, random password for your diary that would be impossible for someone else to guess. The password manager will remember it for you so you don’t have to. Make sure to use two-factor authentication as an added layer of security on the password manager.
Use an encrypted diary app– There are various apps and programs designed specifically for keeping secure online diaries. These will encrypt your entries so only you access them with your password. Penzu, Journals, and Diarly are some good options that allow you to organize entries by date tag and search. Set up two-factor authentication if available.
Store locally, not in the cloud– While it may be convenient to have your diary stored in the cloud, this puts your data on external servers that could be vulnerable to hacking. For maximum security, use an encrypted diary app that saves entries locally on your device and doesn’t back up to the cloud. You back up your diary files to an external hard drive or USB periodically.
Turn off auto-save features– Some programs will continuously or periodically save your diary in the background as you type. Turn off any auto-saving capabilities so that your entries are only saved when you intentionally do so. It prevents a situation where your diary is unintentionally saving information you didn’t mean to record.
Use a secure cloud if you must- If you prefer the accessibility of saving your diary to the cloud, use the most secure cloud storage services private note buyers available. Look for zero-knowledge encryption (where the service itself accesses your data), two-factor authentication, and other robust security measures. Some top options are Tresorit, Mega, and pCloud.
Never save diary files unencrypted- Are they diary files you store locally or in the cloud should always be encrypted. Use an encrypted diary app that will do this automatically. If you just use a regular document app, to encrypt files manually before uploading them to cloud storage. Never save or send your diary files in a plain, unencrypted format.
Beware public Wi-Fi- Avoid accessing your diary over public Wi-Fi as this makes your device and data vulnerable only log into your diary at home on your password-protected private Wi-Fi network. Turn off auto-connect for public Wi-Fi on your devices.
Use a secure computer and browser– Only access your online diary on a personal, password-protected computer with a firewall enabled. Keep software up-to-date and use antivirus protection. Use the latest version of a secure, privacy-focused web browser like Firefox or Tor when logging into your diary app online. Enable HTTPS everywhere.
Never save passwords or hints- Don’t record passwords or any hints to unlock your diary within the diary itself. Memorize passwords fully or use a password manager. Never write down actual passwords anywhere if you can avoid it.
Avoid linking accounts- Refrain from linking your diary app to other accounts like social media, even if offered. It avoids another avenue of possible vulnerability. Only link it to your password manager if needed.
Log out when done- Properly log out of your diary app when you’re finished writing rather than just closing the window. Don’t enable a “remember me” feature as this keeps you logged in full-time. Fully logging out ensures access requires your password every time.
