Encryption is the process of encoding data so that it is unreadable to anyone without the corresponding decryption key. Put differently, it's a great way to prevent unauthorized access and enhance security.

But is it possible to secure your internet connection with encryption? The answer is yes, though this requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are five ways to encrypt your internet traffic.

1. Use a Private Browser

Your browser is your primary gateway to the World Wide Web. If your browser is not protecting you from tracking, then whatever else you do to improve your security won't make much of a difference.

The Tor Browser is arguably the only truly private browser available today. Unlike other similar software, Tor redirects your traffic through at least three relays, and encrypts it at each step. Often utilized to access the dark web, it is an indispensable privacy tool that is used by whistleblowers, political activists, and reporters around the world. If you want to encrypt your traffic and protect yourself, you really can't do better than Tor.

However, there is one major issue with this browser: it is too slow for everyday use. One solution is to use it for certain sensitive tasks only, when protecting your privacy is imperative. In other circumstances, you can use a browser like Brave or Firefox. To be clear, neither Brave nor Firefox encrypt your traffic like the Tor Browser does, but they offer far more privacy and tracking protection than browsers like Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

2. Get a VPN

The debate is still out on whether one should use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with the Tor Browser, and how. However, you should definitely use a VPN with any other browser. In general, getting a VPN is a good idea if you want to preserve your privacy, and make it more difficult for others to track your online activities.

The problem is, there are plenty of VPN providers nowadays, but only a handful offer software that actually does what it needs to. When choosing a VPN, make sure that it has strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy, safeguards against DNS leaks, a kill-switch functionality, and performs well. There are several different ways to test a VPN's encryption, so make sure you test it thoroughly once you select a VPN.

With a VPN, you can encrypt your traffic easily and at a low cost, or even for free. But bear in mind that you should do this on all devices, and not just on your computer. If you're new to the concept, know that there are some things you need to look out for when choosing a VPN service.

3. Use Encrypted Messaging Apps

A safe browser and a good VPN service will go a long way in protecting you, but you need to cover all the bases. You could have the most reliable VPN in the world, but if you use a messaging app that is not encrypted, you're still at risk. Besides, there are really no downsides to using secure messaging apps.

And what you need is a messaging app that has end-to-end encryption. In other words, software that ensures only you and the recipient can read the messages you exchange. There are several popular encrypted messaging apps on the market, but Signal is probably the best choice, because of its reputation and strong focus on user privacy.

Telegram is another good option, especially if you're looking for an app with social features. And if the people you communicate with via text don't use these apps, there's always WhatsApp. It may be owned by Meta, but it does have end-to-end encryption and is certainly more secure than many other mainstream messaging apps.

4. Switch to an Encrypted Email Provider

What do Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo know about you? Probably a lot, and if you use their email services, they have collected a staggering amount of data from you. When you use an email provider owned by one of these companies, you're not just generating profit for Big Tech, but also exposing yourself to danger. This is why you should strongly consider switching to an encrypted email service.

Encrypted email services are superior to Gmail and similar products in almost every way. They use strong encryption, have advanced security measures in place to prevent unauthorized access, and are not based around gathering data from users. The only problem is, you might have to pay to use more advanced features (e.g. more storage space, multiple email addresses).

With that said, choosing an encrypted email provider if you've never used one can be a bit tricky. Pay attention to some key features, such as which encryption algorithm they use, and whether they store user logs. ProtonMail, TutaNota, and Mailfence, to name a few, have stellar reputations.

5. Invest in Encrypted Cloud Storage

If you want to encrypt your internet traffic, you can't ignore file storage. Especially in this day and age, when many of us rely on the cloud to store important and personal data.

To protect your privacy, look for cloud storage providers that employ end-to-end encryption, and maintain robust security practices to keep their customers happy. There are plenty of options, so choosing cloud storage that fits your needs may seem a tad overwhelming. Icedrive, pCloud, Tresorit, and Proton Drive, for example, are secure and reliable.

It should be noted that you are very unlikely to find a free encrypted cloud storage provider. This is understandable because the security and infrastructure required to provide this service come with significant costs. However, it's better to pay with your money than with your data—you definitely want your data to be secured, and encrypted.

Protect Your Data With Encryption

Encryption is a potent tool, but you can only reap its full benefits if you reduce the vulnerabilities in your cyber infrastructure to a minimum. Use a secure browser, get a VPN, replace your regular messaging app, change email providers, and invest in good cloud storage for your files.

If you do the above, nearly all of your internet traffic will be encrypted at all times. For added security, consider employing encryption locally, and encrypting your entire hard drive.