Data breaches, spyware, and identity theft are too common in the modern era, and you can’t avoid them if you care about protecting your personal information while using the internet. However, it’s simple to take extra precautions and prevent unauthorized access to your accounts, web history, and other private information.
The Definition of Online Privacy
If you want to keep your information secret on the internet, you should share as little as possible!
There is no way around giving up some online privacy in exchange for the convenience of the internet, but you can take steps to protect the information you share from being misused.
Restricting the information you make public makes it more difficult for identity thieves to steal your money, your credit, and your identity by gaining access to your online accounts and learning details about you that you wouldn’t want the general public to know.
Tip No. 1: Get Yourself a Google Alert That Follows Your Name Around.
Google Alert for your name will let you know whenever your name is mentioned online, which is something many people don’t know is possible. It can be a lifesaver if you’re concerned about impersonation or new accounts being made in your name.
Tip No. 2: Don’t Give Out Your Primary Contact Info Online.
What do you get for giving your contact information like email and phone number? There are many unsolicited messages in your inbox and numerous automated phone calls. Don’t just give this information to anyone on social media, even if you feel compelled to share it with websites and online retailers.
Tip No. 3: Make It Possible To Receive Alerts About Purchases.
Set up email or text alerts for purchases or push notifications if you’re worried about your credit card information being stolen. Doing so guarantees you receive alerts whenever your debit or credit card is used. If your bank doesn’t offer these features, you should monitor your account balance and activity regularly for any signs of fraud.
Tip No. 4: Make Use of Two-Factor Authentication.
One way to improve your online safety is to use strong, unique passwords for each website you visit. Two-factor authentication, if supported by a service, is another option.
To access your account on sites like Amazon, Google, and PayPal, you’ll need to enter a temporary code in addition to your password, thanks to two-factor authentication.
Tip No. 5: Reduce the Spread of Location Information.
Signing up for a social media account may almost all want access to your location. Ask yourself if they require it for something as evident as guiding you to your destination or introducing you to people in the area.
In other words, you can say no. And remember that your location history is used to serve you ads and suggestions based on the places you’ve recently visited.
Tip No. 6: Modify Your Profile’s Preferences.
Look into the privacy settings and data policies and the general Terms and Conditions associated with using these gadgets, apps, or web services.
Many apps’ default settings give the apps carte blanche to glean as much information as possible. Turn off automatic updates if your device, app, or service doesn’t need constant geolocation updates.
Find out what private details this app or website will likely reveal about you in a search. To what extent are you comfortable with the possibility that a search engine may return results that include photos, likes, and comments you have posted or shared with other users? Take special care when using social media.
Tip No. 7: Investigate Your Choices
Learn the fundamentals of online privacy protection. Scrutinize the requirements before purchasing an Internet-enabled device, installing a new app, or creating an online account.
Be skeptical of free software or services; read the fine print to ensure you won’t be paying for it with your personal information. See if they monetize user accounts by selling user information to third parties.
Tip No. 8: Schedule Cleaning
You’ve probably noticed that restricting data collection on connected devices, applications, or online services is not always viable for protecting your privacy online. That’s why it’s essential to keep tabs on the services you rely on most and cut the cord with the ones you no longer need. Because even if they aren’t doing anything for you now, they still know much about you behind your back.
Never overlook the importance of mobile apps and add-ons. Most add-ons and apps will allow you to disable the feature instead of deleting it. You must be firm because most of them will still steal your information even when turned off. The entire inventory has to go!
Tip No. 9: Avoid Apps That Share Too Much.
You can make an informed decision once you’ve read the Terms and Conditions. Stay away from the app or service if it requires access to sensitive information. The gathering of information is not fatal. Keep in mind that there are usually other options available.
Tip No. 10: Protect Your Privacy When Using Public Wi-Fi.
Since most public Wi-Fi networks do not encrypt traffic, anyone on the same network can try to monitor your online activities without your knowledge. It’s best practice to use a VPN to encrypt your data and keep it safe from prying eyes when transmitting sensitive information over a public network.
Conclusion
In today’s digital world, protecting your privacy online is crucial. The tips highlighted in this article are a great start, but for those looking for a more comprehensive approach, Sertainty’s data privacy platform offers advanced solutions. Our platform is designed to secure your sensitive information effectively, addressing the complexities of online privacy.
We encourage you to reach out to Sertainty to explore how our data privacy platform can enhance your digital security efforts. Let us help you safeguard your personal and organizational information with our innovative solutions. Contact us today and take a significant step towards a more secure online presence.
FAQs
How can I create strong passwords to protect my online accounts?
To create strong passwords, use a combination of at least 12 characters including letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a passphrase that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Avoid using easily available information like your name or birthday.
What are the benefits of regularly updating my privacy settings on social media?
Regularly updating your privacy settings on social media helps you control who can see your posts, personal information, and photos. It minimizes the risk of identity theft and keeps your personal information secure from strangers or potential hackers.
Why is it important to use a VPN for online privacy?
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection, making it secure from eavesdroppers and hackers, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. It also helps in masking your IP address, making your online actions more anonymous.
How does two-factor authentication (2FA) enhance my online security?
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring two types of information before you can access your accounts: something you know (like a password) and something you have (like a smartphone app that generates a code or a text message). This makes it much harder for unauthorized users to gain access to your sensitive accounts.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious email or message?
If you receive a suspicious email or message, do not click on any links or attachments it contains. Verify the sender by checking their email address or contacting them directly through a known and trusted method. Report the phishing attempt to the appropriate authorities or your email provider to help protect others.