Every day, we hear about a new data breach or cyber-attack. Corporate and government databases are hacked, personal information is stolen, and credit card numbers are compromised. In the wake of all these breaches, it’s more important than ever to protect your privacy. Here are eight tips that will help you keep your information safe.
Read Privacy Policies and Collection Notices
Nowadays, websites, apps, and other services often have complicated privacy policies that can be difficult to understand. Before signing up for any new service or downloading an app, read the privacy policy and collection notice carefully, so you know exactly what information they will collect and how they will use it.
Suppose there are parts of the policy that seem unclear or confusing. In that case, it’s a good idea to research the company or service provider and see if you can find any additional information online. In some cases, other users may have published reviews or blog posts about their experiences with certain services, and this may be helpful when determining whether those services are right for you.
Remember that when you give out your personal information, it’s often stored indefinitely or until you take action to remove that data. So if a service needs your credit card number to create an account, remember that they may still have access to that information long after you’re done using the service, even if you choose not to renew your subscription.
Be Conscious of Your Callers
Scammers are everywhere these days and constantly coming up with new ways to trick you and steal your money. For example, scammers might call you and impersonate a company or organization with which you have an account to get your personal information. Don’t hesitate to hang up if a caller seems unfamiliar or asks unusual questions.
If you’re unsure whether a call is legitimate, don’t give out any personal information. Instead, ask for the caller’s name and contact information so you can call them back later. They won’t have any problem giving you that information if they’re legitimate. If they refuse or seem elusive, it’s probably a scam.
There are several ways to determine if a call is legitimate, even if you don’t know the number. You can use a reverse phone number lookup service to research the number and find who or which company it is associated with. An excellent site must show you the name, address, and other information associated with the number. Choosing the finest platforms is essential as you want to ensure the service’s quality and reliability when performing a reverse lookup.
Create Strong Passwords
Your first line of defense is the most important. A strong password is one of the best ways to protect your online privacy, so make sure you use a unique and complex password for each account.
Ideally, you should create a password that includes various characters, such as numbers, special characters, letters, and punctuation marks. In addition to making it difficult for hackers to guess, a strong password makes it more difficult for the service provider or website you use to access your information.
To keep your passwords safe and secure, consider using a password manager to help you generate, store, and manage all of your passwords in one place. At the same time, keep changing your passwords regularly to help ensure that your accounts are always well-protected.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
In addition to creating strong passwords for all your accounts, you can take further steps to protect your data by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. With 2FA, users have an extra layer of protection that requires them to verify their identity using more than just a password.
For example, you might be asked to enter the code from a text message or use an authentication app such as Google Authenticator. Adding two-factor authentication makes it much more difficult for cybercriminals to access your accounts, even if they can guess or steal your password.
Install Anti-Virus Software
Your computer or mobile device constantly communicates with other systems through networks and websites when you are online. Unfortunately, many of these interactions can put your data at risk.
Installing antivirus software on all your devices is essential to prevent your computer from being infected with malware or viruses. This includes desktop computers, laptops, and even mobile phones. With antivirus protection, you can help ensure that any data you send or receive is safe and secure.
Take Extra Precautions When Using Public Wi-Fi Networks
Accessible public Wi-Fi networks are often convenient, but they pose a significant risk to your online privacy and safety. Since these networks offer open access to anyone in the area, it’s much easier for cybercriminals to intercept your data using public Wi-Fi.
Instead of connecting to public Wi-Fi, try using your mobile phone as a hotspot or use other forms of broadband internet access, such as 4G and LTE networks, for your everyday tasks. At the same time, remember to take extra precautions when you do need to connect to a public Wi-Fi network. For example, you can use a virtual private network (VPN) or a data encryption tool such as HTTPS Everywhere to help keep your communications safe and secure.
Back-Up Your Data Regularly
It’s uncommon to find even the most robust databases subject to attack and data breaches. The problem is that it can take months or even years to realize your data has been stolen. To help protect yourself from the consequences of a security breach, you should regularly ensure that you have backup copies of all of your essential files.
Be Careful with the Social Media
These platforms are another common way for cybercriminals to access your data. Be sure you’re only sharing the information you want others to see, and take care not to overshare. Also, be wary of any messages or requests from people you don’t know – they could be phishing attempts in disguise.
The best way to do it is to keep your social media profiles private, only connect with people you know, and avoid adding strangers to your friend list. Additionally, if you want to share something online that others wouldn’t usually be able to see, use a different platform, such as Snapchat or WhatsApp, instead of posting it publicly on Facebook or Twitter.
While online security threats can be intimidating, you can take many simple steps to help protect yourself. Whether installing antivirus protection, taking extra precautions when using public networks, or regularly backing up your files, these tips will help safeguard your private information and keep your data safe from hackers and scammers.