Are you looking for practical ways to protect your personal information online? Do you want to enjoy the benefits of smart tech while safeguarding your data? Then we’re here to help.
Take a look at some simple yet effective methods below for keeping your information secure online.
Use a virtual private network (VPN)
Unsecured public WiFi connections can make you vulnerable to data theft or loss, as they are unlikely to provide encryption. This means that other people using the network may be able to see your personal information.
For this reason, it’s wise to use a virtual private network (VPN). So what is a VPN, exactly? It’s essentially a service that encrypts your data traffic and hides your IP address.
This means you can work, browse, shop, and so on completely privately, with no worries about hackers potentially stealing your information.
Implement strong access controls
There are several ways to make your online accounts more secure, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Firstly, create strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. They should include a mixture of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t use easily guessable information or the same password across multiple accounts.
You could also set up two-factor authentication, which “is a security system that requires two separate, distinct forms of identification in order to access something”, says Investopedia.
This may involve something you know (like a pin or password), something you own (like a smartphone) or biometrics (like facial recognition or fingerprints).
Consider data collection preferences
Many smart devices such as fitness watches, phones, security doorbells and home assistants collect and utilize personal data.
An article by Digit News says that the data our smart devices collect each day “is enough to track our location, our economic status, and our consumption practices”.
When setting up smart devices, consider your data collection preferences and whether you’d like certain settings turned on or off. Make sure you read the T&Cs before accepting and manually update your preferences when necessary.
Stay informed about threats and vulnerabilities
To protect yourself and your data online, you need to be aware of potential threats and how to mitigate them.
Take some time to understand the most common types of cybercrime, such as phishing, hacking, and malware – which is “harmful software that’s installed on your device without your knowledge” says the Federal Trade Commission.
Criminals do this to “steal your personal information, like your usernames and passwords, bank account numbers, or Social Security number”.
Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and if in doubt, don’t click on links from emails, text messages, or elsewhere.
There are plenty of easy yet effective ways to protect your data online, allowing you to work, socialize, shop and more with extra peace of mind.