The internet is not as safe as you think.
As we increasingly spend our time online, protecting our privacy online has never been this crucial. From social media accounts to online shopping, our digital footprint keeps growing, making us more vulnerable to potential threats.
Luckily, safeguarding your privacy doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge. By following our simple tips below, you can significantly reduce the risk of your personal information falling into the wrong hands.
Protect your privacy online with these tips:
Use Strong and Unique Passwords
No, ‘123456’ isn’t a strong password, and neither is ‘password’. If you truly want to protect your privacy, using strong and unique passwords is one of the most basic but important things to do.
Avoid using passwords that are easy to guess like your name, your birthday, or easily predictable passwords like ‘qwerty’. To make a strong password, use a combination of upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols/special characters. The more random and complex, the better!
If you’re worried about forgetting it, you can just write it in a notebook or use a trusted password manager.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code sent to your mobile device or email after entering your password.
Enable 2FA whenever possible on your online accounts to ensure that even if your password is compromised, your accounts remain secure.
Avoid Clicking on Links You Don’t Recognize
This should already be common knowledge but avoid clicking on links or attachments that you don’t recognize, especially from people you don’t recognize as well. Some phishing scams come in the form of an email or message that tricks you to believe it came from your bank or telecom operator.
Even out of the blue messages from friends asking to borrow £100 cannot be trusted these days. To be safe, make sure to always think before you click, verify authenticity of the email, and be cautious of anyone messaging you online.
Limit The Information You Share Online
Think twice before sharing personal information, such as your address, phone number, or other sensitive data, on the internet.
This is most applicable to social media as people now tend to post pictures of what they’re doing, without noticing if they’re sharing any sensitive information such as their location or address. The less you share, the lower the risk of your information being misused.
Update Your Software Regularly
Not many know about this, but software updates often contain security patches that address vulnerabilities hackers can exploit. Make sure your operating system, web browsers, and applications are regularly updated to safeguard against potential threats.
Educate Yourself on Online Privacy
Knowledge is power. If you have the time to read celebrity gossip online, you should have the time and resources to stay informed about the latest online threats and privacy practices!
If you feel like that is too much work, you can check out this free Cyber Security course for easy learning.
Conclusion
Safeguarding your privacy is a responsibility we all share in this digital age. By following these simple tips and staying vigilant, you can minimize the risks of online threats and enjoy a more secure online experience.
Remember, protecting your privacy online is not just about technology; it is also about making informed choices and practicing good online habits.
