The fact that you are reading this means that you are on the internet, just like millions of people worldwide. And while you might be thinking that your personal information is very “personal,” you might be astonished by the amount of your private data that can wind up on the internet. Now that the internet has offered a puzzling convenience and a treasure trove of information, you need to make sure that your online presence is safe. With some tips to work from home and the following safety and security measures, you can use the internet whenever and at any time without having to worry about safety and security.
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Don’t Overshare
Avoid sharing your personal information with just anyone you meet on the internet. Keep in mind that the World Wide Web has a far greater audience than any crowd that can be gathered. The more information you share online, the higher the risk that your personal data could be used without your knowledge. To protect your online privacy, start by getting rid of the “about me” section in all your social media accounts, or just leave it blank. The word doesn’t have to know your date of birth, address, or even your phone number and email. Furthermore, the people who need your personal information already have it through your offline connections.
Use a Strong Password
All your efforts to protect your personal information from unauthorized access will be futile without a strong password. The first thing that someone planning to hack your account will do is guess your password. The stronger the password, the safer your personal information and social media accounts. Also, never use the same password for more than one site, because one hacked account can lead to a chain of other hacked accounts. Use different strong passwords for all your accounts and use a password manager to help you remember the information.
Additionally, if you find any site that supports the two-step authentication, turn to it. This will protect your account even if a hacker becomes successful in guessing your password.
Use only Secure Wi-Fi Connections
Using free or public Wi-Fi can sound convenient, but you cannot tell who is watching the internet traffic. Never share your personal information or log into your accounts when using public Wi-Fi. Also, consider using a VPN to hide your location and encrypt your information over the internet. There are numerous Virtual Private Networks (VPN) available on the market today, but the type will depend mostly on your budget and the level of privacy you want.
Be Wary of Every App you Install
On many occasions, when installing an app, you will be asked for permission to your phone’s features or data. Be mindful of the apps that you install on your devices since a single rogue app can create a big hole in your internet safety and security.
Lessen your Online Footprint
There are many websites, known as data brokers that creep the internet for your personal data, and later sell it to their party sites. These websites are making a lot of money by selling your personal information. Reduce your online footprint by using technology that can help delete and remove your personal information from data broker websites.
There are many examples of privacy dangers that you can be faced with on an everyday basis, from data breaches, marketers who stalk you to shady characters that download your photos from your social media accounts. Don’t be hesitant to download the best money saving apps or any other helpful app due to fear of being hacked. Just apply the above points and take control of your personal data to protect your privacy on the internet.