Limit Personal Information on Social Media
It's essential to limit personal info on social media to safeguard against cybercrime. Rather than sharing your full name, address, or phone number, stick to using just your first or last name. And never post your exact location or whereabouts.
Also, check your privacy settings to decide who sees your posts and profile details. When online dating or meeting new people, be safe and don't share private info like home address or financial details.
A recent study discovered that almost 60% of social media users have concerns regarding their privacy. The increase of data breaches and cyberattacks means it's more important than ever to take steps to protect yourself online.
While social media has made progress to improve their privacy policies, there is still room for improvement. As consumers, it's up to us to demand transparency and accountability from these companies. So, take control of your own online privacy by being aware of what you share, and taking measures to protect yourself from potential threats.
Practice Good Security Hygiene
Good security hygiene is key in today's digital world. Cyber thieves can steal your sensitive info, leading to money loss and identity theft. People and companies must take steps to protect their online privacy and safety.
Passwords are a must. Use hard-to-guess, unique ones for each account and change them often. Plus, enable multi-factor authentication for extra security. Avoid public Wi-Fi and get a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your web traffic.
Software and devices should be updated. Outdated softwares and OSs are vulnerable to exploits. Updating regularly adds latest security patches and bug-fixes.
Be mindful of what you share online. Don't post sensitive info on unsecured sites or social media. Beware of phishing scams and double-check sender details before clicking links or downloading attachments.
Secure online privacy and safety is achievable by practicing good security hygiene. Mindful passwords, updated software/devices, and caution when sharing info, can keep you safe from cyber thieves and have a safe online experience.
Understand Online Tracking and Cookies
The rise of online activities has made it vital to comprehend the significance of internet privacy solutions. These include online tracking and cookies.
Websites use cookies, small files that store user data, to learn about the browsing habits of their users. Whereas, online tracking is the collection of user information across many websites.
Knowing about online tracking and cookies can help users protect their personal info from being utilized without their permission. For example, users can manage cookies by clearing their browser history or disabling them. Plus, they can use a VPN to secure their online activities from being tracked.
Apart from privacy protection, online tracking and cookies can also improve user experience. Cookies can remind websites of the user's preferred language or shopping cart items, making the visit easier. Additionally, online tracking can help advertisers show relevant ads to users. This can be helpful for those looking for items or services that they may not have known about otherwise.
Bill Montgomery is a long time privacy advocate and active member of the preparedness community. He has been tinkering with computers and tech since the mid '80s.
When he's not writing here about how to stay safe online (and off), he's usually contributing to his other website, Modern Day Prepping.