The thought of unplugging the internet in order to protect personal data is not only unrealistic, but also unnecessary in a hyperconnected society. The bottom line is, we can do everything we want with our digital lives and still have maximum privacy and security. Nowadays, as new cyber threats continue to emerge every day and data breaches become an all too frequent occurrence, it is also quickly becoming a core life skill – that of how to protect your personal information while online. The answer is to develop smart digital habits and to arm yourself with the right set of tools, so that there are multiple layers of defenses surrounding your sensitive data.
Vital Privacy Settings From Platform to Platform
The vast majority of people don’t understand the magic of good privacy settings. By reviewing and tinkering with these settings, you can significantly shrink your digital footprint:
- Social media profiles: Check the settings on a regular basis to determine who has access to your posts, personal data and contact information
- Engines: Modify personalization settings and delete browsing history once in a while
- Phones: Review app permissions and turn off location tracking for all but essential apps.
- Email accounts: Turn on two-factor authentication and check apps and services that are connected to it
The aim is not to disappear online, but to control what you share and with whom you share it.
Smart Password Management
There is no stronger defense of your data than to practice strong password habits. This does not involve memorizing dozens of complex passwords, but means playing technology to your advantage:
Key strategies include:
- Generating & saving passwords through a known & trusted password manager
- Where You Can, Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
- Frequent password changes for high-stakes accounts
- Not reusing passwords between services
People often weaken their security by using a single password across sites — from social media and banking sites to entertainment services like an online casino, putting themselves at risk even if just one service gets hacked.
Browse Behavior
Above all, your browsing behavior has the largest impact on your data security. Establishing conscious online habits can help you avoid many common privacy violations:
- Use a reputable browser and install privacy-focused extensions
- Do not download software from unknown sources
- Check the security certificate of a website when asked for sensitive information before entering them
- Regularly clear your cookies and browsing data
- Avoid sharing sensitive information or conducting transactions on public Wi-Fi
Data Collection and Opt-Out
Companies collect unconscionable amounts of data on users, often with “consent” buried in long terms of service agreements. Take back control by understanding what data is collected and opting out of as much as possible:
Practical steps:
- Review privacy policies for services you use regularly.
- Use ad blockers to limit tracking
- Opt-out of data broker services that resell your personal information
- Choose privacy-focused alternatives when possible
- Regularly review your account and delete unnecessary ones
Digital Footprint
Keeping secure is an ongoing chore. Regular monitoring can help you catch issues before they turn into significant problems. Set up Google alerts and monitor your credit report, and occasionally search your name online to see what information is available publicly.
Wrapping Up
Protecting your personal privacy does not mean shunning the digital world completely. It merely involves being mindful about your interaction with it. By using Secure Ways to Protect your Personal Data, you can enjoy the perks of living in a connected world without loss of privacy. Finally, don’t forget, data security is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep an eye out for new threats and privacy tools, and review your security best practices regularly to stay up-to-date on ever-evolving digital risks.