Massive data breaches happen more often than you think, so if you’re logged in to any websites, then all of your information could be obtained. But with a few simple steps, you could live a more “private” life that’s not impossible to attain. Here are five important steps you can take to protect your privacy online.
1. Share Less Online
This feels like a difficult step, given the current trend of social media and wanting to feel connected to other people. But the very best step you can take to prevent people from scamming you is to share less of your life. Don’t share pictures of yourself or your loved ones, don’t geotag your posts, and don’t share any information you wouldn’t want strangers to know. Skip optional information when filing out online forms, create a throwaway e-mail address when subscribing to newsletters, and protect your Wi-Fi password as much as possible. To get some help with these matters you could contact managed IT services Brisbane.
2. Purge Mobile Apps And Browser Extensions That You No Longer Use
Be suspicious of every app that’s on your phone or computer, no matter how legit it is. You’ll be at less risk the fewer accounts you have with different apps. Only download from reputable sources such as app stores, but be aware of how these apps make money. They could be selling your e-mail account contents to make a profit.
3. Block Search Engines Tracking You
You might be surprised that your search engine collects huge amounts of data about you. That means you have to be proactive about getting rid of this data. Go into your browser and figure out how to delete your data (it’s different for every browser) in order to keep your data in your own hands. The other alternative is to use a privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo.
4. Don’t Ignore Software Updates
Privacy hacks take advantage of any vulnerabilities there might be, and you leave yourself wide open to them if you’re not keeping your software updated. The best way to combat this is to have updates installed automatically, regardless of your operating system. On top of this, you should have any antivirus software installed and updated on a regular basis to combat these attacks.
5. Using Encryption On Your Data
Data and texts on your computer as not as safe as you might think they are. To protect what’s on your computer, you should use a password for your login, your e-mail and any important files you have. But even then, that’s not enough. You can use encryption on your data so that anyone who access it can only read gibberish. Store less information on the cloud that other people could access, and if you’re getting rid of a computer, be sure to wipe the data and reset to factory settings so there is no trail of your information left behind.
It doesn’t take much effort to protect your online privacy, but it still means that you have to put in the effort to do so. You can choose to do it yourself, or you can contact your trusted IT management services to provide you with some guidance.
