There are various steps you can take to protect your online privacy, from changing social media settings to only downloading apps from reliable sources.
Other steps you can take include taking advantage of the private browsing features available in many web browsers to avoid having your cookies and browsing history logged by third parties.
Keep Your Devices Secure
Many of us rely on the Internet for work and entertainment purposes, from shopping online to banking services. By making adjustments to privacy settings or installing antivirus software, we can all take steps to secure our devices against cyberattacks and limit the risks.
Use passwords or passcodes to protect your devices, and don’t reuse old ones. Change them regularly to increase security, and consider two-factor authentication as another layer of defense.
Do not trust apps that collect data for no clear purpose or user agreement, even seemingly harmless ones can be misused by hackers for harmful purposes – for instance WhatsApp and iMessage do not utilize end-to-end encryption, making it easier for third parties to read messages sent between two devices.
Update your device operating systems and applications when new versions become available, keeping in mind that older devices often do not receive security updates, making them prime targets for computer hackers. Furthermore, avoid unsecure Wi-Fi networks whenever possible as these present a major cybersecurity risk that can allow cybercriminals to gather personal information from users.
Install Security Software
Security software protects devices, computers and online activity against threats like malware, data breaches, cyberattacks and scams. This includes virus protection, antispyware programs, firewalls and other programs which prevent unauthorized access to computers and mobile devices.
Hackers commonly employ viruses and spyware to track a person’s digital footprint or steal information, potentially leading to money, passwords or identities being stolen from them.
Investment in security measures can dramatically enhance online privacy and offer protection from many common threats. Updating both hardware and software regularly will also provide protection from criminals who exploit unpatched vulnerabilities; adding a website security plan may protect it against cyberattacks and data breaches as well. For more information about how cybersecurity can benefit your business, contact Chubb’s experts; they are ready to assess risk as well as cover damages caused by cyber attacks.
Keep Your Browser Up to Date
Maintaining an updated browser can protect against security threats. Updates address vulnerabilities used by hackers to gain entry to your computer and steal personal data like credit card numbers and passwords. Some browsers will update automatically if auto app updates are enabled on a Mac or iPhone/iPad; alternatively, manual updates can also be performed as needed.
Companies spend billions collecting data about people for questionable use, with no law protecting online privacy in place to safeguard it. According to Soltani, however, most threats online can be easily prevented with just a few simple steps.
Do not overshare on social media and create strong passwords for financial accounts to make them harder for cybercriminals to crack. Furthermore, keep devices up-to-date to avoid potential viruses and malware, like Aura. This tool securely stores passwords while warning if your usernames and passwords have been leaked due to data breach.
Don’t Overshare
Your identity could easily be stolen if scammers gain too much information about you online; to protect yourself it’s wise not to overshare personal details online.
Many apps, websites, and social media platforms share your personal data without your knowledge or consent. When signing in with Google or Facebook or connecting a tool with your email account, its provider could gain access to confidential details about you that may reveal who is using their services or may access personal details from public databases.
Privacy and cybersecurity are interdependent. While security involves keeping accounts safe from hackers or cyberattacks, privacy addresses how companies collect and store your personal data. By taking steps to improve both aspects of online protection simultaneously, we can help safeguard both our personal privacy and our online safety.