In today’s digital world, personal information is collected, shared, and misused widely. This is mainly due to the ubiquitous nature of the internet and technology in almost all aspects of daily life. Every click, scroll, or purchase leaves behind a data trail. However, this problem becomes more serious when an individual’s personal information is misused by malicious entities, leading to consequences like data breaches, identity theft, spam attacks, hacking, and malware.
This highlights the need to follow strong cybersecurity practices. Ensuring online privacy doesn’t require one to use expensive tools or master advanced technology skills. It starts with awareness and following a few practical steps.
1) Use Strong Passwords
An easy way to protect one’s online accounts is by using strong and unique passwords. Avoid using information like names, dates, or number patterns in the password. Instead, mix upper and lowercase letters, special characters, and numbers to make the password complex and hard for malicious entities to guess. Most importantly, different accounts should have different passwords. Password manager apps help one create and store complex passwords without having to memorize them.
2) Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Also known as 2FA, this is an extra step that can be added to the login process. It requires account users to activate a second mode of verification other than their password. This could be an SMS code, a fingerprint scan, or a code from an authenticator app. This reduces the likelihood of hacking. Even if a hacker gets a password, without the 2FA, they cannot gain access. Many email providers, banks, and social media apps offer this option. Use it on supported accounts to add an extra wall of protection.
3) Limit Social Media Sharing
Social media accounts are often public by default. While there is the option to make them private, it does not stop people from adding strangers to their circle. This means anyone can see their posts, photos, or even check-ins. Sharing vacation updates or photos might seem harmless, but it can also inform ill-intentioned entities that no one is home. Similarly, hackers gain extra leverage for hacking attempts with pet names and birth dates being posted online. These details provide clues to security questions that are used for authentication on other platforms. So, one should first review the information before sharing it online. Also, avoid tagging locations in real-time or revealing information like license plates or street addresses.
4) Use Secure Browsers
Mainstream search engines and browsers often track user activity for ad targeting. It is annoying for many. The real trouble comes when these platforms share this user data with third parties. To avoid this, use browsers designed with privacy in mind. Look for the ones that block third-party trackers and offer built-in security features. Some search engines also don’t track searches or store personal information. Switching to these tools won’t completely erase one’s digital footprint, but it limits how much activity is monitored and stored.
5) Turn Off Location Tracking
Even when not being used, many apps and devices tend to track location automatically. This data is often used to build user profiles, deliver targeted ads and weather updates, or analyze movements. Some companies even sell anonymized location data to third parties. To avoid risking online privacy, users should turn off location services when not needed. On most smartphones, it’s possible to turn off location for individual apps or limit access. This is especially helpful for apps that don’t need constant tracking, like games or social media apps.
6) Be Careful With Public Wi-Fi
While public Wi-Fi is free, fast, and convenient, there are certain risks that one has to be aware of when using it. Public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, airports, or malls are often unencrypted. With no encryption available, hackers might find it easier and faster to intercept data. A hacker on the same network as a user can view their login credentials, messages, or personal files. To stay safe, avoid logging into banking or shopping apps that store personal information like passwords while using public Wi-Fi. If access is necessary, use a virtual private network to avoid a data breach.
7) Update Software
Outdated software often contains vulnerabilities that are easier to track. Hackers can exploit these gaps to install malware, steal data, or hijack devices. Updates usually come with security patches to fix these problems in the software. It’s important to regularly update all apps, operating systems, browsers, and antivirus programs. Turn on automatic updates for an easy way to stay protected.
8) Avoid Suspicious Links
Phishing attacks are still among the most common ways cybercriminals steal personal data. They often appear in emails, text messages, or pop-up ads that look legitimate. These messages might claim there’s an issue with an account, offer a prize, or ask the user to verify information. One wrong click can redirect the user to fake websites or make them download harmful files. To avoid falling for these tricks, users should never click on links from unknown senders. If a message looks familiar, verify its origin before responding.
9) Use Encrypted Messaging
Standard text messages are not encrypted. This means they have a higher potential of being intercepted. Encrypted messaging apps protect conversations by ensuring only the sender and recipient can read the message. Several messaging applications these days use end-to-end encryption. This makes them a safer alternative for personal conversations. Both parties must use the same compatible encryption method to ensure complete security of conversations.
