People are growing more and more concerned about the ways that our online activity is being monitored. Our data from social media are gathered by various companies and posted publicly in an unprecedented level of detail.
Our online purchasing habits are being tracked and analyzed for psychological profiles, and the progress of online browsing habits can be logged through our browser histories. Also, dozens of other processes limit our online privacy and security.
If we don’t protect our online privacy and security, we open ourselves up to the possibility of being hacked, our ID stolen, being victims of fraud, and more.
Table of Contents
What Are the Biggest Threats to Our Online Privacy and Security?
1. Phishing
This is a common computer security technique used to extract sensitive information from unsuspecting victims by sending them emails that appear to be from reputable and trusted sources. The emails contain links to fake websites designed to scare the victims into revealing their login credentials, credit card numbers, etc.
2. Snooping
This is a technique that allows third parties to intercept, steal, record, and read your private online communications (emails, instant messages, and so on) without your knowledge.
3. Malware
Malware is short for malicious software. This is a general term used to refer to any harmful or undesirable software to the computer user. Malware can be used as spyware, viruses, trojans, and other destructive programs.
4. Rogue Sites
These are sites that appear to be trustworthy and reputable but are, in fact, fraudulent. They may look exactly like the actual site and even copy the exact design of that site, but none of their legitimate content.
5. Data Leakage
Data leakage refers to the unauthorized sharing or release of confidential information. Without proper security, cybercriminals can access documents, pictures, and other private data on your computer through the use of spyware and keyloggers.
7 Ways to Improve Your Online Privacy and Security
1. Keep Social Media Accounts Private
On social media, accounts are set to “open” by default. You must go into your settings and change the option to make your profile “private”. Remember, if you keep your profile private, only people you authorize can see your page.
2. Don’t Store Information in Public Spaces
Google Docs is a great tool; however, you shouldn’t be storing sensitive data like passwords or banking information. Likewise, tools like Dropbox are helpful, but you should never upload pictures of your passport, birth certificate, and similar items. Any online storage site can always be potentially hacked.
3. Use a VPN When Using the Internet
It would be best to use a VPN whenever you connect to the internet, especially when you are using public Wi-Fi. Anytime you are connected to the internet, your data is at risk of being exposed. This risk increases when you are using public Wi-Fi in coffee shops, libraries, and so on. Always use a VPN before connecting to ensure your data is encrypted and secure.
4. Use Secure Passwords
Simple passwords are easy for hackers to reveal. Even though people are constantly reminded to use secure and complex passwords, many still ignore this advice and end up with data breaches in their online accounts.
5. Check Your Mobile’s Permissions
Many apps and extensions request permissions. Sometimes the tool won’t work without permission, but often you are not required to agree to give these apps or software access to your phone. However, many people click “agree” and give apps access to their phone’s data. Check and change the permissions in your phone and laptop settings.
6. Hide Lock Screen Notifications
When private messages and emails come through, anyone who can see your phone can see part of the message. These messages may contain sensitive information. Hide your lock screen notifications so no one can snoop over your shoulder.
7. Use Messaging Apps with End-to-End Encryption
Messaging apps that don’t use end-to-end encryption have access to all your private conversations. The conversations you have are decrypted and stored on the servers on the provider, which can then be hacked. Use apps like Whatsapp that use ETE encryption for added security.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, there are many ways that people can use your information for malicious reasons and cause you a lot of financial and personal stress.
To avoid as many threats as possible, be sure to follow our seven ways of improving your online privacy and security. Steps such as using a VPN, and keeping your social media accounts private, will go a long way to keeping you protected.
