What measures can I take to protect my online privacy?
Protecting your online privacy is of utmost importance. People can easily misuse your personal information for malicious intent, including identity theft and fraud. With this in mind, here are some measures you can take to make sure your private information stays private.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication - Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of security to your online accounts. When you set up MFA, it will require you to provide two pieces of information when logging into your account. A typical setup might require you to enter your username and password, followed by a code sent to your mobile phone. This can help to keep your accounts secure.
Update Your Software - It’s important to regularly update the software running on your computer and mobile devices. Security patches are released regularly to protect against the latest security threats. You can usually configure your computer to download and install these updates automatically.
Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi - Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they are also easily exploitable by hackers or malicious actors. If you need to use a public Wi-Fi network, make sure it is encrypted and employ a VPN so that your data is encrypted and your location is hidden.
Browse Securely - Websites that start with “https” are more secure than those beginning with “http.” The “s” stands for “secure” and means that the website is using encryption technology to keep your data safe. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar to make sure you’re securely connected.
Use Strong Passwords - The most important aspect of protecting your online accounts is making sure you have strong, unique passwords. Make sure that each of your accounts has a different password and that each password is at least 10 characters long and contains a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols.
Block Tracking Software - Some websites employ tracking software that can track your browsing activity across the web. You can install a software such as Privacy Badger to block these websites from tracking you or intrusive advertisements.
By taking these steps, you can go a long way toward protecting your online privacy. Remember, it’s important to be vigilant and stay up to date on the latest security threats.