A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that half of all internet users are concerned about their personal information being accessed by other users or companies online. Thankfully, though, there are ways to protect your privacy when using the internet.
#1) Read Privacy Policies
Whether you’re buying a product from an e-commerce site, downloading an app or signing up for a social media account, you should read the platform’s privacy policy. This document details the type of personal information it collects, how that data is used and how to opt out. If you aren’t comfortable with the way in which a website or service uses your data, don’t sign up for an account or otherwise provide them with your personal information.
#2) Create Strong Passwords
Weak passwords are a leading cause of data breaches. If you use the same password on all your online accounts, for example, it leaves your personal information stored on those accounts susceptible to theft. After discovering your password on one account, a hacker could use it to access your other online accounts. To prevent this from happening, use a strong and unique password for each online account.
#3) Keep Browser Updated
Some internet users continuously postpone browser updates. When a new version is released, they simply hit the “update later” button. In doing so, however, they place their personal information at risk for theft. Outdated web browsers are easier for hackers to infiltrate. A hacker may deploy malware on the user’s computer through an outdated web browser, using that malware to log the user’s keystrokes and steal his or her personal information. Keeping your browser and all plugins or add-ons up to date will protect from information from such threats.
#4) Consider a Different Search Engine
Although it’s the most popular and widely used search engine, Google isn’t the best for privacy protein. The Mountain View company is known to collect and store users’ personal information, mainly for targeted advertising purposes. The search engine DuckDuckGo has become a popular alternative because it doesn’t store users’ information.
There’s no fool-proof way to protect your personal information when using the internet. If you enter something online, there’s always a risk that someone will see and use it for nefarious purposes. Nonetheless, these tips can help secure your personal information and protect your privacy.
