The internet is one of the most significant inventions of our time. It allows us to communicate and access information with just a few mouse clicks. However, the connected nature of the internet has given rise to identity theft. Whether you use it for work or personal purposes, you should follow some steps to protect your privacy.
#1) Block Cookies
First, change your web browser’s settings so that it doesn’t store cookies. Countless websites track visitors’ behavior by placing cookies in their web browser. While typically harmless, these temporary files still provide websites with your personal information. You can easily block cookies by accessing your web browser’s settings.
#2) Visit HTTPS Websites
Pay attention to your web browser’s address bar when using the internet and only visit websites with the HTTPS prefix. According to Wired, more than half of all web pages use HTTPS. Unlike HTTP, web pages that use HTTPS are encrypted, thus protecting against man-in-the-middle (MITM) cyber threats.
#3) Use a Privacy-Friendly Search Engine
Google might be the most popular search engine, but you should consider using a different search engine to protect your privacy. DuckDuckGo, for instance, touts itself as being a privacy-friendly search engine. Rather than displaying personalized results based on users’ behavior, it displays the same results to all users.
#4) Create Strong Passwords for Online Accounts
When creating online accounts, use a strong and unique password. You don’t have to necessarily use random numbers and letters. Although this is an option, another idea is to create a passphrase consisting of multiple random words. Just remember to create a unique, complex password for each of your online accounts.
#5) Avoid Public Wi-Fi
If possible, avoid accessing the internet over public Wi-Fi. Whether it’s a coffee shop, hotel or college campus, public Wi-Fi leaves your data vulnerable to prying eyes. Ideally, you should use a secure, private Wi-Fi. And if you’re going to use public Wi-Fi, tunnel your connection through a Virtual Private Server (VPS).
Identity theft isn’t something that most people think about on a regular basis. It’s not until a person’s identity is stolen that he or she realizes its impact. So, follow the five privacy tips listed here to protect your identity from theft.
