Most of us spend a considerable amount of time online. But whether the time you spend on the internet is for work or personal use, the average person spends around 24 hours a week surfing the web. This is twice as long as the average ten years ago. However, while our internet usage has dramatically increased, our knowledge of online privacy has not.
From data breaches to hackers trying to gain access to your personal data, many risks come from surfing the web, and you must know how to protect yourself. Therefore, here are our five tips on how you can improve your online privacy.
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Check Your Settings On Social Media
Most of the time, we spend online is spent on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. While most people assume that their personal data is safe on these websites, this is only the case if you have secure privacy settings.
Your social media accounts hold a significant amount of information about you, including your location and pictures of you and your loved ones. So, we recommend that you take the time to check your privacy settings regularly and make sure that only people you know and trust can view your profile.
Do Not Share Private Information On Public Spaces
It is essential that all your private information is kept in a secure place, both physically and virtually. Just like you would not leave your bank details lying around in a public space for anyone to find, you should not do this online either.
For example, if you are looking for a safe space to store a password document, then you should avoid sharing platforms such as Google Docs or Dropbox unless you can be sure they are encrypted.
Use Secure Passwords
While it can be tempting to create a simple password that is easy to remember, this leaves you at a higher risk of your online accounts and information being hacked. To make sure your password is strong and secure, we recommend that you use passwords that are 12 characters or more and use different passwords for each account. Never create a password that includes your name or date of birth.
Seek Professional Advice
If you are ever unsure about your online privacy or are concerned that you have suffered a data breach, then you should not hesitate to get in touch with a professional. If your privacy has been violated, you can explore filing a personal injury lawsuit against the individual responsible. A personal injury lawyer can discuss with you your options if you feel your privacy has been violated and what damages you can expect to recover.
Stick To Messaging Apps With End-To-End Encryption
Some messaging apps are more secure than others, and you must be aware of the security settings before you share information on any platform. For example, Whatsapp has end-to-end encryption, which provides any extra layer of protection from spyware and malware. By being on top of your online security settings and always knowing where and how your data is stored, you can improve your online privacy.
If you are interested in even more technology-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
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