We live in the computer age, and there is no getting around that fact. It does not matter whether you want to or not, and you have to learn how to function in the digital and virtual world. And one of the most important aspects of having a digital life is digital privacy. This post is not just for the elderly but primarily for them. Anyone who struggles with understanding how to protect themselves from cyber threats will benefit from the guidelines of this digital privacy 101.
What is Digital Privacy?
Digital privacy is your right to determine which details about yourself you want to share and which data you want to keep safe. For example, every time you sign in to a new website, you have the right to determine what information the website can have from you and whether the website can share it.
For example, if you log in to a social media site and ask you for details such as your address or relationship status, you can reserve the right not to provide those data. And if you decide to provide information, you can have the option of not letting the site share it with others.
Your Digital Privacy is Susceptible to Invasion
So, if you have the right to make a website NOT share your personal information, why do you need to learn to protect yourself digitally? First, you need to know how to safeguard your digital privacy because it is susceptible to invasion if you just let it be. Sometimes, evil internet habits can make you more susceptible to digital privacy invasion. Therefore, it would be best to take active actions to prevent your data from getting into the wrong hands. This post will show you some simple steps that will help safeguard your data.
Signs that Your Digital Privacy Has Been Compromised
One significant sign that your digital privacy has been compromised is seeing tons of popup ads about items you may think of buying. Popup ads are promotional content that has nothing to do with the website. A famous example is Facebook. You may notice hundreds of promotional product banners popping (hence the name popup).
You may be shocked to find that the product in the ads is something you are interested in. You might wonder how Facebook could have known which product to promote to you. This example shows that the website has somehow gotten the personal information about the products you want, even if you didn’t share such information.
How to Strengthen Digital Privacy Defenses
Strengthening the defenses of your privacy in the digital world does not require a severe geek IQ. Even if you are not a “techy” person, you can take the following simple steps to strengthen your digital privacy walls.
Download Security Updates as They Come Up
Security updates on any system seem to come up at the most inconvenient times. But even so, you have to download and install these updates.
The companies that publish these updates do so as threats of cyber attacks evolve. Given enough time, hackers or viruses can find holes in the existing security programs you have installed. The updates can also rectify bugs or mistakes in the previous versions of the security programs. These programs need new updates as they become more susceptible to attacks. Any device that you have is not immune to cyber-attacks. Windows devices, in particular, are susceptible to security breaches when their security programs are not up to date.
Downloading the updates to these programs as they come helps ensure that your security walls are as tough as ever. This simple act can prevent security breaches such as stolen data, software damage, or identity theft.
Update Your Passwords Regularly
Updating your passwords regularly is an excellent way to keep your digital privacy protected.
Some of the good reasons why you should change your passwords now and then include:
- It Prevents constant hacker access. If a hacker got into any of your accounts (social media, bank, etc.), changing your password kicks them out of the system again. It prevents frequent access.
- Protection from device-saved passwords. Some device asks if you want them to save your passwords for you, and you might opt to agree. But if you change devices, you might forget to delete your saved passwords on the old device. Changing your password regularly helps prevent anyone from gaining access to your data through old devices.
- Finally, it limits the possibility of a keystroke logger hack. Keystroke loggers use a surveillance system to record your typing pattern for log-in credentials such as passwords. Changing your passwords regularly helps stop the access of keystroke loggers into your accounts.
While we’re on the topic of passwords, you should remember to keep your passwords to each website unique from each other. If you use the same password for all of your accounts, you can assume that all of them will get hacked if one gets hacked. Likewise, your social media passwords should be different from your bank passwords.
Beware of Hackers and Scams
If an urgent popup ad appears on your screen and goads you to click on it to solve some problem or to get an incredible prize, that is very likely a scam. So NEVER, NEVER, NEVER click on any popup you don’t recognize.
Don’t provide it if you receive an email from a familiar entity or institution, like your bank, asking for personal information (social security number, bank account number, etc.); don’t provide it. Of course, you can check the institution’s official site to see if the email address is correct. But it’s always best not to provide such sensitive information through the internet.
“I Still Can’t Understand These Techie Terms, and I Need Help.”
It is understandable if you don’t fully understand the technical terms mentioned in this post. However, it is best to seek help from those who understand the situation more plainly than fix the problem yourself.
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