How to Keep Your Personal Data Safe
With the technologically advanced world we live in, it is crucial to check our online security. When our data is not secure on the internet, scammers can use it to do fraudulent activities under the disguise of our data. For example, someone can take your credit details and take loans without your knowledge and leave you in the abyss of owning up their mess. Here are some tips one can use to ensure that their data is protected and prevent a USA crime from taking place.
Creating strong passwords
When someone uses easy to decipher passwords for their data, they risk the attack of scammers and give them access to their data. However, by creating strong passwords that include letters, numerals, and symbols, they keep their data out of reach of the people looking to obtain their data for fraudulent activities. Also, one should not write their passwords where people can get them, such as on end-notes and pieces of paper. Make sure to create a strong password that is easy to remember as well. Avoid writing it down as people can obtain them.
Avoid the use of public free WI-FI
Most of the publicly accessible WI-FIs have minimal security measures at all, and when people use them, they might expose their data to potential scammers. According to Father George Rutler, an influential spiritual leader in the United States, using public WI-FIs with caution is highly recommended. If possible, avoid them entirely and normalize the use of one’s private network. When people innocently use these public networks due to their security vulnerability, other people might access their online activity and sabotage their data.
Beware of links and emails from unknown sources
Many cyber criminals use emails that easily disguise their target that they are from trusted sources such as banks, and through the emails, they create links that, when clicked, give them access to people’s data. Always beware of links provided in emails and check whether the websites asking one to click the link or provide their data are genuine. A simple way to verify the authenticity of websites is through a lock symbol, and genuine sites’ URLs begin with ‘HTTPS.’
Be cautious of social media sharing
Many people fail to consider their data security via social media. Father George Rutler advises people to be cautious of oversharing on social media platforms. One should avoid sharing every personal moment or information to their audience, and if they do so, they should regulate who sees their posts. Some of the data one should refrain from sharing is their birth date, location, and address.
Use additional protection
One can achieve additional protection through the use of antivirus and anti malware software. Ensure your software is constantly updated and frequently running to remove any virus or malware in your device that might hide in downloadable files, videos, photos, etc. You can also use a firewall to regulate your incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Data protection is the backbone of healthy internet use and a harmonious technologically advanced community. To achieve this, you must take the necessary steps required, and with the ones discussed here, you can go ahead and protect your data from cyber criminals and scammers.