Do you take caution when it comes to your personal data? With many of us spending more time online than ever before, it pays to do so. Without realising, you might have many websites and apps holding your data, from your name and contact information to your address and financial details. The results of neglecting online safety can range from minor hassle to serious identity and financial fraud.
NFIB data shows that there were 445,357 reports of fraud and cybercrime in the UK in 2021, so it’s not uncommon either. Thankfully, there are several simple steps and practices that you can follow to help protect your data.
Create strong passwords
Do you have the same or similar passwords for multiple accounts, perhaps with obvious phrases? These passwords might be convenient, but they’re also easy for cybercriminals to guess.
Creating strong passwords isn’t as much hassle as you might think, though. You can use a password manager to generate and store random passwords for all your online accounts.
Use a virtual private network (VPN)
VPNs protect you from all sorts of snoopers, from hackers to internet service providers and governments. They do this by changing your IP, encrypting your data and safeguarding your devices.
You can download tailor-made VPNs for most devices and browsers, too. Using the fastest VPN will save you from worrying about hampered performance.
Stay savvy on social media
Social media offers plenty of positives for the 4.62 billion people now using it. But it’s easy to be lured into a false sense of security and overshare.
It’s fairly easy to control who sees your posts on platforms like Instagram. But be careful of what you actually share about your location and other personal details, too.
Act cautious on public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi in shops, cafes and transport hubs might be convenient but it comes with risks attached. After all, public Wi-Fi is just that – public, and easy for others to snoop over.
While basic browsing activity is unlikely to do any harm, take extra caution with things like passwords and payments.
Be suspicious of links and attachments
Phishing scams involve criminals posing as companies to trick you into sharing your personal data. They might do it by email, over social media or over the phone. Whatever the case, look out for spelling errors, suspicious senders and odd requests.
Most banks or utility companies, for example, will never ask for your information in this way.
Browse wisely
Finally, it’s easy to see if a website is classed as secure and can be trusted with personal data. Your browser should display a simple lock symbol – or, failing that, the URL should begin with ‘HTTPS’. It’s especially important to check this when online shopping.
Do you follow these data security tips when browsing online?