How Can You Protect Your Personal Data?

You only have to read the newspapers or listen to bulletins to know that everyone is vulnerable to data breaches and security issues. It is natural for web and apps users to be concerned about personal data protection. In this guide, well explore steps you can take to stay safe online.

How to protect your personal data online

We tend to hear about high-profile security breaches that impact global corporations, but in reality, we are all at risk. We are spending more time than ever online, and we often hand over information without really thinking about the consequences. Staying safe online should be a priority for all web users. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your personal data:

Use strong passwords

One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your personal data and reduce the risk of security breaches is to use strong passwords to protect networks and devices. Its tempting to choose a name or a date that means something to you, or to opt for a sequence of numbers that is easy to remember, but ideally, you want to select a password that will be impossible to guess. Avoid obvious choices, use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols, and change your password frequently. It is particularly important to choose a new password if you have been notified of a security breach or you are worried that somebody knows your password.

Set up two-step authentication

More and more organizations are using two-step authentication to protect users and prevent data leaks. If you use online banking, or you shop online, you may have been asked to provide login details and a code that has been texted to your phone, for example. This is a form of two-step authentication, which verifies your identity.

Make sure the networks you use are private and secure

It can be tempting to use public networks to save eating into your data allowance, but its wise to tread carefully if youre surfing the web in a public place. Avoid buying products and sharing personal data if youre not connected to a private, secure network. If you do need to pay a bill, for example, while youre out, use your 4G or 5G.

Visit secure sites

One of the most significant advantages of the Internet is that it gives you access to a vast selection of websites. If youre shopping online, for example, you may be able to choose from a wider range of products than a conventional shopping center or mall. While this is beneficial, there are potential dangers. Some sites are not trustworthy. Always check that the websites you visit have a padlock symbol and read reviews before you share personal data, make a payment or place an order.

Update your device and security software

Whether youre using a smartphone, a laptop or a mobile device, its crucial to make sure that you have the latest operating system and security software updates.

Keep an eye out for suspicious messages

The vast majority of smartphone owners and web users will have received text messages or emails that look suspicious. Phishing scams are one of the most common examples of cybercrime. If you know what to look out for, you can protect your personal data and reduce the risk of security issues. Common signs to keep an eye out for include:

• Unknown phone numbers and email addresses
• Spelling mistakes and poor grammar
• Messages that encourage you to click on links or provide personal information
• Inaccurate brand names and logos
• Messages that tell you that youve won a competition, you need to provide details to keep an account active or threatening emails

Its essential to understand that reputable organizations, such as banks or medical practices, will never ask you to provide personal data via an email or a text message. If you suspect that you might have received a phishing email or a text message that is a scam, check with the sender before you click on any links or provide information. Banks, for example, usually have a dedicated page or FAQ section, which provides detailed data about fake numbers and email subjects. You can also contact your bank to ask if the message was genuine. If it wasnt, the organization can then take action.

Adjust privacy and tracking settings

Many of us use our phones, computers and tablets on a daily basis. While some of us may take an interest in privacy settings, its common to browse the web and use apps without paying too much attention to who is tracking us and what happens to our data. You can prioritize personal data protection by adjusting your privacy settings and choosing which apps to allow activity tracking. Make sure your social media accounts are set to private, modify your settings to take greater control over third-party advertising and access to personal data, and choose which apps to allow tracking if you have an Apple device. If you allow apps to track activity, or you use networks like Facebook, which use your data to make money from targeted advertising, its a good idea to learn more about apps like Tapestri, which enables people to monetize their data online.

Avoid oversharing

Many people like to post photos or share news with friends and family on social media. While theres nothing wrong with interacting with followers and using social apps to share updates, its wise to avoid oversharing. Take care to protect information, such as your home address and your bank details or credit card details and make sure your account is private.

Summary

We are spending more time online than ever before. While there are incredible advantages to staying connected, there are also risks, particularly when it comes to personal data protection. If youre using apps or visiting websites, its essential to understand the risks and to take steps to protect your data. Choose strong passwords, use secure networks, visit reputable, trustworthy sites, change your password frequently and check your privacy settings on social media. Adjust activity tracking settings, avoid oversharing on social media and never respond to emails or text messages that look suspicious or unusual.

Monetize Your Online Data With Tapestri
Once you have good data hygiene habits in place online, you can easily monetize your online data. Download the Tapestri app when it is available on iOS and Android. Tapestri lets you make money with your online data by your every day online activities and you do not have to take surveys or answer questions!