Technology has become an integral part of our lives. We can do so much online, from ordering food and making payments to consulting with doctors and reconnecting with old friends on social media. However, with the convenience of technology comes the risk of losing our privacy. In fact, a survey found that 86% of internet users are concerned about their digital privacy.
Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your valuable information online:
1. Use a virtual private network (VPN) A VPN is a secure tunnel between your device and the internet that encrypts your online activity and hides your IP address from your internet service provider (ISP). This means that your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing online, and hackers won’t be able to track your activity.
2. Choose a strong password Your password is the first line of defense for your online accounts. A strong password should be a mix of letters, numbers, symbols, and capital letters. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like “password” or “abc123.” It’s also a good idea to change your passwords regularly.
3. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it can also be risky. Hackers can easily access the network and steal your personal information. To protect yourself, make sure to use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
4. Use anti-virus protection software Hackers often use malicious software to access, steal, or delete important information from your computer. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to have anti-virus protection software installed on your computer. This small investment can save you from a lot of headaches in the long run.
5. Turn off location data Most devices have location data enabled by default, which can reveal your physical location. To protect your privacy, consider turning off the location data on all of your internet-enabled devices. This will prevent organizations, governments, and hackers from tracking your location without your consent.
By following these simple steps, you can take control of your digital privacy and protect yourself from potential threats.