Keeping Your Personal Information Safe Online

March 8, 2018 Off By David
The world is moving increasingly online, with peoples’ social lives and educational spheres gradually shifting from the real world to the virtual. This change has already brought about immeasurable benefits to both personal and business lives, and these are expected to continue in the years to come. However, with such benefits comes increased risk. Despite stories populating the media of catfishing and stolen information, people are not as careful as they should be online. Although it seems like a complicated process, there are some easy tricks you can follow in your everyday life to ensure your information is safe each time you go online. 

Don’t use the same password

There is a huge temptation when setting up multiple accounts on different platforms to use the same password for everything, as it makes it much easier to remember, rather than having a multitude of various other options. Unfortunately, if a hacker finds out your password to one site, this means they automatically have access to all your other accounts, which may contain more sensitive information, such as bank details. Vary your passwords, and write them down in a safe place so that you don’t forget them. This way, hackers can’t follow the breadcrumbs online to find the information they want. 

Be careful about what you sign up to

Many online shopping sites will require you to sign up for their service when you go to buy an item. Though your payment details will usually be safe if you are on a secure site, your email and address can still be given out to third parties, who will then contact you with junk mail and fraudulent emails that go straight into your inbox. Make sure you read through the small print before committing to the online account or manage your preferences in the options before you sign up. 

Game responsibly

Where social media and online shopping can act as a danger, it is truly online gaming that has posed a bigger threat. This is true especially in the case of betting and online casinos, where your information will often be given out to third parties. The best way to get around this is by going on a site such as Unibet to enjoy the same great gaming experience as you would usually, in a more secure setting. 

Don’t include sensitive data in messages

There will be times when you must send sensitive information to someone quickly and easily. You may find it easy to put it all into one email or instant message to send over. However, you should always be wary of doing this as hackers can find these messages easily. Before you send over such information, encrypt it, or do it the old fashion way by ringing them up to tell them. 

Don’t enable location services

Many smartphones will ask you if they can switch on location settings, which mean your device knows where you are as long as you have your phone on you. While this has come in handy for finding missing people, or for tailoring marketing preferences to some prime locations, the likelihood is that you will usually be at home or work, which you may not want to be publicised to everybody else online. 

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