How to Keep your Online Personal Information Safe
You may be under the impression that your personal information is safe, secure and private. Just how much information about you winds up on the Internet. You would be surprised!
Do a search for yourself on Pipl — People Search Directory, Did the search come up with your name, social media profiles and possibly even your parent’s names, address and telephone number too?
Pipl is NOT a private data base or a secret hacker site. It is a repository of publicly available online data, all of which businesses and advertisers are eager to get a hold of. This type of data mining is completely legal. Most of this information is what YOU put online
If you are worried about identity theft or not fond of the idea that others can track your every move, there are a few things you can do to help keep your online data private
Scams
Be weary of those phone calls web-sites and e-mails that want your personal information. These Scammers are very good at imitating legitimate businesses, be on your guard. They also may use high pressure tactics that can spook you into giving up your information, but do not be fooled. Legitimate businesses will not make unsolicited calls to ask for any personal info. If you received a call or email like this you think might be legitimate, contact the business or company directly using contact information you looked up on the company’s website. If the matter is legitimate they will confirm this and help you resolve the issue while making sure your information stays safe
Digital security and digital privacy
If your computer is infected with a virus or malware, not only can hackers steal your identity, but they can lock up your PC and ask for a ransom to unlock. Always run an anti-virus program, and keep all programs and software up to date. This also applies to your Mobile Devices as well. Our favorite is Windows Defender Security and Antivirus Make sure your operating system is up to date with the latest security patches. We recommend turning on auto-update features. Here is how:
Turn on automatic updates for Windows
MacOS automatically checks for updates by default, but you can check manually with these instructions
Android typically notifies you of updates, but you’ll need to install them manually. Instructions will vary depending on your device and the version of Android you’re currently running
iOS will nag you incessantly about updates, so there’s no chance you’ll miss them. Here is a walk-through of how to update
Password Protection
Is it necessary to password protect your home computer? All your digital devices should be password protected. This includes computers, tablets, smart-phones and anything that may have your personal information stored. The same for online accounts. Use a unique and strong password. See our tips for creating passwords. Turn on two factor authentication for any website that offers this option, This will also help protect your account even if your password is compromised. Those security questions to help you recover a lost password? They are not very secure. We recommend making up fictitious answers and using a password manager. Change the default passwords for your router. This is the most important device to secure because your router could give a hacker complete access to your home network
Secure your Browser
Switch Search Engines
Social Media Sites
Do Others Really Need Your Information
Whenever you are asked to provide personal information, whether in person, on the phone or online, consider whether you really need to give it out. Sometimes information like your email address and ZIP code is used purely for marketing purposes; in that case, expect your real and virtual mailboxes to be packed with junk mail. To maintain your privacy, never give away more information than you have to
This is doubly true of sensitive personal information like your social security number. Even just the last four digits. Unless it’s your bank, a credit bureau, a company that wants to do a background check on you, chances are they don’t really need it
Only use Software or Apps you Trust
Only use Secure Wi-Fi Connections
More Links of Interest
Protecting Your Privacy from USAGov
Learn about protecting your personal information from unwanted use
66 Ways to Protect Your Privacy Right Now — Consumer Reports
Do one, some, or all. Each one will make a difference
8 ways to protect your privacy online — USA Today
With information security there is no such thing as a fail safe solution
Privacy, Identity & Online Security | Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
Not only the key to your financial identity, but also to your online identity. Knowing how to protect your information
How to Keep Your Personal Information Secure | Federal Trade Commission
Protecting your personal information can help reduce your risk of identity theft. There are four main ways to do it
Protect your privacy on the Internet — Microsoft
Is your information at risk on the Internet? Your privacy on the Internet depends on your ability to control…
Download Protecting Your Privacy Online Fact Sheet from Microsoft
This fact sheet provides guidance on how to help protect your personal information in the cloud and includes key considerations around information security and online fraud
Online Safety Information and Tips | Microsoft
Stay sharp on Internet safety — Protect your computer · What is rogue — Help kids stand up to online bullying
State Laws Related to Internet Privacy
Website privacy policies, privacy of online book downloads and reader browsing information, personal information held by Internet service providers
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Originally published at https://rshweb.com.
