You can keep your data safe by implementing these basic privacy tips into your security routine.
Cyber security has been a hot topic for as long as the cyber domain has existed, but it has never been more relevant than it is today. With stories of postal service hacks, the spread of disinformation affecting democracies around the world, and even your garden-variety junk mail, cybersecurity audits and privacy and security apps are now something to be aware of.
What is data manipulation?
Data manipulation is essentially the process of organizing data in a way that makes it easier to interpret. Anytime you organize, arrange, or structure data, you are manipulating the data.
11 expert privacy tips to keep your data safe
Image from stefanini.com
You can keep your data safe by implementing the privacy tips we’ll cover here in your security routine.
- Keep your passwords strong and secure.
You can use a secure password manager for your passwords and choose a complex and different password for each app or website you have an account with. Reusing old passwords is a classic mistake that can lead to a data breach. To stay safe, avoid passwords like “123456” and update your passwords every three months.
If you use a password manager, you don’t even have to remember your passwords, which makes keeping your email secure a little easier.
- Use two-factor authentication
As well as having complex and regularly updated passwords, using two-factor authentication can protect you from hackers even when someone manages to obtain your password. Two-factor authentication can always be enabled, or only when someone tries to access your account from a new device.
- Be careful with social media.
Privacy tools on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media can help you limit who you share your personal information with. You can set your profiles to private and limit what other people can see about you, including personal email addresses, birthdays, location, and more.
The less you share publicly on social media, the less likely someone will use that route to hack your data. You should also be careful when accepting friend requests or following others; Hackers will often impersonate someone you know and then add all of that person’s real friends.
- Think before you click.
Whether you’re sending phishing content via email, text, ads, or websites, take a moment to check if the content looks suspicious. Sent from someone you know? If so, check with them that it’s not a malicious link, and even then, be careful. Anything that asks you to enter your identity information, click on strange links, or download files is suspicious.
- Back up your data
Backing up your data to a secure cloud solution or even an external hard drive stored in your home can at least protect a copy of your data even if someone else manages to get hold of it. This can protect you in the event of a breach.
- Use trusted sources for apps.
Whenever you download an app, make sure you’re using trusted sources. Review privacy policies and permissions for desktop and mobile apps, including any unnecessary data collection. Deleting unused apps is also a good practice.
- Use anti-theft hardware and software for your devices
In case someone steals your phone, or you just leave it on the Ferris wheel, it’s good to be able to lock it so no one can access your data. You can also get software that allows you to erase your data from your phone (or other device) in this case.
- Download updates for those apps.
By updating your apps, you can ensure they include the latest security changes and bug fixes. It usually only takes a few seconds and a half of a decent internet connection to do this.
- Delete accounts you no longer use.
You probably have a lot of random accounts over the years that you no longer access, like old gym membership web accounts or chat forum accounts. They often contain personal information such as addresses, dates of birth, etc. Without regular monitoring of these accounts, you’re unlikely to notice any suspicious activity, so it’s best to just close them.
- Use a VPN on public WiFi.
Public WiFi isn’t secure at all if you don’t need a password to access it. Anyone can create a passwordless hotspot, name it whatever they want, and wait for people to join. Even password-protected WiFi can be used by hackers to steal your data, so when you Google “what is ETL in data” from the park, be careful and use a VPN.
- Install reliable security apps on all your devices
Security apps aren’t just for your computer. You can download security apps on mobile phones and tablets, as well as block spyware and block any websites that contain malware. Email security apps help prevent scams spread through instant messages and images.
Email security is an important aspect of data protection, and email security apps can help you avoid scams spread through instant messages and images. To protect your sensitive information, consider using email security software in addition to the other tips above.
You can also download apps that scan your social media for threats, check the security of WiFi connections, scan online stores for security risks, and lock and wipe your phone if it’s lost or stolen.
- U:sing Monitoring tool
Use the Observability tool because it allows security professionals to monitor network traffic, system logs, and application performance metrics in real time. With a complete view of the system, they can quickly identify anomalies or suspicious activity and take immediate action to prevent potential security breaches.
Furthermore, observability can help organizations detect vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.
Privacy Tips – To wrap up
The privacy tips show that protecting your data includes taking an active role in managing the security and hygiene of your device, whether you’re dealing with traditional banking or something as mundane as an old online gym portal. This includes changing passwords regularly, using a password manager, downloading security apps, deleting old accounts, and using a VPN when necessary.
While it can be tempting to be passive when it comes to data protection, there are a few simple habits you can easily adopt, along with some software, that can protect you from any cyber headaches that may arise. And keeping a backup of all your important data is a good way to ensure that even if you do get hacked, you won’t be left in the lurch.