Are you struggling to attain privacy in the digital age? Well, as we try to become tech-savvy, attaining privacy seems to be far from achieving.
A simple Ransomware has the capability of effectively bricking your computer. Until you pay the required ransom, you might not be able to use your computer.
In other words, a data-stealing Trojan will sneak into your computer and steal all your secure login details. How does having an antivirus on your phone assist you when it comes to ensuring total privacy while browsing?
Statistics point out that today we are spending about two hours on the social media platforms. How does this expose our personal data and what can we do about it to ensure we are safe from internet fraud?
Do you know that in the US alone, over 140 million consumers were victims of cybercrime in the year 2017 alone? Yes! That’s how serious cybercrime and cyberbullying has become in the digital age. Where does this leave you as a web user?
In this article, we shall discuss some of the things you and I can do to minimize the risk we are exposed to in today’s digital world. Is there anything we can do to protect ourselves and ensure we are protected from this risk?
Keep reading to gain insights on how to attain privacy in the digital age.
- Ensure you are Using a Strong Password
As old-fashioned as this might sound, it is a top approach you need to think about to protect yourself online. Do you have a Passcode on your home computer, tablets, Smartphone and all the digital devices you are using?
Consider that it is possible to lose the device either as a result of burglary, accidental loss or just the device falling into the wrong hands. These are potential cases where your personal data is at risk exposing you to cybercrime and other forms of online fraud.
Therefore, consider having a strong Passcode on your devices and protect the Passcode as much as you can. In addition, make sure that the Passcode is changed immediately in case it is revealed to someone else.
Tools like password managers are also resourceful when it comes to protecting your online passwords. Make sure you have got a two-factor authentication method activated whenever you are browsing a website that supports it.
- Have you Installed an updated Antivirus?
I have just explained how easy a Ransomware and a data-stealing Trojan can be harmful if either of these infects your device. A report by The Economic Times shows that in 2018 there has been an advancement of different Ransomware attacks.
These attacks are the hand-delivered, and the targeted Ransomware attacks that have helped the cybercriminals earn millions of dollars. Each day, the cybercriminals are crafting new and advanced ways to beat the security measures in place.
So what should you do to counter these attempts by cyber criminals trying to attack your computer? The simple answer is that you have to ensure you have an up-to-date antivirus on your computer and every device you use online.
Essentially, the antivirus will block the attempts by the cybercriminals wherever they try to attack your devices. There are different security companies offering modern updated antivirus software tailor-made for use on your devices.
Ensure that you install an antivirus software that is compatible with your device and one that updates automatically. Avoid using trial versions and in case you have a trial version of an antivirus, ensure you upgrade to the premium protection package.
- Is your browser Secure?
Your browser is the gateway to the digital world. How secure is the browser you are using to read emails and make payments?
If you aren’t keen, there is a huge possibility that you are leaving a trail of personal information as you use that browser. Websites and marketers are capable of tracking you and so can a hacker who is spying on what you are up to while browsing.
Ensure you are keeping the browsing habits as private as you can. To begin with, check out how you can block / delete the cookies on your web browser.
- Encrypt Your Email and Be Careful While Opening the Emails
If your business transmits sensitive information like Banking information or security details among others, you need email encryption tools. Email encryption is also resourceful when trying to attain privacy in the digital age.
Email encryption ensures only the authorized recipient or sender has access to the contents or information being transmitted. Therefore, even a hacker or unauthorized recipient will not be able to encode the contents of the email that is sent.
Email links and attachments are a common approach used by cybercriminals to distribute Ransomware to the targeted recipients. Fraudsters are sending emails with some useful information posing as reputable companies and stealing your information.
Whenever you receive emails even from colleagues, ensure you scan the attachments before downloading them. In case you detect fishy emails, delete the email immediately and don’t attempt to click on the attachments.
- Ensure the Website You Are Browsing Has Privacy Indicators?
Before you input sensitive information such as your phone number, the residence address or credit card information and any other personal details, make sure the website is secure. Websites that don’t have the security indicators might be a pathway used by fraudsters to collect your personal information.
According to the Northeastern University in Boston, the “Https://” and a closed padlock are good indicators of a secure website. Check out to see if the website you are keying the personal information has these security indicators.
Unsuspecting web users have ended up sharing their details with the fraudsters simply because they fail to check for the security indicators. Don’t be a victim, ensure you double check to see that the website is secured.
Double-clicking the closed padlock just beside the URL of the website you are browsing will show you the company name. This also indicates the encryption details showing the website is secure.
Key Takeaways
Privacy in the digital era is more of a personal responsibility. If you fail to observe the above essentials, you risk sharing your information with fraudsters.
The consequences are very clear as when your information falls into the wrong hands, you can lose very essential information. Victims of cyber criminals have also reported losing millions of dollars as I explained above.
Don’t be A victim, Take Charge now!
