With almost anything available on the internet, Data Privacy is a huge deal in this age. Everything that one hopes to keep private is available on the internet and for a smart hacker, it is no big deal to gain access to some very confidential information and misuse it. To spread awareness about the privacy of personal data on the internet, today, that is January 28, is celebrated as Data Privacy Day.
There have been numerous instances where data privacy has been compromised which resulted in life-altering blunders. We need to take data privacy very seriously and understand how to keep our personal and private credentials safe and protected.
So today, on the occasion of the International Data Privacy Day, we bring to you 5 simple ways how to protect your data privacy:
Contents
Backup Your Data
To save your data from being infiltrated in case your device is stolen, make sure you back up all your important files to your computer or a hard drive. The safest platform to back up all your data is to is your cloud, Dropbox or any such accounts. Also, take care that they are password protected.
Malware, Ransomware, and Spam emails
Malware, ransomware and spam emails are some ways through which an infiltrator can easily gain access to your system, be it a laptop, computer or a smartphone. Malware is short for malicious software and it may find its way into your system through anything on the internet – downloaded files, videos, photos, anything.
Spam emails are another way that makes it easy for data burglars to steal your data. Most spam emails contain links that tempt you to click on them, thus leading your systems to catch bugs. To protect data theft from such malware, you are recommended to install anti-virus software in your system.
Update OS, Software and Apps
It is of utmost importance that you update the Operating Systems of your computers and laptops, the software and the apps on your phone as each new update brings in new features that tighten the security on your phone, laptops and other machines. The next time you feel like ignoring an update suggestion, remind yourself what all is at risk here!
If you’re too lazy, there’s always the option of auto-updating your system during the hours when you are asleep.
Safety While Shopping Online
As much as online shopping is convenient, it possesses an equal risk of data breach. When you shop online, there may be a chance that the product you paid for and ordered may never reach you. There are always scamsters waiting for opportunities to rob people. Take care that you don’t divulge crucial information on any e-commerce sites, especially the pin number of your debit/credit card.
Connect Only to Secure Wi-fi
There are a lot of unprotected wi-fi connections everywhere, and any such wi-fi can be a potential threat to your phone or computer. It is necessary that you connect only to a wifi network that you know is safe and secure. Also, if you have a wi-fi connection set up at your office or home, make sure you protect it with a strong password which cannot be decoded easily.
Read more about online data safety here.
Will Data Privacy Day help spread awareness about data breach and infiltration? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section!