How to Protect Your Data and Privacy Online

If you want to learn how to protect your data and privacy online, this article is a must-read. Find out everything you need to know about online data security and privacy, and importantly, how to protect yourself online.

There’s no doubt, online data privacy and security are now a concern for all internet users. According to statistics, 74% of internet users are now more concerned about their online privacy than they have ever been before. The recent spate of data breaches is enough to send shivers down your spine. There are data brokers to avoid, hackers, governments, and other parties on the hunt for your data. 

With danger lurking in the digital space, every internet user should take charge of their data protection and privacy. But, unfortunately, statistics from a 2020 global survey show that 79% of internet users feel they have lost control over their data - this is not far from the truth.

How to Protect Your Data and Privacy on the Internet

The good news is that you can stay on top of all data security and privacy concerns. Below are some of the crucial tips to help you out.

1. Use Secure Sites Only

The first step in ensuring your data security and privacy remain intact is by visiting secure websites only. Unfortunately, many times, our data is exposed when we visit unsecured websites or click links with malicious scripts. In 2020, Google identified over 1,960,000 websites with malicious scripts used for phishing. 

Considering the risk of visiting unsecured websites, you must always make sure the website you browse has an SSL certificate. An SSL certificate is proof of the site’s authenticity. It also means the site encrypts data. Secured websites have a padlock icon just before the link on a web page. An unlocked padlock means the site is not secure, so you are vulnerable.

2. Go for Anti Detect Browsers

Anonymity is something important when it comes to online security and privacy. But, unfortunately, there have not been many solutions to address the problem. VPNs, proxies, and antivirus go a long way, but they don’t guarantee anonymity and safe browsing. Fortunately, we have a modern solution - antidetect browsers, otherwise known as anti fingerprinting browsers.

One of the best antidetect browsers on the market is GoLogin, a solution designed for safe browsing and multi-accounting. The browser spoofs all your browser fingerprint, talk of the processor class, platform, time zone, color depth, screen resolution, plugins, fonts, and so on. With all this data masked, there’s no way a website or hacker will be able to track you or steal your identity.

3. Use Strong Passwords and 2FA

One of the avenues hackers explore when stealing your data is the password. 

To protect yourself from frauds and other cybercriminals, make sure to set a strong password. Avoid the common passwords as statistics show that 59% of internet surfers use their name or birthdate in the passwords they set. The best password should have characters, symbols, and numerical numbers. A long password is the best. Studies show that it takes 62 trillion times longer to crack a 12-character password than a 6-character password.

Use a password even when it’s optional, and keep changing it regularly. Importantly, avoid sharing it with anyone, and opt for better ways of remembering the password off head instead of using sticky notes. Also, don’t forget to turn off the password saving feature in your browser. Lastly, consider using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) as it adds an extra layer of security.

4. Use a VPN

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been quite a solution to many online users concerned with their privacy. According to recent statistics, over a third of internet users have used a VPN. For starters, VPNs are online security tools that allow users to take charge of their online security and privacy. They change the IP address of the device you are using by routing your internet connection through a private server.

Since VPNs secure your internet connection, you can remain anonymous, and all the data you send and receive is encrypted. Besides, VPNs can help users access geo-blocked content and engage in P2P sharing without worrying about bandwidth throttling. What’s more? The best VPNs have a strict no-logging policy, so none of your information is collected or stored.

5. Use Secure WiFi

Another essential tip to help you stay safe online is using secure WiFis. According to cybersecurity experts, identity theft thrives on public WiFis. As you may be aware, most of the data sent and received via public networks is unencrypted and unsecured. That said, public WiFi users remain vulnerable to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, packet sniffing, and session hijacking.

To stay safe online, avoid public WiFis, especially the unsecured. For your home or office WiFi, it’s also important to secure them and change the password regularly if you suspect someone is using it.

6. Install Antivirus Software

At all times, your device, be it a PC or a mobile phone should have an active antivirus installed. Even though viruses are not common today, like they were a decade ago, you should avoid them at all costs. According to AV-Test Institute, there are over 970 million malware right now. That said, internet users must have an antivirus. 

As the name suggests, antivirus software, also known as antimalware, will help you keep viruses at bay and detect malware such as spyware, which hackers use to track your activity. They also detect and alert you in case your device has ransomware, worms, and trojans. On the market, you will find both free and paid antiviruses.

7. Update All Software

Another way to keep your data secure and private is by installing the latest software updates. It could be the operating system, browser, or antivirus. As time goes by, developers add new security features to device software.

Upgrading to the latest software gives you cover against data breaches courtesy of the latest technology and innovation in cybersecurity. To make things easier for you, automate software updates.

8. Back-Up Data

You should also consider backing up your data just in case you lose your files. Many are times our data is compromised. It could be that you or someone else deleted the data accidentally, physical device damage, and formatting errors. Viruses and ransomware attacks also lead to data loss.

Backing up your data gives you enough cover even when the worst happens. There are several ways to backup your data. For example, you could opt for Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems, external hard drives, or cloud storage which is increasingly becoming popular.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, folks, tips on how to protect your data and privacy on the internet. With the rise in data breach cases, every internet user needs to take charge of their online security and privacy. So, if you think you are a victim of identity theft or any other cybercrime, implement the above tips to keep your data safe.