Keeping your personal information and data security is imperative, but it can be difficult to do these days because everyone is online and you do so many things on the internet, from shopping and banking to staying in touch with the important people in your life. So, how can you ensure your personal data will remain safe at all times? We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you get started.
First, Figure Out What Data Is Out There
To ensure your personal data is as secure as it can possibly be, the first thing you need to do is figure out if any of it is already out there and easy to find. Will strangers be able to access personal information about you if they do a simple search using your name or other personal details online? One way to find out is by performing a search on yourself. Just go to a search engine and type in your full name to see what information shows up. Then, you can take action to have your information removed from any platforms that are displaying it.
Another place to check for your personal data is Nuwber. Type in your full name, phone number, or address to see what people can learn about you if they have these details. The site will display the data that is gathered from public resources which means that anyone can find it, and not only through Nuwber.
Try Not to Fall for Scams
There are a lot of scams out there, so you need to be diligent when it comes to keeping yourself and your personal data safe and secure. Let’s start with emails because you probably get a lot of emails every day. One of the first things you can do is unsubscribe from any mailing lists that you no longer need to be on. Doing so can help declutter your inbox right away, making it easier to sort through legitimate messages and junk email.
When reading through messages, keep in mind that scammers will make their emails look legitimate. For instance, you might think you’re reading an email from the bank you use even though it’s a scammer impersonating your bank. If you were to click any links in the email, you might end up on a site that’s designed to trick you into sharing valuable info about yourself. So, before you click on any links in any emails, check the email address closely to determine if it’s legitimate, and hover over links with your mouse to see where they would take you if you followed them.
Use Two-Step Authentication
When you have the option to turn on two-step authentication, it’s a great idea to go for it. Sure, it might be a bit of a hassle to have to move through an extra step when you need to sign in, but many times, you can set it up so your device will be recognized, so you’ll only need to do it once.
With two-factor authentication in place, it will be harder for hackers to get into your accounts even if they manage to figure out your passwords. That’s because you’d receive a special code by email or text message that would verify it’s you trying to log in. Makes sense, right? This is one of the simplest ways to immediately make your accounts, and the personal data within them, more secure.
Be Smart and Be Cautious
Be aware of the risks of having your personal data stolen so you can make sure that data will remain secure. Today, there are many methods and tools you can use to keep yourself safe.
