What To Know About Personal Data Security

In today’s digital world, data security is of utter importance. Issues of data breaching, attacks, and other cybercrimes are on the rise. Reports show that data breaches have risen to 68% in the past year alone. This is why you must find strategic ways of securing your personal information whenever you go online. Your personal data can be any data that can easily be used to identify you. This includes your credit card information, bank account details, social security number, and other sensitive details. If such information falls in the wrong hands, you risk being exposed to the dark sides of the internet. Therefore, online security should be a part of your priorities. here’s what every man should know about personal data security

Use Strong Passwords

Cyber attackers can easily access your information by using various tools and skills. Weak or obvious passwords make the task of breaking in even easier. Therefore, you should consider creating a strong password that will make it harder for your attacker to guess, giving you ample time to respond to any attempts. Be sure to keep your passwords complicated and random. You should also avoid inserting personal information such as pet names, birthdays, or nicknames.

However, this tip goes beyond just using strong passwords. While having a password for all your programs is easier, it’s better to use a different one for each application or program you have. You can get a password manager to help you remember and store your passwords securely. That’s way better than keeping such information in a notebook or phone. You can also use multifactor authentication for situations when you have to log in from a new location. Most modern devices have this feature in their settings. 

Lock Your Devices When They Are Not in Use

Imagine giving someone free access to your personal information just because you don’t lock your devices! Although it may seem unnecessary sometimes, keeping your devices locked can prevent unauthorized persons from accessing your sensitive information. You can simply reconfigure your device’s security settings to have it lock your device when not in use for a period. If you’re unsure of how to do so, you can search for tutorials. Many guides are available to show you how to lock macbook screens and whatever device you store sensitive information on. Once your device is locked, it can only be opened using your preferred unlocking mechanism, such as a PIN, password, fingerprint, or facial identification. 

Be careful of Bluetooth vulnerabilities

Bluetooth devices are very functional and handy. But they can also put your data at risk. There are several ways that hackers can access data through Bluetooth connections. One common practice is bluesnarfing when hackers pair Bluetooth devices without your knowledge to collect information. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to keep your Bluetooth off when you’re not using it. Also, you shouldn’t accept pair requests from devices you’re unaware of. 

Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi

Even though public Wi-Fi is extremely convenient when you’re on the go, you should try your best not to connect to unsecured networks. Apart from not having any network security, some aren’t even real Wi-Fi connections! If you enter a public location and see any “free public Wi-Fi” network pop up on your phone, it might be from a nearby device attempting to connect with devices to steal information. 

Another tip is to be careful where you do your online shopping or banking. It’s best to do those at home where your network is secure, as opposed to a public spot such as a local café. The more you know, the better. If you have to browse in public, connect with authenticated access points or use LTE or 4G on your device.

Be on the lookout for hoaxes

Despite education on identifying impersonators or hoaxes, many people are still being duped or scammed on the internet, even the smartest ones. An easy example would be a virus hoax that looks like a warning about a computer virus. Some tricks are designed to steal most of your personal information and your identity. Avoid giving away your information to unfamiliar sources and sharing your information via email or text. If unsure, call your service provider to clarify and follow any instructions. It’s better to err on the side of caution. You should also be careful about opening email attachments or links, especially if you are unfamiliar with the source. Doing so might expose your device to malware, and your information may be stolen. 

Proper disposal of personal information

Suppose you’re changing devices, whether your phone or laptop, you must check that you don’t have any personal information stored. You can get a wipe utility program to help you overwrite your device’s hard drive and protect your information. You must also clear your messages, notes, card information, voicemail, and other important sources of data before switching to a new device.

Secure your personal information offline

One of the easiest ways to keep all your vital information secure is to keep backups on devices that do not connect to the internet. You must keep devices or documents that keep your data in a secure location, such as a safe or somewhere out of view in your home. If it’s digital data, you can keep it in a separate hard drive, which will keep it offline when not connected to a computer. 

You should also limit how much you carry when you’re out and about. Items like your driver’s license or other forms of identification, along with your credit or debit card, should be enough. You don’t need your social security card with you at all times, unless for a specific reason or your insurance card. 

Keeping your personal information safe and secure is not difficult. But it does require being knowledgeable and abreast with the latest trends to withstand any cyber-attacks. Remember some important things you must do, including using unique passwords, having backups, and locking your unused devices at all times.