Seven Ways to Protect Your Internet Privacy
Everyone knows that our world has become digital. Many of us earn incomes from working on the internet, manage bank accounts and even pay our bills online. People who were once afraid of computers are now discovering how to use them because they are so integral to our lives. Unfortunately, the opportunists are out there ready to snap up unguarded personal information at a moment’s notice. What they do with this information can make a Nightmare on Elm Street seem like a walk in the park. You have to be very careful about the information you leave behind when you’re on the internet.
Here are a few protective measures you can take to protect your privacy online.
1. Teach your children that it is dangerous to put personal information on the internet. Home addresses, phone numbers and social security numbers are some of the very personal information uninformed children my give out that can result in identity theft. It is very important to explain to your children the dangers of giving out information on the web and set boundaries.
2. Anytime a website is visited look to see if there is a privacy policy. The privacy policy will inform you how information is collected and how that information is to be used. It should state that all your private data will be secured and not sold to a third party. If there is no privacy policy then there’s a good chance that any information you submit will be made available to the public. So check for a privacy policy before you enter ANY information.
3. Make your passwords difficult, something it would be hard to guess. Don’t use dictionary words, pet names, children’s names or birth dates. A combination of numbers and letters are best and get into the habit of changing your passwords once a month for additional security.
4. Don’t fill out any forms online that are not secure. Secure forms will clearly state that fact. Unsecured forms will make your information accessible.
5. Keep anti-virus and anti-spyware installed and properly updated on your computer at all times to stop malicious program from collecting and sending private, personal information to a third party.
6. Think before you act and use common sense. An email saying you’ve won a million dollars and all they need is your bank account number to send it to you is not a safe email. Don’t let greed cloud your mind. There are all kinds of scams out here that sound too good to be true, because they are. Any email asking for personal information is suspect. These kinds of letter are called “Phishing” letters. They are fishing for your information. Don’t bite.
7. Cache memory can be helpful to make your browsing faster, but it can be a potential source of information and tracking. You should clear your cache often, including cookies, history and other electronic footprints you may have left behind. This is especially important if you are using a public computer.
As we continue to use the Internet, there will be more online crimes. Keep yourself safe. Investing in IP changer software or using a secure anonymous proxy server is an even better way to keep your information and privacy protected. The criminal element is out there, so stay vigilant.
