Proactive Steps for Living Safely in the Digital Age
These days your personal data is everywhere, and that information is valuable to marketers, hackers, and everyone in between. If you want to prevent the unauthorized use of your personal information, you need to take a proactive approach to protecting your data and your identity.
You can no longer afford to be blasé about your data security – if you are not taking proactive measures to prevent the use of your personal information, you are opening yourself up to all kinds of problems. Here are some tips you can use to protect yourself and your data in this age of data breaches.
Check Your Privacy Settings on Social Media
There is an old saying in the tech world – if the service is free, you are the product. Nowhere is this more true than in the world of social media. Avoid the Facebook may be getting all the headlines, but other social media companies operate in the same manner, selling your personal data to advertisers and serving up targeted marketing messages.
While there is nothing inherently evil in targeted advertising, it can become obtrusive when bad actors get involved. If you want to protect your data from the next Cambridge Analytica, you can start by adjusting your privacy settings. Controlling the type of data that is shared, and who it is shared with, can go a long way toward protecting your privacy.
Designate an Online Shopping Card
Shopping online is convenient, but it is important to stay safe. With so much credit card data being stolen, it has never been more important to be proactive about protecting yourself and your money.
You can start by designating a single card for all your online shopping. Use that credit card whenever you shop online, then check your statements carefully for signs of fraud and unauthorized use.
Avoid Saving Your Credit Card Data at Shopping Sites
It may be convenient to save your payment information, but it is also risky. Avoid the temptation to save your credit card information and instead take the time to enter it each time you shop.
This proactive measure will protect you in two ways. First, it will prevent your credit card information from being revealed in the next data breach. Secondly, it can also reduce the impulse purchases that might otherwise wreck your budget.
If your shopping site has a data breach, or your device gets stolen or hacked, your credit card details would be compromised.
Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links
You may be browsing a site, and you see a suspicious link. It’s best to ignore it rather than clicking on it. You may never know if it’s a virus or malware. When browsing through your social media networking sites, the same thing applies. Additionally, if you receive suspicious messages or comments on your social media, do not click the link. This is especially to be ignored when they are sent by people you don’t know.
You may also be in various types of WhatsApp groups that share lots of information every day,
They could be luring you to a virus that can access your device or crash your system.
Use a Virus Protection Software
Anti-virus software helps to safeguard your device and all your personal information. Most of them work in the background to ward off intruders and bugs. You may have to pay for software like this. Don’t worry, the costs are typically not super expensive. Plus, it gives you the security and peace of mind you need to safely navigate through the Digital Age.
Final Thoughts
Be sure to guard your personal details when browsing online. There are criminals online who can be ruthless when they get a hold of your private data. Don’t shy away from investing in the best tools and programs for maximum security.
We are a bookkeeping agency that puts your confidentiality first. We use tools that help to keep your information secure, and we do not share any kind of personal information we receive from our clients with third parties. If you need any assistance with maintaining your books, connect with us. Visit our website or give us a call at (877) 454-2249.