Busy Bee Recruitment writes:
How to safeguard your privacy
Look at your account settings:
Have a look at your banking, online shopping, social media and other accounts that you regulary use and check the privacy and data policies. If you have left these settings as default then you might be more open than you know.
Have a clear out:
If your internet device is running slow or doesn't have enough memory then you are due for a clear out and an update! Go onto accounts that you haven't used in a while and delete the data or if you are going to use the accounts again then you will need to minimize the information that you have previously inputted. Update apps or software as soon as you are notified about the update.
Know your options:
Are you guilty of looking at reviews or researching products before purchasing? Then you will need to do this - If you are thinking of downloading an app, buying an internet-connected device or signing up for an online account always make sure you are aware of what you are buying and look at the information that you are being asked for and make sure that you are comfortable with handing any information over. Research why certain information needs to be given etc.
Set strong passwords:
Make sure your passwords are only obvious to you and you can remember them. Add symbols, captial letters and numbers! If you find yourself forgetting your passwords then note them down somewhere safe and change your passwords regularly. We are all guilty of saving our passwords in apps and even on google just so we don't have to keep typing them in - try to avoid doing this, once your data is saved then it is no longer yours and makes it easier for cybercriminals to access your information.
Risks to not safeguarding your data
There are a lot of risks that come with data and it's privacy, especially for todays generation who are engrossed in technology and are willing to share everything personal. This is a role that guardians, parents and teachers should be aware of and need to monitor. Cybercriminals operate all hours and in all countries and know how to violate data privacy because they can profit from it. Trendmicro has given us an insight to the types of information that cybercriminals can sell online:
- Mobile phone numbers
- Email addresses and credentials
- Credit card numbers
- Working IP addresses
- Online gaming account username and passwords
- Other personal information
How to keep your data safe:
- Check privacy/data permissions you have given
- Delete saved personal details - passwords or bank account details
- Have a clear out of unused apps
- Regular software updates
- Set stronger passwords
- Delete web search history
- Clear online CACHE and Cookies
- Save personal info into cloud data services