Online Safety Tips Every Woman Must Know
Between January 1, 2017 and March 20, 2018, nearly 2 billion records containing personal data was comprised. In a world where there are more than 4 billion internet users, it is important for women to keep themselves safe in person and online. Here are several online safety tips that women must know to protect themselves, their family, and their personal information.
Take Your Passwords Seriously
Your password can be your best weapon to keep intruders and cybercriminals from your personal information. It should be something that is taken care of, maintained, and well thought out. As you develop your password, keep the following things in mind:
• Make the password long and complex. Avoid using full names and important dates.
• If possible, create an entire phrase.
• Use a different password for each online account. This is particularly important for any type of online banking accounts you may have.
• Never leave your passwords out in the open or keep a file on your desktop labeled “passwords.”
Pay Attention to the Website
Before you make any type of purchase online, open your online banking account, etc., you must ensure the website is safe and secure. Hackers can create identical websites, fooling unsuspecting victims and accessing personal information that is given directly to them. Before you submit any type of personal information, look at the “http” in the URL address. All secure sites will have an “s” following the “http” — proving the website is secure. You can also look for a padlock in the menu bar as well, another sure sign the website is protected.
Don’t Post Everything
Sometimes we make it too easy for hackers, intruders, or other criminals to learn about us. This is because we post much personal information on our social media profiles. Criminals can piece together information from our posts to determine our daily schedules such as when we are at work or traveling, the layout of our home, our children and their personal information, and more.
Read the Privacy Policies
You may be giving others access to your personal information on your computer, smartphone, or another tech gadget by accepting a privacy policy without reading it. In 2014, the Pew Research Center conducted a survey asking respondents what a privacy policy was. Unfortunately, the results showed that half of the American respondents did not know. Privacy policies do not ensure that your data is safe. These policies explain what type of information the company collects, what it uses it for, how it is stored, and if the information is shared in any way.
Manage Privacy Settings Well
Spend time learning the privacy settings on your tech devices, apps, social media channels, and more. By enabling and utilizing these settings, you have more control over your personal information and who can access it. Go back and revisit these settings frequently as new updates are regularly made.
Being safe is more than just being aware of your surroundings. It is being mindful of all your actions both in person and online. Keep the above tips in mind the next time you enter the digital world.
