Are you a frequent internet user that enjoys hopping from one site to the other? Filling out forms so you can join the latest social forums? Have you ever thought about the impact your activities have on your security and privacy? Unsecure websites and internet hackers prey on the gullibility of such internet users. They pick up simple things from you or find ways to lure you into their trap.
While you may brush this off as harmless, you might want to check how third party companies and dark web prowlers use your information when they get a hold of it. It is important to safeguard your identity to avoid dealing with unscrupulous characters online. Do you want to know how you can do this? Here are some of the ways you dish out information and things you can do to stop that.
Don’t be predictable
If you are one of those people who have a one-size fits all password for all accounts, you put yourself at risk of having them hacked. Look at it this way; that password is the only key that provides access to all your personal data. Hackers and creepy people from your past can easily paralyse your online presence when they get your password. Controlling your accounts and family is easily done through impersonation. And while some hackers intrude on your accounts because they want to have fun, some do it to cause mayhem, which can ruin your reputation.
Do not click unfamiliar links
Spam, malware, and other intrusive viruses find their way into your machine or system through a single click. Most victims of online malware attacks say they clicked an unfamiliar email or link. This intrusive software is undetectable, which means that you will only notice that something is amiss when the damage has already been done if you do not have an antivirus.
Deny all cookies
Have you ever visited a website and you get this popup notification saying that the site uses cookies that is saved in your computer to know your preferences? “They only save that for a few days and then delete it,” you say. But do you know how much information they gather from you in those few days? Cookies collect everything from your passwords, identity, and your online trail.
If you visit a website that requires permission to store cookies in your machine, there are two ways to go about this dilemma. You can either opt out of the cookies policy, an option that some websites provide. If the site allows you to turn off all cookies preferences, even the basic ones, please do. If it does not have this option, consider closing the tab or exiting the page.
Stop answering questions correctly
Most people have been culprits of this habit, especially when answering security questions as they set up an account. We agree that answering those questions is good for strengthening your account’s security. However, it is also a quick way of giving out your information to online predators.
One way to stop giving out this data is to set up a pseudo personality that you will use in your online activities. Go all out and craft security questions with wrong answers to carry out your mission effectively. You won’t have to worry in whose hands your personal data will land.
Social sites and online stores are some of the information hotbeds that hackers prowl around. You should be careful not to offer too many details when signing up as a new online user. However, some online businesses such as casinos have managed to keep user’s data from preying eyes. Check out this 888 casino review to find out how most casinos have managed this.
Avoid visiting sites that are unverified or insecure
Website owners have the obligation to secure their users against any security threats. Online sites that use the http protocol are the major security perpetrators. While not all sites that use this protocol are insecure, you’re better of visiting sites that use https protocol, which is more secure.
