Control your data steps to improve protection
The data provided online has become an important aspect in the operations of both the users who offer it and the businesses that utilize it to make money. In exchange for using the company’s online services, users supply personal information such as their name, address, location, phone number, and so on. Companies then benefit by selling user data to third parties.
There have been documented cases in which the largest social media corporations, such as Facebook and Google, were actors in the misuse of its users’ personal data, for which they were fined hundreds of millions of euros. Furthermore, huge corporations have occasionally failed to protect user data, resulting in data breaches that harmed individuals and their personal information.
As can be seen, the newly formed method of exchanging data has resulted in numerous examples of data theft, misuse, and improper handling, with the actors being companies or hackers. The user’s privacy is so jeopardized. That is why, in addition to companies following legislation, it is critical that users take care of their data and the steps they will take to protect it as best as possible.
First step: Watch out for privacy policies
At the beginning of using goods and services on the Internet, when registering on the site itself, the user must declare that he complies with the company’s privacy policy. Privacy rules are frequently skimmed over and not read for a variety of reasons, including their length or incomprehensible legal terminology. However, it is in these privacy policies that information such as how the organization processes and gathers the data provided by the user is contained. It comprises the rights requested by the application for the use of the user’s personal data, such as access to the camera, microphone, contacts, location, Wi-Fi network, and a variety of other data. Furthermore, privacy policies outline how the company handles data after it has been collected – which third parties obtain user data after approving the privacy policy and giving personal data to the company. Given that privacy policies define how users’ data will be used, it is critical for users to take the initial step in regulating and safeguarding their data from organizations. It is possible to do so by learning what they are agreeing to.
In order to help users while reading long privacy policies Pro Se has developed a system that scans and analyzes privacy policies using artificial intelligence for the user to be aware of all the elements contained in the privacy policies as well as the way in which data is gathered and used. It provides to consumers a summary version of the privacy policy that can be read in a few minutes and highlights in a straightforward way the essential points that the user should know about what they accept.
Take care of your passwords
Another precaution that consumers should take to secure their data from unwanted attacks by hackers is in the process of registering. It is critical that users use strong passwords and do not reuse passwords across different accounts. By gaining access to the account, the hacker gains access to all personal information that the user has stored there. As a response, while registering, users should follow the directions of IT professionals and construct a password of at least 8 characters, one of which must be a symbol, number, or capital letter. In addition to passwords, two factor authentication is increasingly used for additional protection. This second layer of protection is reflected in the fact that, after typing the password and trying to log in, a message with a code arrives on the phone to confirm that it is the same person. This drastically decreases the risk of hackers misusing sensitive data.
To save passwords for all accounts that users have it is recommended to use password manager tools which helps customers keep the passwords in a safe place and easily remember them.
Surf safely
Following registration, it is critical to be cautious about what data is provided while using the Internet. To protect themselves, users should never share sensitive information. In order to protect users from later misuse, attention should also be given regarding what is published on social networks (reminder: privacy policies dictate who and how can use data). Users should be aware that images, videos, and other posts typically remain in the internet sphere, so they should be cautious about what they publish – something interesting today may damage the user in the future.
Users are also encouraged to surf cautiously in order to secure their data. To begin, it is critical to note that public WI-FI should not be used because hackers can simply access the data of everyone connected to that network. This also means that while using a public Wi-Fi network (such as an airport), users should not be required to fill out any forms that reveal too much personal information.
There are numerous enticements on the Internet that may entice people to provide personal information and become victims of data theft in exchange for a good deal. As a result, it is advised to avoid unverified and unprotected websites. The user can easily check this by looking for a lock next to the site name in the Address bar.
Various tools have made it easier for users to understand where their data is going and to protect themselves against misuse. Companies frequently fail to protect their users’ data, thus consumers must exercise caution and take precautions, such as knowing what they accept in the privacy policy, using strong passwords, using the Internet carefully, and avoiding unverified sources.
