Simple Security Suggestions to Protect Your Personal Information
Protecting your private information should always be on your mind when you use technology, but security doesn't have to be a heavy burden that hovers over your every move. It’s advisable to have your private information strongly protected with carefully planned measures, but there are some simple steps to ensure that your privacy is better protected today.
Google Alert Your Name: Online crooks can do more than just damage your credit score, your bank account, and your private folders—they can damage your reputation. By using Google alerts to monitor your name, you can protect your name and your personal brand.
Check Your Settings: Many accounts, such as Facebook, change their privacy settings from time to time, and your settings don’t always default to the most secure ones. Make sure to regularly check that the settings of all accounts that have personal information are set to the most protective measures for your comfort.
Do the Two-Step: Many email, gaming, and social media accounts allow for two-factor authentication procedures by turning your cell phone into a second security measure. This keeps potential hackers from accessing your information, even if they have your account’s password.
Cash Is King: This suggestion is more for people who hate having their purchasing behaviors tracked. When you buy items that you don’t want to be on the public record, then pay with cash. Also, avoid giving your ZIP code and phone number at the register.
Sign Out Before You Head Out: After you finish checking your Facebook or updating your Twitter from an iPad in the Apple Store, make sure you log out. It’s really simple and common sense after using any public device, but you would be surprised how many people fail to log out. Also, make sure you password protect your personal devices to keep your data safe in case your device falls into the wrong hands.
Erase Your Tracks: Clear your browsing data and empty your cache after making purchases and after giving out private information such as your Social Security number. If you’re really worried about having your information stolen, consider downloading an IP masker, using a proxy server, or taking advantage of the Incognito mode in your web browser.
Encrypt Your Data: By using FileVault on a Mac or BitLocker on a PC, you can protect the contents of your hard drive should anyone come into possession of it.
Does your company encourage simple security measures? Do you follow any of these steps? Is there a simple security measure we missed? Tell us in the comments below.
