Computers house so much of our personal data that it's essential to set up protective measures in case of cyber attack or mechanical failure. These must-do steps dramatically increase the odds your computer (and your privacy) will remain safe from the latest online criminal activity and let you salvage your most important files if your computer becomes irretrievably infected.
While using the internet for online shopping or banking purpose the two main risk that gets associated, about are someone taking or misusing your personal data and security of online payments. As now a days it is getting very common the news about hackers stealing credit card numbers or bank account numbers and stealing someone’s identity is about as easy as learning how to drive.
So here some tips discussed that will help you to protect yourself and your online data from hackers and scammers.
Beware of free or open Wi-Fi connections.
Open Wi-Fi connections at cafes and hotels are advantage for travelers but it is actually a great opportunity for data and identity thieves. While you get connected with the Internet using unprotected Wi-Fi anyone it gets easy for anyone available on the same network to see your data. The process of spying on Wi-Fi users has been common now but the Firefox extension Firesheep makes it even easier. Firesheep gives you the ability to destroy someone’s electronic privacy if you have got the tech savvy to check sport stats online.
- To avoid such situation start following these things:
- Don’t open Wi-Fi networks altogether.
- Try to avoid harmless activities like reading the news or anything that requires a login, such as email or banking.
- Use email, but make sure to use SSL/TSL.
- If you are a heavy Internet user then try to avoid getting connected to VPN (virtual private network) service because this can transmit from your computer, regardless of the privacy settings of the network you’re on, will be encrypted.
Protect your browser against malware.
There are list of ways that malware authors break your browser and violate your privacy like such scariest is the “drive-by download,” in which malicious code automatically gets installed whenever you visit a compromised website. However, a foolproof defense to these browser exploits like drive-by downloads does exist: sandboxing.
When a browser is sandboxed it can only access the few resources necessary to it. Any other software that tries itself to install such as a virus, will be blocked. The Chrome browser also sandboxes the Flash plugin, to provide extra protection.
For Windows users, the Sandboxes program allows to sandbox anything running on your system, and you need to sandbox both your browser and your Flash installation.
Watch how and what you share online.
To protect your privacy you can a lot by keeping your social networking profiles sealed. Make your Facebook profile to strictest privacy setting and share the details only with the people you know. Never post your confidential details like your address or phone number.
Similarly when you are commenting on someone’s blog or forum use this steps to make sure your digital privacy. Use a separate email account, never use your full name for commenting. For example if your name is Edward Paul you can use an email address like ebjunkmail@mailrpovdier.com with a user name like “EP.” This way if other website use poor security practices and it get hacked then your personal information won’t be revealed and you privacy will remain protected.
Opt out of third-party tracking cookies.
A lot of attention has been paid to third-party tracking cookies and how they can compromise your online privacy. There are two things that you can do right now to protect yourself from online trackers.
First, by setting your browser to cancel all third-party cookies which means only websites you visit will be able to collect data on you; it will minimize the chances of an unscrupulous tracker stealing your personal information via a malicious ad embedded on the websites you visit.
Second, install opt-out cookies, The FTC has mandate that online marketers make opt-out cookies available to protect your privacy. From the World Privacy Forum you can easily get the list of these cookies and where to get them; there are a few dozen you’ll need to install.
Make use of your phone as computer
Your Smartphone attracts privacy snatchers as your device have access to your emails, address book and many other sensitive pieces of data where you rarely induce any privacy controls. If you are using an Android or BlackBerry phone you can add installing an app like Lookout Mobile Security to add phone-based privacy protection. You need to make sure that you couple the anti-malware measure with a phone password in case when your device is stolen or stolen. You always make a habit to read the fine print before installing any new apps. Like the computer’s antivirus your phone security software cannot protect you ignore security warnings or install an app. Make use of these privacy tips for protecting your online data.
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