The internet has transformed the way we work, shop, and play. It’s more convenient than ever to
network from the comfort of home, order products, and even work remotely.
With all this convenience, however, comes a cost. It’s harder than ever to protect your privacy in
a digitalized world.
Many of the biggest online companies make money off selling your data to advertisers, and
unscrupulous online characters are always on the lookout for security breaches that can give
them access to your private life.
In this article, we’re sharing the best ways to protect your privacy online in this article.
How can I protect my private information online
There are plenty of different options to help you protect your private information.
Most of them boil down to common sense tips; here are some top suggestions:
Limit social media sharing
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great ways to stay connected to
friends. However, there’s such a thing as oversharing.
Keep your profile and posts set to private whenever possible. Avoid sharing sensitive
information such as your address, phone number, or details about your children, especially if
posting publicly.
Go incognito or skip Google
Your browser is tracking all your internet search activity.
Limit this by using private or incognito browser mode or choose a different browser altogether.
Search engines like DuckDuckGo promise privacy in your online searches.
Pare down apps
Most apps track your activity in some ways.
Even inoffensive apps like calculators or flashlight apps can gather information for the
manufacturer.
Limit the number of organizations with access to your phone by keeping apps to a minimum.
Only install what you need, and limit their access to the rest of your phone if possible.
Stay vigilant against phishing attacks
Email scams
Phishing—email scams in which hackers send infected links to get access to your device—is a
common way for bad actors to access your private information. Protect against these scams by
verifying senders and never clicking on suspicious links, even if they seem to come from
someone you trust.
Opt-out of ad personalization
Most search engines collect your data and present ads tailored to you to make your ads
personalized. Opt-out of ad personalization to avoid this data gathering—you can find it in most
browsers’ settings or privacy sections.
Use encryption when possible
When your messages aren’t encrypted, others can read the contents.
To avoid this, use an encrypted messaging service such as Signal, or use iMessage, which also
offers encryption—but only when texting other Apple users.
Is privacy possible in the digital age?
While it’s impossible to completely maintain online privacy, there are ways to limit others’ access
to your personal information significantly.
Below is a further look at some ways technology impacts our privacy.
How has digital technology changed privacy?
The basic definition of privacy has remained the same in the digital age: making sure your
personal information only goes to people you want it to. However, digital technology has made
this primary goal much more challenging.
Most people have decided that living with less privacy is a fair trade-off for the conveniences of
the internet.
Those who choose to stay vigilant about protecting their privacy have more obstacles as they
seek to achieve this goal.
What does privacy mean in the digital age?
Your privacy in the digital age should prioritize limiting who has access to your sensitive
information. Two entities to avoid are big corporations and unscrupulous online users.
Large online companies benefit from selling your data, whether browsers, email providers, or
social media platforms.
Bad actors can use your sensitive information to lock you out of your systems, extort money, or
steal your identity.
Privacy in the digital age is an ever-changing definition. If you do your part to limit the companies
you share information with and understand their privacy policies, you stand a better chance of
reducing your exposure.
Is digital privacy a right or a privilege?
The question of rights and privileges in the digital privacy square is contentious.
Some maintain that if you use a service, they have the right to use the information you gave
them as they see fit. Others argue that if you don’t consent to their usage, it violates your rights.
While there’s no easy answer, it’s essential to understand that if you value your privacy in today’s
legal climate, the burden is on you to safeguard it.
What are digital privacy rights?
Your legal digital privacy rights cover a few different areas.
Under federal law, you’re protected against deceptive data gathering practices. For example, a
company is legally liable if they give you their stated privacy policy but then violate it.
Certain digital communications are also protected under law from tampering. Internet fraud and
scamming are also illegal, and the 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act requires
parental consent for material marketed to children under 13.
When it comes to digital privacy, you’re responsible for protecting the information that matters to
you.
Stay vigilant by limiting your sharing and usage, staying informed about privacy policies and
common hacking tactics, and knowing your rights as an online user.
If you have questions about how your company can help employees maintain privacy, contact
Expedient Technology Solutions today.