Importance of Data Privacy



International data privacy day is celebrated on January 28. This day marks the importance of protecting user's data and the measures that need to be taken to implement data privacy in our day-to-day life.

Personal data can be used to affect our reputations; and it can be used to influence our decisions and shape our behavior.

Some tips to protect user's privacy online


1. Use 2 Factor Authentication 


The first and foremost step is to enable two factor authentication wherever possible. This helps us to protect our account in the case of a data breach or when someone steals our password.

Enable two step authentication for your Google account here.


2. Be conscious of the data you put online


We are one click away from giving all our personal information on social media. The consequences we have to face are unimaginable. It is better that we are aware of the information we are putting online.

3. Use secure sites


We do shopping online and it requires online payment methods like usage of credit/debit card. Check for secure padlock symbol in the URL bar of your browser to ensure a secure transaction.



4. Use multiple passwords


Try to use different passwords for different services. It maybe hard to remember but it pays off in case of a data breach.

5. Use password managers


In case you don't want to remember different passwords, you can use password managers which store all your passwords securely and all you need to remember is one master password.

Popular password managers include LastPass, Dashlane.

6. Use temporary mail


If you don't want to give your original email address for a service, you can use temporary mail services. This way you can explore stuff online without having to give out your information. Popular services include TempMail, GetNada.

7. Avoid torrenting services


Torrenting is easy because you are getting stuff for free but you may never know the dark secrets lurking behind these sites. It is a subjective thing so keep an open mind.

8. Limit access to public Wi-Fi


Public Wi-Fi is good but you may not know if it is genuine or not. There could be a possibility of MOM (Man-On-the-Middle) attack. If you have to use a public Wi-Fi, don't carry out bank transactions.

9. Keep your bank details and personal details safe


Use authorized banking apps for transactions and avoid using third-party apps. For storing personal documents prefer authentic services like DigiLocker (digital storage app by Government of India).



10. Use authentic apps for communication


End-to-end encryption helps users for assured and secure communication. Be skeptical about other social media apps and if you have the time, take a quick look at the privacy policy. WhatsApp, Telegram are some examples of end-to-end encryption.

11. Install applications from reliable sources

Do not install applications from third-party sources and only install from authentic sources like Google Play Store or Apple App Store.



This is my take on digital privacy and data protection. I will update this blog post in case of additional tips.

Sources


Please do check my post on Digital Minimalism for additional information.


Check out my Twitter and LinkedIn profiles


*All images are sourced from Google search. These images are for awareness purpose only. 



Location: Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India

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