Have you ever been in a situation where you're being harassed?! Your personal data; such as name, phone number, date of birth, etc, been assessed by an unknown fellow? Or you received spam messages or threats? You can make sure all that doesn't repeat again by shielding your data, and here is how you can... 👇🏾
First, it is a matter of safety and security. If our data falls into the wrong hands, we could become victims of identity theft or fraud. Our personal information such as phone numbers or credit card details could be used to impersonate us, make unauthorized purchases, take loans, and/or even commit crimes. In addition, hackers could access sensitive information like our medical records or financial details. By safeguarding your data, you reduce the risk of criminals impersonating you.
Another reason to protect our personal data is to maintain our privacy. We have the right to control who has access to our information and how it's used. When we don't take steps to protect our data, we're essentially handing over control of our lives to others. Shielding personal data, from your search history to your private messages, remains just that – private.
Another significant value of shielding personal data is the prevention of targeted advertising and data profiling. Many online platforms and companies collect user data to create personalized profiles and deliver targeted advertisements. While some targeted ads can be useful, an overabundance of them can feel intrusive. Protecting your data can help you maintain control over the information advertisers use to target you.
Tips to shield your personal data
So, here are a few things you can do to ensure you protect your personal data:
Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. A reliable Password Manager can help you create and manage these passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to verify your identity with a second factor, like a code sent to your phone.
Be careful about what information you share online, and be mindful of the privacy settings on your social media accounts.
Use encrypted messaging apps and ensure your connection to websites is secure (look for "https" in the URL). Etc.
There is much more you can do to protect your personal data. It is also important to be aware of the privacy policies of the companies you do business with and to be cautious about who you share your information with.
In conclusion, once your data is out there, it is very difficult to erase it. The best way to protect yourself is to be proactive and take steps to secure your data BEFORE it's compromised.
And remember, even if you take all the necessary precautions, there's no such thing as 100% security.