Four Tips for Your Digital Health: Data Privacy
In an era where personal information is increasingly digital, safeguarding your privacy online is important and increasingly hard to do.
With every site and app seemingly asking for your information,it's crucial to be proactive about managing your privacy settings. Here are 4 tips to help you check and enhance your privacy settings effectively.
Do A Privacy Health Check
Check the privacy settings across your online accounts and apps. Review the privacy settings on platforms like social media, email, and cloud services to ensure they align with your comfort level and expectations.
Ugh, how do you find them all?
The National Cybersecurity Alliance makes that easy with links to tons of the most used sites and apps.
So many places to go to - who has the time?
Well, check out Permission Slip - an app that makes telling other apps to delete or not share your data easier.
Two-Factor Authentication
Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. Adding an extra layer of security significantly enhances the protection of your accounts, making it harder for bad actors individuals to gain access.
There are several choices out there and NYT Wirecutter reviewed the top choices for 2024.
Browser and Device Privacy Settings
Going Incognito doesn’t protect you as much as you think it does. Each browser has it’s own way to adjust privacy settings. You can configure cookie preferences, block pop-ups, and consider using browser extensions that enhance privacy by blocking trackers. There are even browser plugins for more security.
Ensure your devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) have robust privacy settings. Check location services, app permissions, and data sharing options to maintain control over the information your devices collect.
Beware of Public Wi-Fi
While they are safer than they used to be, nothing is completely safe. Really convenient public wifi options can still pose some dangers.Do you really need to check your bank account over a public wifi? It can probably wait. Avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions on public networks Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.
Remember, privacy is a fundamental right. That doesn’t mean everyone else cares about your digital privacy.