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Defending Against Cybercrime: Proactive Online Protection
In the modern digital era, engaging in online activities has become integral to our daily lives. However, it comes with inherent risks, as credit bureau XDS warns. Your personal data is constantly being stored and shared, making it susceptible to exploitation by cybercriminals for malicious purposes like identity theft and financial fraud. A survey by KPMG revealed growing concerns among consumers about data privacy and the extent of data collected by businesses. As such, protecting your online identity is advised and required to ensure a safer and more secure digital life.
Also Read: South Africa Nears Title of Africa’s Cybercrime Capital
Seven Proactive Measures to Protect Yourself Online:
Deactivate or Delete Old Accounts:
Old email or social media accounts you cannot access may still store your financial or personal information. In case of a security breach, cybercriminals can exploit this data. For peace of mind, consider deactivating or deleting any unused accounts by accessing the account settings and opting for deactivation or closure.
Regularly Review Privacy Settings:
Privacy and security settings on various platforms change frequently. For example, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram often introduce new functionalities, which could create new avenues for exploitation. To prevent strangers from accessing your private information, regularly review your privacy settings and make necessary adjustments.
Disable Location Tracking:
While location-based suggestions are convenient, enabling GPS functionality means your whereabouts can be tracked whenever you carry your phone. Be cautious about the apps and services that have access to your location, and enable this feature only when necessary.
Update Software Regularly:
Maintain the most recent versions of your operating system, web browser, and other software. Frequent software updates come with security patches that fix flaws and protect against well-known exploits. Enable automatic updates or manually check for updates to ensure you have the latest security patches.
Know the Companies You Deal With:
Just like offline, only engage with reputable and trustworthy companies online. Before sharing your data, read privacy declarations, use secure platforms, and ensure that the company takes data protection seriously. Look for compliance with industry data protection standards and comprehensive security protocols.
Unsubscribe from Mailing Lists:
You might be subscribed to numerous mailing lists as you interact with various websites and platforms. The accumulation of these lists increases the chances of your data being exposed to criminals. To limit your digital footprint, unsubscribe from mailing lists you are no longer interested in.
Use Two-Factor Authentication:
Many websites and apps now offer two-factor authentication for enhanced security. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step, such as a text message, email, or authenticator app, in addition to your password. Embrace two-factor authentication, and enable facial recognition for added security.
In today’s digitally interconnected world, the internet has become essential to our daily activities. As our personal information is shared with numerous companies, it is crucial to fortify our online identities against cybercriminals. By implementing these seven proactive measures, such as deactivating old accounts, reviewing privacy settings, and embracing two-factor authentication, we can protect our valuable online assets and enjoy a safer and more secure digital life. Just as we secure our physical belongings, let’s take steps to safeguard our digital presence and stay vigilant in the face of cyber threats.
Source: Cybercrime: Proactive measures to protect yourself online
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