The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) estimates that there will be 30.7 billion devices connected to the internet by 2020. As we connect, we share personal information about ourselves online. Knowing how that information is being used, collected and shared has become vital. In an effort to educate and raise awareness, January 28th of every year has been designated Data Privacy Day.
As part of the Stop. Think. Connect campaign, technology users are encouraged to take safety measures, think about the consequences of their actions and connect knowing that they have taken steps to protect themselves when online.
Here are some of their tips regarding online privacy:
Share With Care
- What you post can last a lifetime: Once you share something online it’s almost impossible to take it back. Even if you delete it, it could have been copied or screen captured while it was online.
- Be aware of what’s being shared: When you post a picture or video online, you may also be sharing information about others or personal details about yourself. Ask permission before you tag people in a photo.
- Post only about others as you would like to have them post about you: The Golden Rule applies online just as it does in real life. Avoid engaging in negative behavior. Generate more positivity by highlighting and sharing positive content.
- Own your online presence: It’s OK to limit access to the information you share. Set privacy and security settings to your comfort level. (Not sure where to find your settings? NCSA provides a great website that shows you where to find your privacy settings on your device or online service.)
Personal Information Is Like Money. Value It. Protect It.
- Know what’s being collected, who is collecting it and how it will be used: Information about you, such as what you search for online and where you shop and live, has value – just like money. Think twice if an app wants permission to use personal information it does not need before you say “OK.”
- Secure your devices: Use strong password, passcodes or touch ID features to lock your devices. This can help protect your information if your device is lost or stolen.
- Get savvy about Wi-Fi hotspots: Public wireless networks and hotspots are not secure. Be wary of entering personally identifiable information when using them.
- Now you see me, now you don’t: Some stores and other places can track your movements when your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is on. Turn them off when not in use.
- When in doubt, throw it out: Links in email, tweets, posts, and online advertising are often the way criminals get access to your personal information. If it looks weird, even if you know the source, it is best to delete it.
Maintaining the privacy of your data should be a priority. Visit staysafeonline.org, the Federal Trade Commission or Pennsylvania’s Protecting Yourself Online guide for more tips and information about ways to be safe online.