How can you protect privacy online?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the most basic rules for protecting your privacy online is to avoid sharing any information you wouldn\u2019t want a stranger to see. Of course, that\u2019s easier said than done. Even if you don\u2019t feel comfortable sharing your kids\u2019 pictures on social media, you might still unwittingly offer details that someone could use to access more private information. (Example: Using information you\u2019ve already publicly shared, like your first car or hometown, as an answer to a security question.) You can always choose not to create any social media accounts or to only interact with people you know in real life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, online banking services and other vendors, such as utility companies, will require you to share private information. Still, there are some simple ways to help make sure this data is protected<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use strong passwords that are hard to guess, along with two-factor authentication, and never reuse your passwords across multiple accounts. While this suggestion seems obvious, many people don\u2019t follow it; 62% of professionals admit to \u201calways\u201d or \u201cmostly\u201d using the same password or a variation, per an official password storage site<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: <\/em>Two-factor authentication, sometimes called 2FA, requires two forms of identification\u2014such as a password entered online plus a code sent to your phone\u2014to gain access to a site or data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, be vigilant when entering any personal information into a company\u2019s website\u2014make sure the site is legitimate first. Scammers will use texts or emails with fake alerts and links that clone login forms and steal your info. If you\u2019re ever in doubt about the legitimacy of a message, you should contact your bank or enter the website directly into your browser rather than clicking on a link. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Having more internet-enabled devices can be a convenience, but it also means more opportunities for your data to be stolen. It\u2019s important to keep track of your smartphone, computer, and tablet and to stay current on software updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve all done it before. You get the update notification on your laptop, but you\u2019re in the middle of working or watching an adorable puppy video, so you click the \u201cTry again later\u201d option. And then you click it again and again\u2014every time the \u201clater\u201d option appears. Updating your devices might be inconvenient, but it\u2019s an important and simple way to make sure they remain protected from potential cyberattacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You should also be careful when using public Wi-Fi, like in a coffee house, as there is a chance that other users on the network could steal your login information. Stay away from sites that contain personal or financial information or use a VPN to connect and keep your browsing activity secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, having access to all of the updated security software in the world can\u2019t stop you from forgetting your phone somewhere. Two-factor authentication won\u2019t help much if the access code is sent directly to a hacker\u2019s pocket. That\u2019s why you always need to keep an eye on your devices when you\u2019re out in public and keep them in a secure location on your person. However, even if your mobile device is lost, a strong lock code can provide a last line of defense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The major cell phone companies are constantly running updates to increase security on their devices. For example, an early 2024 update<\/a> requires a biometric (face or fingerprint) scan to gain access to a phone when it\u2019s away from certain known areas, like home and work. In 2025, biometric authentication<\/a> and broader security features will continue to evolve on smartphones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n The more of your data that\u2019s available on the web, the more ammunition hackers have when trying to access your accounts.<\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n While celebrities and public figures may hire dedicated firms to protect their identities, most of us lack those resources. Still, the average person can take steps to avoid identity theft by practicing proper security measures and regularly checking their accounts for unusual activity. <\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot of the same guidelines to help protect your data and privacy more generally will also help prevent identity theft. Maintaining strong passwords, using two-factor authentication whenever possible, and being careful about what you share on social media can all make you a more challenging target for identity theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can\u2019t completely protect yourself without going off the grid entirely, however, which is why it\u2019s important to regularly monitor your financial accounts for unusual activity. For example, if you see charges to your credit card that you don\u2019t remember making, immediately inform your issuer, consider freezing your card, and change your passwords. Work with your financial institutions\u2014from banks to credit card issuers\u2014to enroll in all options to receive alerts about unusual activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you know more about how to protect your data, you can enjoy the conveniences of our interconnected world without as much worry. Modern online banking systems like Discover also offer many safeguards, including the option to freeze your account if you misplace your card or notice an errant charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/How-to-protect-your-privacy-online-INARTICLE-1-1.jpg\")
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How to protect your identity online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Feel more confident online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n