How to increase your privacy online

Around 92% of the population uses the internet. Whether for work, staying in touch with friends, or shopping online, it’s a vital component of modern life. Whilst the internet has allowed millions of us to connect, it’s also made us more vulnerable to attack. 

Here are our top tips to help increase your privacy in an increasingly virtual world.

Avoid public Wi-Fi

There’s no denying public Wi-Fi is a great public service. In exchange for some personal data, we can gain access to the World Wide Web at the touch of a button. However, nothing in life is free. 

Public Wi-Fi presents myriad problems, including the potential of having your phone hacked. Because public Wi-Fi uses an open-source HTTP, it’s easier for criminals to access. This makes your device and your accounts vulnerable. 

Be aware of phishing scams

Phishing scams are becoming more prevalent and sophisticated. This means staying aware of unusual emails and text messages is important. Most phishing scams include a link that automatically downloads malware when clicked.

This malware will often enable hackers to gain access to your device. With so many scams emerging, it can be hard to know what is and isn’t real. Checking for grammatical errors and scrutinising sender information often reveals a scam. 

If you think you’ve been a victim of a phishing attack, you need to contact the National Cyber Security Centre as soon as possible. 

Keep devices updated 

Having to install all your device’s software updates might be annoying, but they’re vital for keeping your device secure. You should regularly check for updates and download them as soon as possible when prompted. 

Often when a company is aware of a possible attack or data breach, they’ll roll out a new program. If you don’t get alerts, you should check your settings at least once a month. 

Install a VPN 

You may regularly scroll at home, check your banking app on the train, or order an Uber on a night out. Install a free VPN Chrome to give you peace of mind during daily use. 

VPNs work by hiding your IP address and encrypting your data. This makes it virtually impossible for criminals to access your personal data. 

Limit personal information shared online

Social media is an incredible way to stay up to date with what your friends and family are doing. But with over 57 million users of social media in the UK alone, criminals are able to take advantage of lapses in judgement.

To stay safe online, avoid posting images with personal details visible. This could be anything, from car registration plates, house names or numbers, and even posting your age when it’s your birthday. 

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