Privacy is a big concern in 2023. At this point, most people understand the insane limits that corporations will go to when gathering data on consumers. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been in the headlines for several years because of its data-collecting and sharing practices, and other giants like Google and Microsoft are not far behind.
It is not just corporations that you have to worry about when considering online privacy. Hackers and cybercriminals can also access your information through various strategies and then use that data against you.
Knowing all this, it is easy to be worried about how private your information is when you are online, especially since you rely on the Internet for so much. Here are some tips to help you prioritize security online in 2023.
Rent Phone Numbers For Accounts
There are lots of online accounts out there, and you have to create new accounts to use various services. In many cases, these services will not let you sign up unless you provide a phone number. Maybe you are not a fan of sharing your private mobile number with so many platforms. Fortunately, there is a solution that can help you create these accounts without giving away private data. Renting phone numbers can help you get past the authentication practices of these online services so that you can sign up without sharing a personal number. The less you share your number online, the less likely that information is to fall into the wrong hands.
Download VPN Software
VPN stands for virtual private network. When you surf the web, you connect to servers around the globe. This connection works both ways, exposing your devices and information to additional parties with each click. Limiting this exposure is possible when you use a VPN. This tool hides your IP address from the servers you connect to, preventing phishers and other data collectors from gaining information about you through the Internet connection. With a VPN, you can freely and safely navigate the Internet. It can also help you secure your online conversations.
Stop Re-Using Passwords
One of the biggest causes of data theft is poor passwords. You have probably been frustrated at some point by the increasing specificity of password requirements. Accounts often make you use a certain number of characters, uppercase and lowercase letters, and special characters. This creates a more secure password that cannot be easily guessed, like a birth date or anniversary. Unfortunately, many consumers create just one password and re-use it for many online accounts. Think about the consequences if that one password becomes compromised. Suddenly, your finances, subscription services, social media, and iCloud account could all be openly accessed by another party. Though it may require patience, try to create new passwords for various accounts and keep a record of them all in a safe place.
Engage in Secure Discussion Platforms
Sometimes, people just want to go online to talk with others about their interests. Maybe they are seeking out healthy debates or wanting to learn more about a subject. The conversations you have could be unsecured if you are using the wrong platform. One example of a very secure place for discussions is Usenet. This platform hosts discussion groups on hundreds of thousands of topics. You can discuss anything from recreational activities to pop culture to humanities to computer software, all on an unregulated and secure network that has its own global servers. To get started, find one of the cheap Usenet providers, create an account, download the newsreader, and start searching for your topics of interest.
Limit Private Data Sharing
Social media are platforms where people go to connect with others. Often, this involves creating usernames or sharing personal information like last names, phone numbers, and emails. In many cases, this information is not required to have an account, or you can elect to hide it from others. Sharing your private information on social media can be a dangerous practice. Many people have their personal phone numbers displayed on their Facebook profiles. If you want to prioritize privacy online, then try to limit the number of times you share personal information.
Online Privacy Could Save Your Life
It is easy to take online safety for granted. Most of the time, we cannot see these threats, so we do not think about them in the same way as we think about physical threats. Nonetheless, these risks can be devastating and life-changing. Identity theft can make life very difficult. Financial information being stolen online could result in huge losses to your savings or retirement plans. Sharing too much information about your family and whereabouts on social media could put all of you at risk for various reasons. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and take steps to promote online privacy.
