The Importance of Privacy and Security Online
Did you know that a cyberattack occurs every 39 seconds?
This data by University of Maryland gives us a glimpse of the ever-increasing rate of cyberattacks across the globe today. Also, 79% of Americans are worried about the security of their personal data in 2022.
The alarming concern for online privacy is one of the realities of the world today. The rise in the number of smartphone users accessing the Internet leaves more people vulnerable to cyberattacks than ever before.
Today, we are discovering the convenience that mobile apps bring to every sphere of our life. It is required to share our personal information with these apps.
What happens with our data depends on how secure the application really is. In many instances, the looming threat to data privacy is the price we pay.
There are countless instances where hackers and cyber criminals have accessed the personal information of users for their ulterior motives. Identity theft, fraudulent transactions, hacking of social media accounts and cyberbullying, are just some of the consequences.
Cyber experts across the globe are consistently dedicated to come up with ways to beat the hackers in their game. Here's a look at the significance of online security and privacy, and some ways to ensure you are safe online.
Understanding the Significance of Online Security & Privacy
Online privacy, also referred to as digital privacy or internet privacy, involves the security and privacy of online data. Whether you're consciously aware of it or not, whenever you're online, you end up sharing your data.
From social media platforms to your banking apps and websites, sharing data cannot be avoided. This gives rise to an increased risk of misuse of personal information.
Online privacy is important because none of us would be comfortable with our personal information being accessed by strangers. Even when we browse the Internet, our name, location, age, and online activities are being tracked through cookies.
We understand that the information is only accessible to the websites we interact with, through cookies. However, we can never be completely sure of how the websites use the personal information collected from the users.
The need to ensure online security and privacy paved the way for data protection regulations. These regulations governed the protection of data security and privacy.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was implemented in the EU and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in California. The following are the basic rights the regulations aimed to bring to Internet users.
The regulations ensure fair use of the personal data collected from the users and storage of the data for a limited time period only.
Digital privacy and information security are both essential to ensure a safe browsing experience. While digital privacy is about fair usage of information, information security is about unauthorized access to information.
Tips for Enhanced Information Security and Online Privacy
There are a few measures you may follow for enhanced privacy and security of data online.
1] Use an Antivirus Software
The most basic yet the most effective step towards maximized data privacy and security online is the use of an antivirus software. Choose an antivirus software that is widely used and recommended.
The leading antivirus software developers are working continuously to combat the wrath of viruses and hackers. If you're a frequent smartphone user, get it installed on your phone as well for maximum security.
2] Opt for No Tracking on Your Browser/App
DNT stands for 'Do Not Track' and it's a feature that is available on your browser. When enabled, it prevents the websites from tracking and storing your data.
Similarly, you can stop mobile applications from tracking your data by opting out of app tracking.
3] Trust Only Secure Websites
When you're visiting numerous websites in a single day, the risks of compromise in data privacy and security are high. However, if you take the time to check the security certificate of a website, attacks can be avoided.
It is recommended that you verify the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate of a website before sharing sensitive information. Whether you're making a purchase online or playing your favorite game, always look for the 'lock' symbol and the 'https' in the URL.
Research on the websites that are secure and verified and access the sites that are safe. For instance, if you're an online gaming enthusiast, you should go for safe casino sites like these, you can do your research before depositing any money through using review sites, making it easy to check whether your chosen casino has strong feedback and is reliable. And if you're into investing in bitcoins and other forms of finance management online, you need to be all the more careful.
4] Think Before Clicking on Links
Unsafe links are one of the most common ways hackers access your system. Most of the time, these links are a part of ad campaigns.
If something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is a scam waiting to entice you. When you're not completely sure about a link, never click on it.
There are also scam websites that are designed as a replica of banking websites or ecommerce platforms. Once you enter your data on such a scam portal, your data is stolen and misused.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, your digital privacy and information security depends on your awareness. Banks and organizations are urging you to never share your personal data on unverified websites.
The risk of threats to data privacy and security exist whenever you go online. However, taking a few effective measures at the right time can go a long way in keeping you safe.