From social media profiles to online shopping, your personal information is constantly floating around in cyberspace. Every time you share an update or click ‘buy now,’ you leave behind a trace of your digital identity. However, with just a few mindful changes, you can regain control over your privacy and protect yourself from potential threats.

Be mindful of what you share

The more you share online, the more others can learn about you, so it’s important to weigh up the long-term impact of your posts. Information such as your current location, phone number or holiday plans can easily be used by cybercriminals to target you. Even seemingly harmless details, like your pet’s name or your favourite football team, can provide clues for hackers trying to crack your security.

Before posting anything online, take a moment to think about its potential reach and whether it’s truly necessary. Privacy settings on social media platforms allow you to limit who can see your posts, so adjust these accordingly. It’s a good idea to periodically review your online profiles and remove any outdated or unnecessary information. Make a habit of asking yourself, “Would I be comfortable if this information fell into the wrong hands?” If the answer is no, reconsider sharing it.

Use secure networks for digital privacy

Public Wi-Fi networks, like those in coffee shops or airports, are often insecure, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data. Always try to avoid making purchases or logging into sensitive accounts when connected to one of these.

Instead, opt for a more secure connection whenever possible. If you do need to be on public Wi-Fi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, ensuring that your data is safe from prying eyes. It hides your location and protects your browsing activity, giving you an added layer of security when you’re online. Installing a reliable VPN service is a simple yet effective way to safeguard your information, especially when you’re on the go.

Strengthen your passwords and enable 2FA

One of the easiest ways to protect your online accounts is by using strong, unique passwords. Avoid using simple or repeated words or phrases, as these are vulnerable to attacks. Instead, create passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Password managers can help you keep track of them all, so you don’t have to memorise each one.

Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts adds an extra layer of protection. With 2FA, even if someone were to guess your password, they would still need access to a secondary device (like your phone) to log in. This makes it much harder for attackers to gain unauthorised access to your accounts. Many online platforms, including email providers and social media networks, offer easy-to-enable 2FA options.

Make privacy a priority, and you’ll be better equipped to navigate the digital world securely.