Every time you browse the internet, download an app, shop online or post on social media, you leave behind pieces of personal information. While going completely offline is unrealistic, there are simple steps you can take to reduce how much of your data is exposed and make it harder for strangers, scammers and cybercriminals to access your accounts.
Highlights
- Use strong and unique passwords for important accounts.
- Turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Review app permissions and remove unnecessary access.
- Be careful with public Wi-Fi and suspicious links.
- Limit the personal information you share online.
Main Story
Start With Strong Passwords
One of the easiest ways to improve your online privacy is to stop reusing the same password across multiple accounts.
If one website suffers a data breach and your password is exposed, criminals may try the same login details on your email, social media or financial accounts.
Use a different, strong password for every important account. A reputable password manager can also help you create and securely store unique passwords without having to memorise all of them.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
A password alone may not be enough to protect an account.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another security layer by requiring an additional verification step when someone tries to sign in.
Where available, activate 2FA on your email, social media, banking, cloud storage and other sensitive accounts.
Check What Your Apps Can Access
Apps often request access to information on your phone, including your location, contacts, camera, microphone and photos.
That access may be necessary for some features, but not every app needs everything it requests.
Regularly review your privacy settings and revoke permissions that an app no longer needs. Also delete apps you no longer use.
Think Before You Click
Phishing scams often rely on urgency.
You might receive a message claiming that your account has been compromised, you’ve won something or you need to make an immediate payment.
Instead of clicking the attached link, open the organisation’s official website or app yourself and check whether there is actually a problem.
Be especially cautious with unexpected links sent through email, SMS and social media.
Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi can be convenient when you’re at a café, airport, hotel or shopping centre, but you should avoid carrying out highly sensitive activities on networks you don’t trust.
If you need to access an important account while using public Wi-Fi, make sure your connection is secure and avoid entering sensitive information on suspicious websites.
Keeping your phone and apps updated also helps protect against known security weaknesses.
Share Less Personal Information
Not everything belongs on the internet.
Your full date of birth, home address, phone number, travel plans and other personal details can potentially be used by scammers or criminals to target you.
Before posting, ask yourself whether the information could be useful to someone trying to impersonate you or gain access to your accounts.
This is particularly important on social media, where information posted publicly can spread far beyond your intended audience.
Review Your Privacy Settings
Social media platforms, browsers and online services regularly update their privacy controls.
Take some time to check who can see your posts, who can contact you and what information companies are collecting.
You should also review accounts you created years ago. If you no longer use a service, consider deleting the account rather than leaving your personal information sitting there indefinitely.
Protect Your Email Account
Your email account deserves special attention because it can be used to reset passwords for many of your other accounts.
Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication.
Check your account’s recovery options and make sure they are still accurate. If someone gains control of your email, they may be able to take over several other accounts connected to it.
Your online privacy is not something you protect once and forget it is a habit built through the small choices you make every day.
