How to Protect Your Privacy Online With Simple Tips & Tricks

You probably know that your credit card details shouldn’t fall into the wrong hands. You might also be aware that you should keep your social security and bank account numbers safe from the reach of hijackers/hackers.

However, most people don’t know that there are many other factors which can jeopardize your online privacy, some of which include your phone number, address, e-mail addresses, social profiles, etc.

In order to create a strong shield against online privacy threats, you have to become aware of all the existing threats and their solutions. Learn how to go about protecting your privacy by following the fail-safes below:

Privacy Policy: A Document That Shouldn’t Go Unread

When you provide your information to a website, you agree to their privacy policy. Lots of people never read a website’s privacy policy and readily select the check box that says “I agree to the terms and conditions, and am willing to proceed”.

This means you agree to the policy without even knowing what the ‘terms and conditions’ are. The reality check is that these policies keep on changing time to time, just like last year when the Facebook privacy policy changed silently.

The privacy policy states how user information will be utilized or distributed amongst partner vendors or other (third party) companies/organizations. If the policy states that your info will be shared with these vendors (to send you product or service offers) and you feel that you are not comfortable with that arrangement then don’t provide your info.

Instead, sign up on to another website that offers similar services with a more reasonable privacy policy. After all your privacy is your right and means a lot to you. Losing your information to strangers is not what anybody should be forced into.

Data Encryption Evidence

When it comes to guaranteeing that your information is not hijacked by online attackers, you have to make sure all your info gets encrypted. When the info is encrypted, it can only be read by the person you intend it for (as is in the case of an e-mail recipient).

Many websites utilize SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), to encrypt info or data. You should look for an “https://” in your address bar instead of “http://”, and a lock icon in the bottom right corner of the browser window.

You can evaluate your browser security settings to ensure complete privacy protection. As long as there is data encryption, your information is safe.

Additional Steps to Protect Privacy

Now that you know about the importance of your privacy protection, you need to learn how to protect your privacy online. Here are the steps you need to take to secure your privacy and avoid unwanted outcomes:

Only Choose Credible Companies: Whenever planning to buy a product or service, choose a credible company over an unknown one even if you have to pay higher prices. This will help you protect your privacy.

Use Secondary E-Mail IDs in Online Submissions: Never put your primary e-mail account at risk. Always use a secondary e-mail address to sign up for newsletters and other services. This is a very effective way to protect your privacy and keep spam at bay.

Limit Exposure Of Private Information Whenever Possible: Do not provide credit card or other personal information where it is not a mandatory requirement. This should be kept in mind while going for newsletter sign-ups, safe online shopping and so on. The lesser the info you provide, the safer your privacy.

Devote One Credit Card To Online Purchases: Devoting one particular card to online purchases will help you keep a track of all your online buying activities. In case of a scam, you can quickly find out about the unauthorized charge and take requisite measures.

Protect Your Privacy Now!

As our dependency increases on the cyber world, the threats to our privacy get bigger. Starting from unwanted sales e-mails to unauthorized transactions on credit cards and hacking attempts; we are surrounded by threats to our privacy. So make use of the guidelines provided above and protect your privacy to protect yourself and your property.