Protecting Personal Information Online

Any data that can be linked back to a specific individual, either on its own or when combined with other information, qualifies as personal information.

By Goodness Orji

WHAT IS PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Personal information refers to any data that can be used to identify an individual, either directly or indirectly.

This includes information such as:

Name, Address, Phone number, Identification numbers (e.g., Social Security Number, driver’s license),

Financial information (e.g., bank account or credit card details),

Login credentials (e.g., username and password), Date of birth, Health records,

Employment history, Biometric data (e.g., fingerprints, facial recognition data), etc

Any data that can be linked back to a specific individual, either on its own or when combined with other information, qualifies as personal information.

Protecting Personal Information Online

WHY SHOULD PERSONAL INFORMATION BE PROTECTED?

1 Peter 5:8 KJV
[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
https://bible.com/bible/1/1pe.5.8.KJV 

Personal information should be protected to prevent identity theft, fraud, and unauthorized access to sensitive data.

When this information falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to financial loss, privacy violations, and even damage to your reputation.

HOW TO PROTECT PERSONAL INFORMATION ONLINE

• Use complex and unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

This adds an extra layer of security, requiring not just a password but also a secondary confirmation.

2) Regularly check and update the privacy settings on your social media accounts and online services to control who can see your information.

Also, be cautious of the personal information you share online. Only provide what is necessary and avoid oversharing on public platforms.

3) Always use passwords, PINs, or biometric locks (like fingerprint or facial recognition) to secure your devices. Protect it physically too, do not leave your devices unattended to.

4) Ensure that your operating system, apps, and antivirus software are regularly updated to protect against vulnerabilities.

5) Cookies track your online activity. Always review cookie settings on websites and only allow necessary ones. Opt out of cookies that track your behaviour across different websites.

6) Many apps and websites collect your personal data through their terms and conditions.

Take time to understand what data they collect, how it is used, and if it is shared with third parties.

7) Be cautious with emails, texts, or messages that ask for personal information.

Hover over links to see their actual destination before clicking.

Familiarize yourself with common phishing tactics too and train yourself to recognize suspicious messages.

8) Once in a while, monitor your digital footprint by searching your name online to see what information about you is publicly available.

This can help you identify any unwanted exposure.

9) Avoid sharing personal information or logging into sensitive accounts while connected to public Wi-Fi networks. If you must, use a secure VPN.

10) Read again from No.1

Protecting Personal Information Online

Did you find these tips valuable?

If yes, leave a comment and do not forget to share this with friends,

so they can take proactive steps to protect their personal information online.

Also Read: From Silence to Success: The Importance of Discernment. – Diademng (thediademng.org)

Protecting Personal Information Online

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