Online Privacy: Tips to Keep Your Personal Data Safe
In today’s digital era, protecting our online privacy is more important than ever. Every time we use an app, browse the internet, or share content on social media, we leave digital footprints that can be collected, analysed, and in some cases, misused. That is why it is of the utmost importance to do our bit and take some simple actions in order to protect ourselves.
Create secure passwords
Avoid using the same password for all your accounts and guessable information such as birthdays, parts of your name, surname, etc. Additionally, make sure it’s long, complex, and unique. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols (like !, @, or #). A good practice is to use a passphrase – a combination of random words or a sentence that’s hard to guess but easy for you to remember.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi
Normally some places like airports or train stations provide free public WIFI which can be very helpful. Nevertheless, it is not recommended to use these public WIFI as they are the perfect hunting ground for cybercriminals. Sometimes these WIFI do not have enough security firewalls which makes your personal data so vulnerable.
Do not share personal data on social media
Sometimes we do not realise who can access our social media, that is why it is crucial to pay attention to what kind of information we are posting. Avoiding emails, phone numbers, our address, location or legal documents can keep us safe.
At its core, the DIRECT project is about empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world responsibly. Taking simple steps to protect your online privacy is an important part of digital responsibility and a key step toward creating a safer, more ethical digital future for all.
