With the total integration of the internet and social media within our lives, privacy has become an increasingly reclusive commodity. When we are online so much, how can we maintain a desired and healthy level of privacy? The internet holds a lot of your very personal and valuable details - such as your email address, residential address, age and phone number. Avoid the danger as best you can by taking these 7 simple steps to protect your data online.

1. Don’t fill out your social media

The more information you share online, the easier it’s going to be for someone to get their hands on it. Don’t cooperate. Why do you need to fill out absolutely every detail? It’s not imperative that your Twitter followers know your exact birth date, or that each and every Facebook friend knows your personal mobile number. Protect yourself and your privacy by keeping your social media details sparse.

2. Lock down your hardware

Set up your laptop or desktop computer to have a password upon log-in, and after sleeping or restarting. This also goes for mobile devices, tablets and other electronic devices with personal details such as mp3 players. It’s also a fantastic idea to install one of the many apps that will wipe your data clean if any of your devices are lost or stolen.

3. Turn on private browsing

If you don’t want anyone with physical access to your computer to see where you’re hanging out online you should enable “private browsing,” a setting available in each major web browser. It deletes cookies, temporary Internet files and browsing history after you close the window.

4. Use a password vault

Don’t fall into the trap of using the same password for multiple websites. A password manager will not only remember all your passwords, but will generate super strong and unique passwords and automatically fill them into login fields with the click of a button.

5. Use two factor authentication

You can lock down your Facebook, Google, Dropbox, Apple ID,  Twitter and other accounts with two-factor authentication. That means that when you log in, you’ll also need to enter a special code that the site texts to your phone. Some services require it each time you log in, others require it just when you’re using a new device or web browser.

6. Keep your social network activity private

Check your Facebook, Instagram and other social media accounts to ensure that your social network activity is set to private. Can the public see your phone number? Can they public see your photos? These are all ways that people can steal your details and impersonate you online.

With the constant privacy updates and interface makeovers, it can be difficult for us to keep our social media private. However, if you stick to these 6 helpful tips, your information will be secure. If you’re having more serious worries about your internet privacy, or anything else regarding your computer, contact IT services in Melbourne to help ensure your digital safety. It’s just not worth it.

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