Peyton LeDrew
MCO 425: Digital Media Literacy I Quinlyn ShaughnessyWhy You Should Be Mindful of Your Online Privacy and Security
The digital world has never been larger, and when every website asks for cookies, every app is syphoning your data, and cyber criminals are adapting, protecting your personal information online is more important than ever. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and if you're not careful, your data could be exposed to hackers, advertisers, and even government surveillance. Here’s why you should take your online privacy seriously and how you can stay safe.
How your information is stolen
- Data Breaches: Large companies are targets for security breaches where millions of user accounts are breached and leaked. If you reuse the same password for everything you log into, a hacker could access your emails, bank accounts, or social media.
- Phishing Attacks: Scammers will trick their victims into giving away personal details by sending fake emails and text messages pretending to be anything from employers, official organizations, or even old friends. And with the rise of AI, more and more people are being fooled by robo calls who can respond just like a normal person.
- Social Media Tracking: Platforms like Facebook and TikTok track your behavior and sell your data to advertisers. The algorithm trains off your behavior and interests, which is useful for other companies wondering which products you would most likely purchase.
- Public Wi-Fi Risks: Free Wi-Fi at coffee shops or airports can be a hacker’s playground. Unencrypted connections allow attackers to see everything you send, which can include your login credentials.
How to Protect Yourself Online
- I know you've heard this time and time again, but please use strong, unique passwords for every site. There are plenty of password managers like LastPass or 1Password that can help generate and store complex passwords for you so you don't need to remember all of them.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Even if a hacker gets ahold of your password, they won’t be able to get into your account without your phone or backup code.
- Be Cautious on Social Media: Avoid sharing personal details like your birthday, location, or travel plans. Private details should always remain so.
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and advertisers to track you. (Best VPNs to use).
- And above all else, Don't Click on everything! If an email, text, or ad looks suspicious, don’t click on links or download attachments. When browsing websites, avoid clicking advertisements and large green buttons that say download now. Do not run suspicious programs on your devices. Please tell your mom that apps that clean up phone storage and make them run faster are a scam, and no longer needed since phones come with 128gb storage now!