Protect Your Personal Data Online Easily

Even though news about celebrities’ hacked cloud storage - from Jennifer Lawrence to Hillary Clinton - appears regularly, many people think their personal information isn’t valuable to cyber criminals.

The truth is, hackers target anyone’s accounts, from email and social media to online banking and gaming. Without proper protection, you risk identity theft and data breaches. Here’s how to safeguard your information.

1. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) ​

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security:

• Step 1: Your regular username and password.
• Step 2: A code or confirmation that only you can access (SMS, authenticator apps, or hardware tokens).

Example: You log in to your online banking, and a unique SMS code is sent to your phone.

Supported by: Google, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Telegram, and many others.
Tip: Enable 2FA on all accounts. If a service doesn’t support it, consider stopping its use.

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2. Use a Password Manager ​

Strong, unique passwords are essential, but hard to remember. That’s where password managers come in:

• Generate complex passwords automatically.
• Store passwords securely.
• Eliminate the need to memorize multiple passwords.

Popular options:

• 1Password
• LastPass
• Dashlane

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3. Always Use a Secure Connection ​

Secure connections (HTTPS) protect your data when browsing or shopping online:

• Look for the lock icon in the address bar.
• Avoid websites without HTTPS.
• Use browser extensions or VPNs to force secure connections.

Secure connections prevent hackers from intercepting sensitive information like credit card numbers and login details.

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4. Keep Track of App Access ​

Both iOS and Android allow you to control apps’ access to personal data:

• Check app permissions every few months.
• Disable suspicious access requests.
• Limit unnecessary data sharing.

This reduces the risk of malicious apps exploiting your personal information.

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5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Hotspots ​

Public Wi-Fi can be risky:

• Open networks are vulnerable to cyber attacks.
• Even password-protected networks aren’t fully secure.

Use a VPN to encrypt your connection. Example: Opera browser has a built-in VPN for safer browsing.

VPNs redirect your traffic through secure servers, making it almost impossible for hackers to track your online activity.

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The Bottom Line ​

Our lives are now online more than ever, and the global pandemic has accelerated this shift. Protecting your personal information is crucial:

• Use strong, unique passwords and password managers.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Connect only to secure websites and use VPNs.
• Manage app permissions and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks.
• Clear cache and cookies regularly.

Starting with these steps ensures your online safety and reduces the risk of cyber attacks and identity theft.