8 simple steps to safeguard your data
Dry topic, we know, but it becomes more interesting when you realize that over 467M data records were exposed worldwide from 2020 to 2022. The 10 largest breaches during the first half of 2023 have impacted more than 100 million individuals. (And you’re probably one of them. Sorry!)
You probably already know that your data is everywhere, so we have some quick and dirty tips to help you stay safe online.
1. Delete old accounts
The more accounts you have with different websites, forums, games, etc, the higher the chance that one of these accounts could be involved in a data breach.
But the problem gets worse–even minor data breaches can have a major impact if you reuse passwords (and more than 65% of people do). A data leak from an old login could reveal credentials of other, more recent–and more important–accounts.
The solution? Delete or deactivate them to minimize your digital footprint. You can use Yorba’s Account Deletion Directory to get informative guidance and direct account deletion links. Easy a pie. Or, to do it much easier and see all accounts you have associated with your email, log into Yorba, and get rid of the accounts you don’t need from there.
2. Reconsider how social you want to be
Social media platforms collect vast amounts of your data, which is often used for targeted advertising and algorithmic decisions aiming to impact your life, and some of your favorites (like X) are often the most egregious. They might track your locations, which can reveal sensitive information about your daily routines and habits. And a cherry on top: personal information shared on social media can be used for identity theft. That’s not the kind of gift you want to wake up to on Christmas morning. Consider trimming your socials to minimize your digital presence and safeguard your personal data.
3. Update your privacy settings
Your social media, online accounts, and apps may be oversharing. Review your privacy settings to make sure you're in control of the info you put out there.
How? Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to use Google privacy settings from the Consumer Reports foundation. Not sure how safe it is to accept the Terms of Service? See the red flags at ToS;DR, a transparent and peer-reviewed process to rate and analyze them. Don’t forget to check apps and websites you are logged into with Facebook. You may be surprised how many of them have access to your information.
When considering downloading new apps, check out the permissions they ask for. Some might be necessary but others may be there mostly to collect information that could be used for advertising.
4. Remove yourself from data collection sites
We talked extensively about how data brokers can get your info. Opt out of these sites and regain control over your data. You can also use a free app like Permission Slip to demand the removal of your data.
5. Protect your identity
Strong, unique passwords, two-factor authentication, and a VPN are there to strengthen your security. Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to accounts and you don’t want to reuse them or make them easy to guess. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification and prevents most automated attacks. On top of that, a VPN encrypts internet traffic, and masks your IP address, leaving your browsing history and location untraceable. This greater anonymity allows for greater privacy.
6. Disable cookies
Less tracking, more peace of mind. To minimize online tracking, disable cookies or use privacy-focused browsers. These browsers are designed to protect you from unwanted identification and cross-site tracking, and they may automatically erase browsing and search history and cookies. Want to search privately as well? Check out DuckDuckGo, it doesn't save your search history and blocks any cookies that monitor and track your online activities.
7. Create a spam email address
Use a separate address for online shopping and other activities that require an email. Marketing lists also get stolen in data breaches and you don’t want scammers to have your main email. Happened to be on unwanted mailing lists? Get rid of graymail in a few clicks.
8. Pause before you click
Before you click on any link, think twice. Trustworthiness and data collection should be on your mind. Your choices impact your online privacy.
Now you know! Off you go. Start taking small steps every day to control your online accounts, and the data breaches and hacks will get fewer and fewer (at least for your accounts!)
