Protect Your Privacy in a Growing Internet of Me

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Data about you can be used in a variety of ways, sometimes in ways that you wouldn't expect or even approve. That's why it is important to understand the value of your personal information and how to manage it when possible.

When you use your fun connected tech devices, you are continuously generating information about yourself and others. This abundance of data can be stolen by bad actors or used against you.

How to Manage Your Privacy in a Growing Internet of Me

How to Manage Your Privacy in a Growing Internet of Me:

  1. Personal information is like money. Value it. Protect it. Be thoughtful about how your personal information is collected through apps and websites. This information can often be found in a company’s privacy policy.
  2. Own your online presence. Set the privacy and security settings on at least one service and/or device to your comfort level for information sharing.
  3. Lock down your login. Choose one account online and turn on the strongest authentication settings available, such as biometrics, security keys, or a unique one-time code through an app on your mobile device. A password alone is not enough to protect key accounts like email, banking, and social media.
  4. Protect the privacy of others. Consider the privacy implications of purchasing smart devices and Internet connected gadgets as gifts for the holidays. The non-profit Mozilla Foundation (publisher of the Firefox web browser) publishes Privacy Not Included, a comprehensive digital privacy guide for consumer devices.

Infographics courtesy of the National Cyber Security Alliance. Visit staysafeonline.org or @Staysafeonline on Twitter for more information about how to protect yourself online.