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The computer and the Internet have become very important aspects of people’s lives. Nowadays, it will be very difficult to disconnect from the web as it may easily seem like disconnecting from the rest of the world. In several ways, the Internet has made the world a much smaller place. It was able to bridge the gaps made by geographic limitations, making it easier for people to communicate and reconnect with each other wherever in the world they maybe. These technologies have also allowed people to exchange files freely with anyone in the world. Data travels at the speed of light and could get to millions of users at a single time. However, this has also allowed criminals to perform illegal data access. And while information security systems and regulations remain flawed, more people are being put at risk for online privacy issues such as data breach and identity theft. Hence, considering the current gaps in information security, how can we prevent identity theft?

3 Ways on How You Can Protect Your Privacy Online

Much like any other issue, addressing the issues of online privacy starts with awareness. Before you can even practice precautionary measures, it is important that you understand what illegal data breach is.

When talking about data breach, it is crucial to note that the World Wide Web allows seamless access to your personal information is you fail to be careful enough. Culprits have different ways of accessing your personal information online. For example, they may act like representatives from a government agency asking for your social security number. Knowing this, it is important that you understand that frauds can get really resourceful and inventive. They could program computer viruses that will creep through your files stealthily, or they could also make use of specialized skimming devices and phishing tricks. The Internet actually provides a more favorable platform for this type of crimes due to the level of anonymity it offers. Thus, being watchful and attentive are actually the first, most important steps to privacy protection. But aside from that, here are 3 ways to protect yourself from online privacy offenders:

1. ALWAYS Back-up – It is not safe to store all your files in one location only. Once a virus attacks your system, everything in your main storage will get infected. You become highly susceptible to fraudulent attacks when this happens. Also, regardless if you think your email storage is safer, it is always better to keep a back-up somewhere else. Electronic copies are not indestructible. They could get damaged too, or worse, hacked.
   
   
2. Be wary and cautious of your communications – May it be through email, chat or by phone, always stay cautious of people asking information from you. Always remember that representatives of government office won’t just call or email you to ask for your confidential information. For whatever concern, they will usually send you an official letter with official stamps and signatures. You’d have to be extra careful with your online communications. Malwares are often sent as email attachments. Always be skeptical about weird and questionable attachments. You will also want to be cautious of strangers who email you. You would not want to simply give them your social security number just because they tell you won something, which requires identity verification.
   
   
3. User error can also be detrimental – Be wary of your own errors too. Always be attentive of what you send and upload online. Click with caution, as there can be no such thing as an accidentally sent social security number to a stranger who is obviously pretending as an IRS employee.

There are a lot of online security programs out there that can provide you with first line defense against these intrusions. Moreover, it is also important to note, when talking about illegal date breach, that credit monitoring prevent id theft. You can avail of these services all you want, but do know that caution in using the Internet plays a great factor in effective online privacy protection.

Joy Mali is an active blogger who is fond of sharing interesting finance related articles to encourage people to manage and protect their finances. Follow her to know more on the various options for secured credit cards to protect your credit.