Your data is valuable—don’t give it away! Learn how to safeguard your digital footprint with these essential tips!
In today’s interconnected world, data privacy has become a critical concern for individuals and organizations alike. Every click, every app permission, and every social media post contributes to the vast amount of personal information shared online—often unknowingly.
While basic security measures like strong passwords and two-factor authentication are essential, they are just the first steps in safeguarding your digital life.
This post explores actionable strategies to help you protect your personal information, limit unnecessary data sharing, and stay one step ahead in the fight for data privacy.
FAQs
Q1: Why is data privacy important?
A1: Protecting data privacy helps prevent identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized tracking or profiling by companies or malicious actors.
Q2: How can I improve my data privacy online?
A2: You can enhance data privacy by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, turning off app tracking, managing cookies, limiting geolocation sharing, and being cautious on social media.
Q3: Are cookies a threat to my data privacy?
A3: While some cookies are necessary for website functionality, many track user behavior for advertising purposes. Limiting cookies and clearing browser data regularly can help protect your data privacy.
Q4: Can social media compromise my data privacy?
A4: Yes. Social media platforms collect vast amounts of personal information through posts, clicks, and interactions. Adjusting privacy settings and being mindful of what you share can help safeguard your data privacy.
Strengthen Your Online Security
Data brokers like Mobilewalla are not directly stealing data, but there are plenty of criminals who try to do that every day.
A sound security strategy includes:
- Create a unique strong password for every site and using two-factor authorization for any site containing sensitive information.
- Never click on links in a text, email, or website unless you know exactly where the link is going to take you.
- Don’t reply to emails unless you know the sender. Criminals can “spoof” an email address by making the name appear legitimate.
- Check the actual email address behind the name and look carefully at logos or other content used to make a spam email look legitimate — it’s usually fairly easy to see that it is not.
Take Control Of Your Personal Online Data
Basic security measures may help protect you from criminals, but if you are like most people, you are giving away personal data every day. Here are some tips to limit what you offer.
1. Turn Off Tracking
The MAID number on your mobile device allows it to be tracked across websites. Unless you want personalized ads, there is generally no reason to allow tracking.
On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track.
This will prevent apps from tracking in the future and prompt you to revoke permission for any apps you have allowed to track.
Apple also has its own targeted ad system, which you can disable at Settings > Privacy > Apple Advertising
On an Android device, go to Settings > Privacy > Ads and tap Delete Advertising ID.
Or you can tap Reset Advertising ID to delete past tracking and create a new ID for future tracking
2. Limit Cookies And Delete Browser Data
Cookies are small packets of data that allow a website to identify you. Some cookies are necessary, but most are not.
Many websites offer an option to limit usage to functional cookies
You can set global rules for cookies in your browser and/or use private browsing mode.
It’s a good idea to clear your cookies and other browser data regularly. This option can be found with browser settings, and you will typically be able to choose the type of data and timeframe to delete.
3. Limit Geolocation Data
Your phone goes where you go, so any app that has access to your location is tracking valuable private information.
Some apps — such as a map or compass app — obviously need access to your location. But most apps do not.
You can set location permissions for each app in your phone’s settings.
4. Be Aware That Your Phone May Be Listening
If you use a virtual assistant app like Siri or Google Assistant, your phone has to be listening at all times in order to respond to your questions and commands.
Apple and Google claim that those apps only listen for that purpose, but other apps may also be listening
Review the microphone settings for all your apps. If you are really concerned, turn off your voice-activated assistant.
5. Do Not Respond To Online Quizzes Or Other Online Questions
They may seem like fun, but the purpose is to obtain personal information that may be used to target you.
6. Be Careful With Social Media
Your social media posts and the posts you click are a prime source of information for advertisers and other profilers. Look at the settings in your social media platform(s) and limit access to your posts and your account. But remember that anything you click can probably be tracked and anything you post can probably be found.
Protecting your data privacy is no longer optional—it’s a necessity in today’s digital age. From securing passwords to managing app permissions and limiting location tracking, every small action contributes to a safer online experience. By staying proactive and informed about potential risks, you can regain control over your personal information and ensure that it stays out of the wrong hands. Remember, safeguarding your data privacy isn’t just about protecting yourself; it’s about preserving trust in the digital world we all share.
For more tips on data security, see FTC Consumer Advice
Contact your tax and financial advisors to determine the best moves for your situation.