In the era of Facebook and Twitter, you may think that privacy is history. But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, Forbes recently ran a story detailing some easy steps you can take to increase your privacy in the Internet age. If you forget to take these steps, then you’ve got no one to blame but yourself if cyber criminals obtain access to your bank information, e-mail messages or other private data.
Password Protection is Key
Forbes recommends that you always password-protect your mobile devices. This way, should you lose your tablet or someone steals your smartphone, the thief won’t be able to effortlessly access your device and the personal data stored on it. Forbes compares password-protecting your devices to locking your home’s front door; it’s just a wise practice.
The Power of Google Alerts
Do you know what people are saying about you online? You might like to. You don’t want any of your secrets sailing around the web. Forbes recommends that you create a Google Alert on your name. That way, whenever anyone types it online, you’ll receive a message alerting you. You can then take a look at what’s being said about you. Consider this an extremely easy way to track your online presence.
Signing Out
Have you ever made the mistake of checking your e-mail on the computer in your public library and forgetting to sign out when you were done? This could be a dangerous mistake as it could give snoops or cyber criminals quick access to your e-mail account. And once thieves have this access, they are able to more easily break into your private data. Whenever you use a public computer – or, for that matter, a private computer – sign out of your accounts. It takes only a few seconds and will save you tons of future hassle.