Data Privacy Day: Stay Cyber Safe

Data Privacy Day is January 28, 2021. It is an international effort to raise awareness and empower individuals to “Own Your Privacy”.

 

If you are like millions of other Americans, you are probably unaware and uninformed about how your personal information is being used, collected, or shared in our digital society. But you do not have to remain in the dark about this.

 

Here are some valuable actions you can take to protect your cyber privacy:

 

Every device, website, and app has its privacy settings. Don’t know where to start or where to find them? The National Cybersecurity Alliance has a web page with direct links to popular devices and online services to get you started. Click here To get started.

 

Use strong passwords, passcodes, or touch ID features. Enable two-factor authentication. These steps are vital if your device is lost or stolen.

 

Apps often store important information about you. If you have apps you no longer use, it is a good habit to delete them from your devices.

 

New updates frequently provide enhanced security software, web browsers, operating systems, and apps. This is your best defense against viruses, malware, and other online threats.

 

Your gaming apps, contact lists, locations, and financial apps have value just like real money. Be thoughtful about who gets what information because apps like to collect it.

 

Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces are not secure, which means anyone could potentially see what you are doing on your device. Some businesses track your movements while you are within reach of their network. You can disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use and avoid logging into important accounts like email and financial services. Instead, use a virtual private network or a personal hotspot.

 

When in doubt about an email or text, throw it out! Never click on links that seem somewhat suspicious, even if you know the sender. Cybercriminals like to use links to try to steal your personal information.

 

Learn more about how to stay safe from the National Cybersecurity Alliance a staysafeonline.org.