The Internet offers numerous benefits, but in today’s era, cybercriminals are constantly finding ways to exploit vulnerable and steal personal information. Scammers are all over the internet to take advantage of you and come up with new ways to steal from you.

By Rinki Sharma

A consumer needs to understand the risk involved and take proactive steps such as:

• Think Beyond Your Profile: It’s not just your posts. Consider what others might tag you in, share about you, or post about you. Privacy isn’t an individual bubble; it’s a shared environment, especially online. Talk to family and friends about online boundaries and respect.
• Metadata Matters: Photos and videos often contain hidden data (metadata) like location, time of capture, and camera details. This can reveal more than you intend. Learn how to remove or minimize metadata before sharing.
• Regularly Review App Permissions: Many apps request access to various data on your phone (contacts, location, camera). Periodically review these permissions and revoke access where it’s not necessary. This can significantly reduce the amount of data being collected about you.
• Be Aware of Data Brokers:  Companies collect and sell personal information. While you can’t completely avoid them, you can limit their access. Opt out of marketing emails, use privacy-focused browsers, etc.
• Share your knowledge, especially with younger and Older people, that online safety is a family affair. Share your knowledge with those who may be more vulnerable to scams or online risks.

Don’ts

• Don’t Assume Deletion is Forever: Deleting something from social media often doesn’t remove it from the platform’s servers. It might also be cached or shared by others. Think of posting as “publishing,” not “renting.”
• Don’t Overshare in Public Forums: Avoid sharing sensitive information (address, phone number, travel plans) in public forums, comment sections, or even on your social media profile if it’s not set to private. These spaces are often indexed by search engines.
• Don’t Trust “Free” Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data. Avoid doing sensitive activities (banking, online shopping) on public Wi-Fi. If you must, use a VPN.
• Don’t Fall for “Too Good to Be True” Offers: If something sounds too good to be true online, it probably is. Be wary of deals, prizes, or messages that seem suspicious. They are often scams designed to steal your information.
• Keep the negativity away and Don’t Engage with Trolls or Haters: Engaging with negative or abusive comments only fuels the fire. It’s often best to ignore them or block the user. “Don’t feed the trolls” is still relevant advice.
• Don’t Rely Solely on Antivirus Software: While important, antivirus software is just one layer of defense. It’s not a substitute for careful online behavior and critical thinking.

Remember, online safety is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Stay Safe Online!