It may not always seem obvious, but most of what you do online requires you to share your data. Actions as simple as placing an order, logging into a website, or even just clicking a button, often require you to share some form of information online.
This does not mean sharing data is necessarily a bad thing, but you need to make sure you are being careful as it can leave you more vulnerable to scammers. As well as fraudsters attempting to take your money or your identity, on the lower end of the scale sharing data can leave you drowning in annoying adverts.
Personal data includes things such as your name, birthday, email address, location, photos you share and even your search history and social media activity. Anything that can be used as an identifier of a person.
Data and scams expert Tali Ramsey, from Which?, has said that in order to ensure that your personal and financial information stays private, it is best to start limiting the amount of data you give away. She has revealed the six things she avoids doing online to protect her personal information.
What to avoid doing online to protect your data
Using default browser settings
Whenever you search something online, your chosen browser will collect information about you. It doesn’t matter if it is Google Chrome or Safari. Tali explains: “This information is collected through cookies, which are files about your browsing history and behaviour, such as login details and items you’ve clicked on.
“Cookies can sometimes be useful (remembering your preferences for websites you revisit regularly, for example). However, this data can also be viewed by advertisers (third parties) or hackers if they manage to infiltrate systems.”
In order to limit this, browsers offer an option to block third-party cookies in their settings, where there is also an option to delete your search history. On Google Chrome, simply find the settings option and tap it. Once there find privacy and security, and after that you will find the options to block cookies and delete your history.
Another option is to use a virtual private network (VPN), which will hide your online activity from websites and cyber crooks. However, Tali warns: “Some of these may generate profit by selling your data to advertisers, so check the VPN’s privacy policy to ensure it’s one that doesn’t sell your data.”
Recycling old devices without wiping personal data
It is crucial that when upgrading to a new phone, tablet or laptop, that you delete any existing data from your old device before recycling it. This means if someone finds the device, they won’t be able to tell anything about the previous owner.
However, shocking results from research from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has found that three in ten adults in the UK don’t know how to wipe their personal data from their old device.
Tali explains how this is done: “The fastest way to wipe any data on devices such as phones and laptops is to ‘restore to factory settings’ (first making sure you move across any data you don’t want to lose). This reset will return the device to the state in which you bought it.”
Ignoring software updates
Tali stresses that you should not ignore software or system updates on your devices, as these updates help prevent malicious threats to your data. If this is not done, hackers have more of a chance of being able to exploit any vulnerabilities in your tech’s software.
She advises that you should run the updates as quickly as possible, as the security risks heighten the longer your device is out the update cycle.
Oversharing on social media
“Oversharing on social media accounts – particularly if they aren’t private – can provide a goldmine of data for scammers. Cybercriminals can use this personal information to create more convincing scams specifically targeted at you. This is known as spear-phishing,” explains Tali.
If you are worried about your personal information, it is best to put your social media accounts on private as this will make it harder for scammers to see all of your data. Also be wary about what personal details you do share online, such as where you live or details about family members.
It is also important to be suspicious of any messages from people you don’t know online, as these can lead to scammers being able to take your identity, or money, if you fall for their tricks.
Clicking on random links
Much like how you were taught as a child not to talk to strangers, the same can be said about clicking random links that appear in your text messages or emails. If something does not look right, or you were not expecting a message, then it is best not to click on the link.
Tali said: “Scam messages often include links to malicious websites that will phish for your personal data or download malware to your device. When you enter your personal data – such as your name, email address, home address and phone number – into insecure sites, fraudsters can steal that information and sell it on the dark web. You’ll then be vulnerable to identity fraud.”
Reusing the same passwords
While using the same password for multiple websites may make it easier for you to remember, it can also leave you more vulnerable to attacks.
Tali added: “Hackers use a method called credential stuffing, which is where they gain access (typically through a data breach) to a username and password combination. They then use this combination to try to log in to other websites and accounts using automated software.
“To avoid this happening, it’s important to use a different password for every online account you have.” She advises to not use any personal information in your passwords, such as your pets name, and always opt for a two-factor authentication process if it is available.
This means that you will need to give two forms of identification before you are able to log into a website. This will first be your password, and then either a code sent to your phone number or email address, or the use of a biometric scanner. Password managers are also helpful for keeping track of your different login details.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond.Sign up to our daily newsletter.