While the Internet has made it easier to communicate with people around the world, it has also limited our privacy. If you ever search your name, you may be surprised to learn how much of your information is out there. It’s not just hackers that can get a hold of your information. Even third-party companies and advertisers are using this information to learn more about you.
The only difference is that hackers will use your personal information to commit identity theft. Meanwhile, companies will collect information about your online habits that will help them create targeted advertisements. Since you can’t avoid shopping online or using social media, there are some ways to limit your data online.
One way to limit your information is to use the best campground management software when sharing your financial information. The RV park and RV resort management software will help deliver an easy-to-navigate and safe path to booking sites online. Here are some other ways that you can protect your online information from getting in the wrong hands.
Disable Location Services
Turning on your location is something you probably agreed to upon downloading an app. Whether it’s Twitter or Facebook, it’s best to disable your location. Giving these apps permission to use your location can also give other users your whereabouts whenever you write a post or send a message. It’s best to find out who your location can be seen by when you use your apps.
Log Out of Social Media Sites
It’s best to log out of all of your social media sites when you’re no longer using them. Log out of them as soon as you browse to another website. That means you should click “log out” instead of clicking out of the tab. Cookies don’t exist when you log out of websites, but they’re allowed to be used when you’re still logged in. This step is necessary to limit the amount of information that a website may receive about your online activities.
Avoid Using Single Sign-In
Single sign-in is a method you use to sign into an app or an online account with an account you own instead of creating a new account. This means that you can use this account to avoid creating a new account. This new account will access all of the data you share on social media. Avoid using your social media accounts to sign into other apps or online accounts. This will reduce the number of companies who have access to your information.
Change Your Smartphone Settings
Smartphones have settings you can change to limit the amount of information you share. Just go to your settings to limit or opt out of advertisements. While this may not limit the number of ads you see, they’ll be less targeted. If you want to limit the number of ads you see, use ad blocking or ad filtering software. This tool can remove or alter the number of advertisements you see on your mobile app or Web browser.
Avoid Using Your Personal Information
The next thing you should do is limit the amount of information you share on the Internet. Provide as little information as possible when you create an account or sign up for something. If the information is required, the field will display an asterisk next to it. The fields that don’t include an asterisk are optional.
Do a Digital Lookover
Many social media sites offer their own privacy controls. Make sure you make use of them. Check your settings every so often to ensure that your data isn’t being used or your information isn’t being shared to third parties. If you’re not fine with the current settings, change them.
Use Strong and Unique Passwords
All of your online accounts should be password protected. That goes for your mobile apps and online accounts. There is no use in creating a password that someone can guess. That’s why it’s important to create strong and unique passwords. Your password shouldn’t include easy to guess words or personal information.
Your password should contain a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. You should never use the same password for multiple accounts. In the event that you get hacked, that password will allow the hacker to access your other accounts. If you can’t remember your passwords, use a password manager tool to create strong passwords.