As the Internet becomes a part of our day-to-day life, and we spend the most time online, we should be aware of how protecting our online presence could cost us. Indeed, the Internet is the greatest innovation for which our generation should be grateful. However, we also have to be aware of the potential dangers that could result from being too vulnerable online.
We must know how dangerous it can be if we don’t take it seriously. In the time of social media and striving to gain fame in the short term, it becomes vital that we know how to protect our valuable identity and online presence.
How To Protect Your Online Presence?
Thinking about what you could do to protect your online presence? And, how can you be safe from scammers who can use your financial info or stalkers who can use your online identity anonymously? Well, your concern about promoting your online presence is appreciable.
So here are some simple but effective tips that can help you use the Internet without having to worry about your online presence.
1. Be mindful of the websites you are visiting.
As most websites are meant to use cookies and collect information about user activities, you should be very careful with which websites you visit and give access to your information. You should double-check the websites before letting them know your identity and sharing your personal information. Make sure you use safe, secure, and protected websites with the required encryption. By not opening up too much about your identity on such sites, you avoid being an easy target for scammers or stalkers.
2. Have a strong password to secure your profile or account.
You never know how advanced the hackers can be. They can easily get your password if you don’t take it seriously. No matter which website or account you use, you should be using strong and not easily predictable passwords.
According to the research from ExpressVPN, more than 40 percent of Americans experienced online harassment and cyberstalking in the last year. It’s the most common thing but most people ignore this and they make their identity and account vulnerable to scammers, and hackers. So, always have passwords that are not just long but also mixed with symbols, characters, and numbers.
3. Always use the trusted website for any transaction online.
You may fall into the trap of a website offering heavy discounts and feel tempted to make a purchase, ignoring whether the website is legitimate. That’s where you can reveal not just your identity but also your financial information. Now, as your online identity and bank details are revealed, thanks to your ignorance of safety parameters, you let the scammers play their best trick on you.
4. Make sure to install antivirus software that is safer and trusted.
Like most computer users, you might think you need no antivirus in your system or mobile. That’s because you look at the antivirus software as either useless or you see it just as the cost. This is completely wrong, if you are doing online activity or even surfing online, having trusted antivirus software is a must. Having advanced and safe antivirus software keeps your system and activity secured against any data threats.
5. Educate yourself about the online scams that could happen.
Because most people have no idea how valuable their information is and how that can be misused by scammers or stalkers, they take it lightly. If you think that you haven’t experienced anything online so far, that doesn’t mean that won’t happen in the future, too. You might feel confident about sharing your personal information online. But you should be aware of potential threats and what could happen if someone has very, very personal details.
6. Safeguard your internet or wireless router with a password.
It’s important to protect your wifi network or router with a strong password. Anyone with a weak password or no password can use your network. They not only misuse your net but also steal your information and keep track of your online activities. By using your information or online identity, hackers may do shady things and you won’t know about it. So always keep your wireless router protected with a password.
Sharing your daily activities in the name of social media trends and vlogging is common these days. This might look normal, but this is the direct way you open up not just yourself but your entire lifestyle to strangers, scammers, and stalkers online. To get more likes and engagement on your posts, most people don’t mind oversharing everything. Having everything about you easily available online, it’s easier for others to steal your identity and use it however they like.
Also read: Trending AI Tools To Operate Your Business
Final Thoughts
The internet might be helpful in many ways. But there’s also a dark side to it, and we should be very careful with how we use it. Whether you’re on social media or just surfing online, you can become an easy target for scammers, stalkers, and hackers if you’re not careful enough.
With these helpful tips, you can protect your online presence and identity against scams and their shady activities. So be mindful of your online activities and have a safe surfing the net.
