10 Tips For Protecting Your Digital Privacy In South Africa

You can ensure online privacy protection from unauthorized efforts by other parties to obtain your content and safeguard your anonymity from people you do not want to share your details with by setting a few straightforward modifications to your gadgets and profiles. It’s simple to start. Here is a checklist of the quick and easy changes you may make to safeguard your online identity and personal data in South Africa or any other part of the world from cyber threats.

1. The privacy settings on social media

You may even be shocked by the amount of data regarding you that is, by definition, available to everyone on the Web if you use social media accounts. Because of this, we urge you to verify your privacy controls: It’s entirely on you to choose whatever information you want to give to friends, total strangers, or simply yourself.

2. Make secure passwords

Avoid using phrases or figures that a hacker may readily decipher, such as your birthdate, when choosing a password and saving data. Select mixtures of symbols, numerals, and characters in lowercase and capital, and switch them up sometimes. Additionally, using the identical password on several websites is not recommended; a secure password application can assist you in keeping track of your passwords.

3. Secure your data

The encryption process isn’t only for techies; with today’s technologies, anybody can encrypt emails as well as other types of information. Previously, geeks and statisticians were the only ones who dabbled in encryption. However, a deal has altered in the past decade. Notably, several freely accessible programs have simplified the process of encryption (and decoding) email and data.

4. Keep current with software updates

Typically privacy breaches are not the result of recently found flaws. On PCs that haven’t downloaded the remedy, they instead exploit security flaws that have previously been resolved. Unfixed vulnerabilities were one of the leading causes of Windows computers’ vulnerability to assaults, according to Bitdefender research. Setting your os to download automatic updates is the very first step. 

5. Your primary email address & mobile number should remain secret

What are your rewards for providing your cell phone number and contact address? There are dozens of automated calls and tons of junk in your device’s inbox. Don’t post this information on social media with random users, even though you can’t help providing it with internet platforms and retailers. Additionally, consider setting up an individual, disposable email account and, if practical, a unique phone number only for these situations.

To utilize your extra SIM card when shopping online and in other circumstances that demand exposing your information to others, set up an additional personal email.

6. Take care when using free WiFi

Someone can always go right with a bit of internet shopping. Most free public Area network connections have minimal security safeguards in place, making it simple for other network users to view your data. Before pulling out your bank card, you must wait till you’re alone or connected to a safe, password-protected connection.

7. Utilize a reliable VPN to browse the web

Your internet browsers, such as Safari, Chrome, or Mozilla, may also gather information about your online activity. Start by thinking about closing your browser. Employ a few add-ons after that to enhance cybersecurity.

Using a reliable, Fast, security VPN such as VeePN may encrypt your surfing data and prevent hackers from reading it. When you have to access public Wi-Fi, such as in a cafe or airline, you must use a VPN. (Keep in mind that utilizing unprotected or open Wi-Fi networks has several risks.) Additionally, you can use incognito or private mode, although it’s less safe than you may believe.

Your (ISP) still keeps a record of everything you search for online, and webpages can gather extensive data about your machine, including your IP address. Use free VPN for Mozilla and save your data from intruders.

8. Take care of your data

Backup of your information is a good idea all the time; therefore, do it frequently. Additionally, avoid saving images of private papers and data (such as credit reports) online, on your computer, or in one drive.

Old computers can reveal a lot of info. However, you can keep your private information safe by wiping the hard disks clean before throwing them away. Make the hard discs on older computers inaccessible. After storing information and moving the contents to another location, you should sterilize the disc by burning it, washing it mechanically, or wiping it clear using programs.

9. Verify the website’s security

Check the top of the screen before putting any personal information there. The website is safe if the padlock icon is present and the Address starts with “HTTPS.” A site security policy, contact details, or a “certified secure” badge are a few other indicators that the website is reliable.

10. Take steps to prevent identity theft

Interested in giving a criminal access to your authenticity? Or else, defend yourself from identity fraud by adequately disposing of critical documentation, turning on SMS notifications for activity on your checking account, and taking other crucial precautions.

Summing up 

In the end, privacy and confidentiality are intertwined. Therefore you should develop the practice of defending both. After you complete these steps—which could feel like a time-consuming, excruciating headache—all that would be left is to develop your judgment and nurture online ethical practices.