TIPS, AND INSIGHTS TO HELP NAVIGATE THE DIGITAL WORLD SECURELY II - How to Protect Your Personal Data Online

By:?Patrick HOUYOUX, LL.M. ULB, Brussels, Trinity College, Cambridge, UK. President of PT SYDECO

In our previous article (Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Beginners)1?we have learned how understanding the basics of cybersecurity can help protect your personal information, financial assets, and digital identity.

In this article, we'll explore the dangers of oversharing on social media, how to configure privacy settings on different platforms, and how to browse the web safely using VPNs and private search engines.

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A. The Dangers of Oversharing on Social Media

Risks of Oversharing:

1.?????Identity Theft?– Posting personal details such as your full name, date of birth, home address, or phone number can provide cybercriminals with the information needed to impersonate you.

2.?????Location Tracking?– Tagging your location or sharing real-time updates makes it easier for malicious actors to track your movements, increasing risks of stalking or burglary.

3.?????Phishing Attacks?– Hackers often use personal details shared online to craft convincing phishing emails or messages to trick you into revealing sensitive information.

4.?????Professional Consequences?– Employers and recruiters often check social media profiles. Inappropriate posts or controversial opinions can affect job prospects and professional relationships.

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How to Minimize Oversharing:

• Think Before You Post?– Ask yourself if the information you’re sharing is necessary and whether it could be used against you.
• Limit Personal Information?– Avoid sharing details like your home address, vacation plans, or banking information.
• Review Your Friends List?– Only connect with people you know and trust.
• Use Encrypted Messaging Apps?– Communicating via encrypted platforms like Signal or WhatsApp adds an extra layer of security to your conversations.

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B. Privacy Settings: How to Configure Them on Different Platforms

Social media platforms offer privacy settings, but they are often overlooked. Taking control of these settings can significantly enhance your online security.

Facebook

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?– Adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification.
• Restrict Post Visibility?– Set your default post visibility to “Friends” rather than “Public.”
• Review Tagged Photos and Posts?– Enable manual approval before tagged posts appear on your profile.
• Limit Past Posts?– Use the "Limit Past Posts" option to restrict old public posts to only friends.

Instagram

• Switch to a Private Account?– Only approved followers can see your posts and stories.
• Turn Off Activity Status?– Prevent others from seeing when you were last online.
• Restrict or Block Unwanted Users?– Use the "Restrict" feature to limit interactions with suspicious accounts.

Twitter (X)

• Protect Your Tweets?– Private tweets can only be seen by approved followers.
• Disable Location Data?– Prevent tweets from including your location.
• Mute or Block Suspicious Accounts?– This prevents cyberbullying and phishing attempts.

LinkedIn

• Limit Profile Visibility?– Restrict who can see your profile information and updates.
• Disable Email Address Sharing?– Prevent third parties from scraping your email from your profile.
• Be Cautious About Connections?– Avoid accepting requests from unknown individuals.

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C. How to Browse the Web Securely Using VPNs and Private Search Engines

Online privacy extends beyond social media. Every time you browse the internet, websites track your activity, collect your data, and sometimes even sell it to third parties.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, hiding your IP address and making it difficult for hackers, advertisers, and even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to track your online activities.

Choosing the Right VPN:

• No-Log Policy?– Opt for a VPN provider that does not store your browsing history.
• Strong Encryption?– Ensure the VPN uses AES-256 encryption for maximum security.
• Multiple Server Locations?– A good VPN should offer a variety of server locations for flexibility.

Private Search Engines

Unlike Google, private search engines do not track your queries or collect personal data.

Recommended Private Search Engines:

• DuckDuckGo?– Provides untracked searches and does not store user data.
• Startpage?– Fetches Google search results but strips away tracking elements.
• Brave Search?– Offers independent search results with enhanced privacy features.

Additional Browsing Tips:

• Use a Secure Browser?– Browsers like Brave or Firefox provide enhanced security and block trackers.
• Enable HTTPS Everywhere?– Ensures secure connections to websites.
• Disable Cookies and Trackers?– Use browser extensions to prevent websites from tracking you.

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D. How PT SYDECO Can Help Protect Your Personal Data

At?PT SYDECO, we specialize in providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to safeguard personal and business data. Our services include:

• Advanced Firewall Protection?– Our ARCHANGEL 2.0 firewall system of next generation prevents unauthorized access to your network.
• Secure Cloud Storage with SydeCloud?–?A private “cloud at home” solution guaranteeing that your files remain confidential and protected against breaches as well as their secure access no matter where you are.
• Comprehensive VPN Services?– Encrypting your internet connection to keep your online activities secure. The VPN Server is hosted in Archangel 2.0 and protected by its 3 firewalls.
• Customized Cybersecurity Training?– Educating individuals and businesses on best practices for protecting personal data.
• Real-Time Threat Detection and Response?– Implementing AI-driven security measures to detect and neutralize cyber threats before they cause harm.

For businesses and individuals seeking expert cybersecurity solutions, PT SYDECO can provide tailored advice to help protect your digital presence. Contact us to explore the best security measures for your needs.

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Conclusion

Protecting your personal data online requires vigilance and proactive measures. By being mindful of what you share on social media, configuring privacy settings correctly, and browsing securely with VPNs and private search engines, you can significantly reduce your exposure to cyber threats.

For businesses and individuals seeking expert cybersecurity solutions, PT SYDECO can provide tailored advice to help protect your digital presence. Contact us to explore the best security measures for your needs.

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1.?https://patricien.blogspot.com/2025/02/essential-cybersecurity-tips-for.html

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