Take control of your internet privacy

In our daily lives, we are becoming more and more reliant on technology. It is important to be conscious of both what we are posting online, and how much information we are giving out. The reality of the increased use of smartphones, social media and everything digital is that a lot of our information can now be accessed instantly - and not just by us.

Taking control of your internet privacy needn’t be an overwhelming chore. There are a few simple ways in which you can better manage your digital presence and increase the safety of your information.

Get rid of accounts you don’t use

Delete any neglected social media or e-commerce accounts that you no longer use (especially those that have been used to make purchases). They will still be associated with you for as long as they are around, as will anything that was once posted on them. Embarrassing but harmless selfies are one thing; sensitive information (including your credit card details, full name, phone number and date of birth) are another.

Use strong passwords

Increase the security of your current accounts by fixing the strength of your passwords. Even though we hear this so frequently, many people are still using passwords that are easy to guess, or the same password for each account. Use a password generator or password vault to increase your password strength.

Exercise caution

Be wary of what you post online. While many websites and e-stores are secure, it is easy to slip into a false sense of security and feel that everything online is trustworthy. Never publicly post your personal contact details, and when making online purchases, always opt for a safe-pay service such as PayPal when possible.

If your payment method of choice is still a credit card, you can increase your security by having a card or debit account dedicated to online purchases.

Keep your antivirus software up to date

Be cautious of viruses or malware, which may infiltrate your computer and gain access to personal information and files. Ensure you have up to date antivirus software (which can be found free online), and be wary of the sites you choose to visit. If it looks untrustworthy, it probably is.

Now that you’ve got your personal online safety and privacy sorted, it is worth considering how you could apply this security system to a business or organisation. An Online Master of IT Management will arm you with the skills to develop and maintain internet privacy systems for entire companies.

Call one of our student enrolment advisors on 1300 863 819 today, and see where our Master of Information Technology Management can take you.