Identity theft, exposed bank accounts, so many dangers that threaten you on a daily basis whenever you have, or have had, an online activity. It is important to protect yourself, and a few simple tips can significantly reduce the risks.
When you browse the web, use social networks, or buy a product on an online site, your data is collected by a number of actors, who may exploit it for their own purposes or resell it for some thirds. The traces you leave behind are called digital footprints, which are used to establish your digital identity. To control your online reputation and prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands, it is important to adopt certain practices regarding your digital routine. Here are three habits you should adopt to protect your life and identity online.
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Do not expose your personal data
The less you say about yourself online, the harder you’ll be a target for scammers. A common mistake is to knowingly post personal content on social networks. One way to protect yourself is to configure your account privately to choose who can access your information. To be even safer, simply avoid disclosing your data, which can be used in cases of identity theft for example. Many Internet users are trapped because of publicly available data on social networks, this is about not making it easier for malicious actors.
We must also remain vigilant against the phenomenon of phishing. Phishing techniques are increasingly sophisticated to fool users. If you receive links and messages asking you to provide personal data, double check that the person you are contacting is legitimate. Check if the domain name of the page to which you are redirected is that of the official site. You can also contact the person, business or organization through another channel to ensure their identity is not being stolen. Your data is valuable, don’t give it to just anyone.
Two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security aimed at preventing access to your account by an unauthorized individual. This functionality is now offered by most major digital platforms and is simple to set up. Two-factor authentication comes in several ways depending on the service. Generally, when a user wants to connect to your account from a new device or browser, you receive an email or SMS containing a code, which must be entered in addition to the username and password to enter the account .
This method helps guard against breaches and data leaks exposing your credentials. And with the democratization of passkeys, based on facial recognition or fingerprint reading, two-factor authentication becomes both more secure and practical to implement.
Are you the victim of a data breach?
Your usernames and passwords may be available for self-service on the internet. Account information exposed or stolen in a data breach often ends up in massive databases, used by hackers to try to take control of your accounts, steal your sensitive data and steal your identity. There is a way to know when and what information has been disclosed online, helping to minimize the risk of fraud or loss of control of your account and data.
The Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection security suite has an advanced identity protection tool, which finally gives you control over your information visible online. You are immediately notified when a data breach concerning you is spotted, giving you time to act and secure your accounts before it is too late. Bitdefender monitors the web 24/7 to ensure unwavering responsiveness.
In addition, the software guides you step by step on how to protect your accounts. You are supported in the steps to follow and obtain advice on the solutions to adopt in order to avoid errors, and thus ensure that your data is secure.
The dashboard allows you to see at a glance the extent of your digital footprint, showing what traces you have left behind for each site and platform, including services you no longer use, but who have stored your information. You can therefore identify your sensitive data that remains on the internet after years of online activity.
Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection gives you an identity protection score. This is based on several criteria, including the number of violations you have been associated with and the type of information exposed. If your score is low, you know you need to act as the tool recommends because you are in danger. Combined with the personalized risk map, it provides the keys to understanding how each data breach you have been a victim of can affect you, and what corrective measures should be taken to protect your identity.
Discover Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection
The annual subscription is billed at 34.99 euros, or less than 3 euros per month. You benefit from a 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind. Also note that the Bitdefender Premium Security Plus plan includes the Digital Identity Protection service, and adds complete antivirus protection for all your devices, an unlimited VPN to encrypt your activity and hide your real IP address, as well as a word manager password to strengthen the security of your accounts and connect to your services more conveniently.
This article is a sponsored post brought to you by Bitdefender.