7 Ways to Protect Your Digital Information Online

Almost everything is done online today, from banking and college applications to shopping and playing games. But giving away your personal information on the internet can pose a threat to online privacy protection. We’ll never go back to the all-paper age, so it’s important to know how to protect against computer viruses, as well as having many data protection strategies at the ready. 

So, if you’re wondering how to protect your digital information online, here are some ways to spot and avoid common internet scams. Your privacy is worth it.

Common Online Scams and Risks to Internet Users

Before we get to the steps to protect yourself online, it’s worth knowing how bad actors often target users. Sometimes common cyberattacks happen quickly. Often, they’re sneaky and can result in lasting consequences for people who fall for them. Frequently, scammers target seniors and other people who are more susceptible online. 

Equip yourself with knowledge: Here are five types of cyberattacks, how they work and what may happen if you stumble into them. 

Malware

Malware is a kind of intrusive software that is developed by cybercriminals. It can install itself onto your computer if you click on an unknown link or try to open an attachment to an email — especially those that pose as being sent from a known or government sender. For instance, a common scam poses as a toll road authority collecting overdue payment. This can steal data and damage or destroy your computer or computer system.

Before you open a link that you receive in an email or text message, be certain that you know the sender. And if the grammar or spelling in the message seems off, it’s especially likely that something is amiss.

Phishing

Phishing is when you receive an email or text message that looks like it’s from someone you know, but isn’t. Often it will come from an address or phone number that is similar to but not the same as the real person. Phishing messages may also come through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Learning how to recognize phishing emails can prevent you from falling for these convincing scams.

Scammers use phishing techniques to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords, bank accounts and ID numbers. If something feels a little off about a message, log off and contact the sender directly to make sure it’s really them sending it. 

Identity Theft

Identity theft is when your personal information is stolen for fraud or sale of your personal information. Unauthorized purchases on a credit or debit card, or an application for a rental that you didn’t make, can be signals of identity theft.

Wi-Fi Hacking

Wi-Fi hacking is when someone gains unauthorized access to your Wi-Fi network, and thus can tap into your computer or other devices logged into the system, such as smart TVs. A newer form of Wi-Fi hacking is happening through smart home cyberattacks. This happens when a smart home device (like a front door camera) is connected to the same network in your home as your personal devices. 

Social Engineering Scams

Social engineering scams are used by criminals to exploit a person into giving them money or confidential information. This is commonly happening through social media or over the phone. For instance, a person pretending to be from the IRS collecting overdue taxes, or a voice that mimics a family member and asks for ransom money after a kidnapping abroad. In many cases, the scammer wants money.

How to Protect Your Personal Data

Your personal data and information are sensitive and should be protected. Here are seven steps you can take to help protect your personal data from cyberattacks. 

1. Set Strong and Unique Passwords

Using strong and unique passwords that vary will help keep your personal information safe. Keep your passwords in a safe location, such as a software program designed for this purpose, and use good management practices to prevent them from being compromised. (Remember, if you write down your passwords in a notebook, then anyone who sees that notebook could take a quick snapshot of your passwords and gain access to your information.)

Varying the letters, numbers and symbols in the passwords you use is more likely to deter a scammer. Don’t use the same password for every account: If a scammer gets one password, they’ll have access to everything.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Another way to protect your personal information is through two-factor authentication. Many common applications and businesses use this, including Google and Gmail, Facebook and many banks. 

With two-factor authentication, you log in, then provide another form of secure identification before you’re able to access your information — perhaps a text message with a code, a call, your Face ID or other unique identifiers. Two-factor authentication allows you to control who is logging into your accounts and prevent them if it’s not you. 

3. Keep Software Up to Date

Make sure you keep the software on your computer up to date, which will help you stay ahead of security issues and look for bugs. You can even install antivirus software on your device to be on alert for security breaches, though be sure to keep antivirus software updated and confirm that you obtained it from a reputable source.

4. Recognize and Avoid Phishing Attempts

Phishing attempts are designed to be believable. Many phishing attacks appear in the form of emails, text messages or messages on social media. Avoid phishing scams by paying close attention to the message. If you receive a suspicious message from someone you don’t know, ignore it. Never click on any links within messages that are unfamiliar. 

5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

You may enjoy scrolling through your computer at a local coffee shop. However, using public Wi-Fi networks can be a risk to your data security. Using a VPN (virtual private network) is an added layer of security for your personal devices. You can download VPN software on your computer or an app on your phone to utilize while in public — ask a tech expert for a recommendation.

6. Limit What You Share Online

Exercise caution with what you share on the internet. Check your privacy settings on social media regularly to make sure you’re only sharing the information you intend to share.

Certain types of personal data may make you more vulnerable to a scammer, like your birthdate, home address, bank information — or even the name of your high school. That info makes it easier for bad actors to impersonate you.

7. Back Up Your Data and Keep It Secure

Having an external hard drive or an encrypted cloud service to back up your data can help protect you from a cyberattack. If you happen to have a data breach on a personal device, having your sensitive information stored in a different place may help keep your data safe. Check with a tech expert for recommendations on hard drives and backup techniques.

What to Do if You Are the Victim of a Cyberattack

If you fall victim to a cyberattack, acting quickly can help you. Here are five things to do after a data breach: 

1. Find out what data was compromised, as best you can.
2. Change your passwords to prevent further access.
3. If applicable, change your account numbers so that scammers are stopped in their tracks.
4. Contact your bank or other applicable institution to add a fraud alert.
5. File your taxes early. Scammers with access to your social security number sometimes try to file your taxes before you do, and thereby collect the tax return. Filing early thwarts them.

If you find that your identity is stolen, there are steps you can take to be proactive. Here are eight steps you can take if your identity is stolen: 

1. Talk to your bank so that they know the situation.
2. Change your sensitive information, like passwords and account numbers.
3. Get an identity theft recovery plan by visiting IdentityTheft.gov. Having a report on file will help you prove that your identity has been stolen and regain your data.
4. Investigate your credit report to make sure nobody’s taking out loans or credit cards in your name. Get in touch with the credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) and freeze your credit so scammers won’t have access.
5. Contact debt collectors if you’ve been receiving notices and let them know what’s going on.
6. File a police report. This will help law enforcement spot and apprehend criminals, if possible.
7. Report the theft to your medical providers to prevent identity thieves from ordering medications and other services in your name.
8. Alert issuers of identification documents, like your driver’s license and passport. You may need to get new ID numbers. 

Protection for Your Peace of Mind

Identity theft is frustrating, shocking, and scary. Knowing how to protect your personal data and being educated on scams to be aware of can protect you from this happening.

For added protection, and to reduce your risk of identity theft, reach out to your local Farm Bureau agent and ask about adding Identity Services and Fraud Expense Coverage to your insurance policy. With this coverage, fraud specialists will work on your behalf to help resolve the situation if your identity gets stolen.