Your online identity, also known as internet persona, is the presentation of yourself on the internet. Your search engine history, social media profiles and even the cookies you accept or reject all contribute something to your internet identity.
Even if you don’t use social media or think you don’t use the internet very much, finding out your personal information may be as simple as pushing a few buttons. Here’s why it’s important to protect your online identity and the easiest ways to do so.
Why It’s Important to Protect Yourself Online
1. To guard yourself against identity theft
The process where someone acquires access to your personal information and uses it to impersonate you online is known as identity theft. Cybercriminals who have access to your personal information can easily pose as you to perpetuate fraudulent activities online.
2. To keep your financial information secure
Should they get hold of your banking information, cybercriminals can conduct unlawful withdrawals, purchases and transfers on your account.
3. To keep your employability intact
Nearly all businesses do background checks on potential employees, which include information from public databases as well as your social media sites. If someone has impersonated you online, your prospective employer may come across this website and believe it is you, harming both your reputation and your chances.
Easiest Ways to Protect Your Online Identity
1. Use strong passwords
Identity thieves love weak passwords, especially if you use the same password everywhere. Once the criminal has your password, they can get into your accounts and do as they please. Try to use long passwords that have nothing to do with your personal information, such as your name or date of birth. Use a combination of symbols, letters and numbers and you would have a password that leaves cybercriminals guessing.
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2. Learn to recognize spam and con artists
Phishing scams are very popular, especially the ones sent via e-mail. While some of them are obvious, some can appear to be authentic. The easiest way to avoid falling victim to a phishing scam is to never click on the link. Keep in mind that if it is too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Invest in strong, up-to-date security software
If your computer or phone gets infected with malicious software, it can leave you and your internet persona open to cyberattacks. As a result, it’s critical to invest in security software that can handle the heavy lifting for you by monitoring your credit score, safeguarding you from malware and even providing VPN services. Software provided by the Norton/Lifelock partnership offers a comprehensive suite of security tools that help you secure your online activities better. Now is the time to try lifelockpartner.com to help protect yourself from online threats.
Securing the Internet “You”
With the continuous trend of the world towards more online and less offline activities, your internet persona is becoming just as important as your real-world persona. And it is quite important that you keep it as intact as possible. You never know when it might come in handy.