The internet is always changing, responding to new technology and user behavior. Over the years, search engines and advertisers have noticed the advantages of gathering personal data for marketing purposes. It is a relationship that many people can come to accept, but it does pose some quite serious privacy issues. The potential for data to be exploited is a lurking threat which is why many alternatives have begun to emerge.
Use alternative social media
Over the years, social media has evolved.
It uses to be mainly for connecting with friends and family, but now it has become so much more commercial. The social media sites are the perfect place for advertisers to gather personal information about people for targeted advertising.
While many people don’t have an issue with this, some people do. They think it infringes on their privacy rights, find out about restoring your privacy rights here: DTSS.us.
Luckily there are alternative social media options such as MeWe, that are dedicated to privacy rights.
Use an ethical search engine
If you think social media sites are data-hungry, wait till you meet Google.
Probably the biggest search engine in the world, Google has made an art of collecting data and personal information to provide users with a better, more individual experience.
However, there are ethical and privacy issues around this. Alternative search engines, such as Duck Duck Go and Ecosia, use encrypted searches, and do not store data; they also do not track users like Google Analytics.
Keep your digital security tight
With so much personal data floating around in cyberspace, you must keep your digital security as tight as possible.
This means passwords, screen locks, app locks, secure photo storage, and safe online browsing. There are many hackers and malware viruses online that are becoming more sophisticated all the time. Some Malware, for instance, can install itself on your computer and copy your passwords using your keyboard strokes.
Using a secure browser and consistent browsing behavior along with extra vigilance can help avoid security breaches.
Avoid biometrics if possible
It’s always tempting to get on board with the latest technology and security protocols. But think carefully when your new phone or internet browser offers you fingerprint scanning, retina scanning, voice activation, or any other DNA related biometrics.
If you aren’t comfortable with your personal information being stored by search engines, then biometric data is the next link in the chain. Again, it will probably offer new possibilities for convenience and security, but it may not be necessary. In most cases, an old school password is just as good.
Update your passwords regularly
Malware and hackers are a real threat to most people online.
At best, they can hack into your social media accounts and send out spam ads, but in the worst cases, they can steal credit card passwords or cause your computer to crash. Updating your passwords regularly is the best way to avoid having them stolen and misused.
It can be challenging to keep on top of many different passwords. Still, one way is to group them into different applications: one password for social sites, one for work, one for personal, and so on. This means you can change the password of the group of applications all at once.
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