As summer approaches, protecting your digital security becomes even more important. Criminals know that there will be more people taking holidays, and that gives them an opportunity to exploit any security weaknesses.
The top tip for SWBC members is ‘Secure your digital doorstep’.
Take a look at how much data there is about you online. With just a few details, and your email address, criminals can do a surprising amount of harm to you.Every post, like, or share can be pieced together into a comprehensive profile. This can be used in ways you never intended, from benign advertising to more sinister activities like hacking or identity theft. Quick Test: Google your own email address or username and see what comes up. For deeper insights, try searching your name with additional keywords related to your location or employer, like “John Smith” + “Microsoft.”
AI is making it even easier for criminals to gather your data. Manual searches take time, but AI tools now allow almost anyone to collect extensive data by simply querying, “Tell me everything about John Smith at Microsoft.”
Top Tips on Securing your Digital Doorstep
Audit your online presence: Review your profiles across all social networks and forums. You might reconsider the necessity of keeping decades of social media history. Opt for maintaining only the last six months of posts, deleting the oldest as you add new ones to keep a relevant and limited online presence.
Tighten Your Privacy Settings: Familiarise yourself with and adjust the privacy settings on each social media platform to minimise your exposure.
Be Mindful of What You Share: Think about how the information you post online might be used against you. Avoid sharing sensitive details like your home address or holiday plans. With advancements in AI, even still images can be transformed into realistic video simulations—it’s not just science fiction anymore.
Secure Your Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts and manage them with a password manager. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible for added security.
In summary, understanding how online information is gathered can significantly enhance your digital privacy strategy. Start securing your personal and business online presence today. Don’t overlook details like outdated business invoices that could be replicated and misused.
By becoming more aware and taking proactive measures, you can enjoy the internet’s benefits without becoming a cautionary tale. Regular checks and updates are essential, especially for businesses—incorporate these into your business plan.
If you haven’t joined the SWCRC, it’s free and very useful. Join today at swcrc.co.uk
