Since the discovery of the internet, the world has never been more connected. People who have access to the internet are only steps away from the world’s primary source of unlimited collective information.
Within seconds and a few clicks of a button, anyone can search for explanations that can put an end to their unanswered questions.
Threats
Unfortunately, if you’ve been on the internet long enough, many are aware of the unethical online activities that involve collecting and revealing people’s private information.
These people are called “doxxers,” they generally harass targeted individuals by collecting their online personal information such as home addresses, phone numbers, and associated email addresses.
In many cases, people will group together and collectively cause them trouble. Data brokers also gather online information but use it to make money.
Yes, some people make a living off of others’ data by collecting and selling it off to third party companies.
Data is valuable. The more companies know about you, then the better they can mold their advertising initiatives around your interests.
We believe that your information should be for you and your eyes only. So here are some tips you can do to prevent your information from being taken.
Strict Privacy Settings
You might be asking, are what these online threats doing illegal? Believe it or not, most of the data they collect is open to the public.
So it’s not how they gather your information that makes it illegal, but instead, what they do with it. The main issue is that people are very lax when it comes to their online activity.
Users tend to not thoroughly read through website authorization requests or set strict privacy settings.
When that happens, they are opening the door entirely to your personal information. They will learn what you like, where you live, how you spend your time, and ultimately learn more about you than your own friends.
The next time you log into any personal online account, check your privacy settings, and set more limitations on what others can see.
At the end of the day, your the only one to blame for your stolen information.
Remove Negative Content
Public embarrassment is no fun. If you discover unwanted online content such as your police mugshot or distasteful posting, make sure to have it taken down.
Contact an appropriate website administrator and ask to submit a content removal request. They will then help guide and lead you through their removal process.
Note that each website is different and may take longer than other sites. You may find it time-consuming, but the longer your negative content stays up, the higher chance it will spread onto other online platforms.
Proper Online Reputation Management
The best way to prevent someone from obtaining your information is properly managing your online activity.
Go on safe websites, set strict privacy settings and make sure you don’t post anything you will regret later.
People view the internet as a way to express themselves with complete anonymity. They could have never been so wrong.
Even with strong security, remember that anything you post online is never unquestionably secure. Your online information is very valuable, don’t give it up so easily.
