What Are the Latest Tools and Tactics for Safeguarding Your Personal Data?

Powered by AI and the women in tech community.

To safeguard personal data, use apps with end-to-end encryption like Signal, enable 2FA, update devices regularly, use password managers, VPNs for secure browsing, audit online permissions, install anti-virus software, beware of phishing, secure your home network, and choose secure cloud storage services with strong encryption.

To safeguard personal data, use apps with end-to-end encryption like Signal, enable 2FA, update devices regularly, use password managers, VPNs for secure browsing, audit online permissions, install anti-virus software, beware of phishing, secure your home network, and choose secure cloud storage services with strong encryption.

Contribute to three or more articles across any domain to qualify for the Contributor badge. Please check back tomorrow for updates on your progress.

Contribute to three or more articles across any domain to qualify for the Contributor badge. Please check back tomorrow for updates on your progress.

Use Encrypted Communication Apps

To protect your personal data from eavesdroppers, it’s essential to use communication apps that offer end-to-end encryption. This encryption ensures that only you and the recipient can read the messages. Apps like Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp offer robust encryption features, safeguarding your messages from interception.

Add your perspective

Employ Two-Factor Authentication 2FA

Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Even if a hacker gets your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor, usually a code sent to your mobile device or generated by an app. Enable 2FA on all accounts that offer it, including social media, email, and banking services.

Add your perspective

Regularly Update Your Devices

Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in software to gain unauthorized access to systems. Regularly updating your operating systems and applications patches these security holes, making it harder for hackers to exploit them. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you’re always protected against the latest threats.

Add your perspective

Use a Password Manager

A password manager generates, stores, and fills in your passwords for online accounts. This allows you to have complex, unique passwords for each service without needing to remember them all. This significantly reduces the risk of account breaches, as hackers are less likely to guess or crack your secure passwords.

Add your perspective

Browse with a Virtual Private Network VPN

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it secure from eavesdroppers and protecting your data from hackers, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. It also masks your IP address, enhancing your online privacy by making your online actions almost untraceable.

Add your perspective

Regularly Audit Online Accounts and Permissions

Take time to review the security settings and permissions of your online accounts. Many services, like Google and Facebook, allow you to see which devices and apps have access to your account. Remove any that you no longer use or recognize to minimize potential vulnerabilities.

Add your perspective

Utilize Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software

Anti-virus and anti-malware software are crucial in detecting, quarantining, and removing malicious software from your computer. Ensure you have a reliable program installed and that it’s kept up to date to protect against the latest threats.

Add your perspective

Be Wary of Phishing Attempts

Phishing is a technique used by hackers to trick you into giving out personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Be suspicious of unsolicited emails or messages that request sensitive information, even if they appear to come from a legitimate source. Always verify the authenticity of the request through other means.

Add your perspective

Secure Your Home Network

Change the default username and password on your home router to something more secure. Consider also disabling WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which can be a security vulnerability, and enable WPA3 encryption if your router supports it. These steps will help secure your home network against unauthorized access.

Add your perspective

Use Secure Cloud Storage Services

When storing sensitive information in the cloud, choose services that offer strong encryption, both for data in transit and at rest. Some cloud providers also offer zero-knowledge encryption, meaning they don’t have the keys to decrypt your data, further enhancing your privacy and security.

Add your perspective

What else to take into account

This section is for sharing any additional examples, stories, or insights that do not fit into previous sections. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Add your perspective

Surveillance and Privacy

Want to contribute ? We select experts based on their experience and skills.

Learn more about becoming a contributor.

Rate this article

More articles on Surveillance and Privacy

See all

More relevant reading

Internet Censorship
Are Social Media Platforms Doing Enough to Protect Women from Censorship?
Freedom of Expression
How Can Mentorship Programs Enhance Freedom of Expression for Women in Technology?
Surveillance and Privacy
What Future Awaits Our Privacy Rights? Predictions and Preparations for a Secure Tomorrow
Digital Identity
What Are the Latest Trends in Digital Identity, and How Can Women Take the Lead?