As the name implies, data theft happens when someone steals private information that they’re not supposed to have access to. Hackers, scammers, and other third-party snoopers are usually to blame for this practice. The most common types of information that people steal include login credentials, health records, bank account details, etc. Online criminals can use this information to barter with unscrupulous marketers who’ll then bombard you with annoying ads.
A data breach is the most common cause of data theft, and this usually happens due to poor controls on information or hacker infiltration.
Is Your Data Valuable?
According to current stats, scammers stand to gain $240 per day by monetizing one person’s data that they’ve stolen. The value of data could be more if the person in question has a high profile status or shares a lot of their private information.
How to Protect Your Data
There are lots of different ways to avoid data theft, and the following are probably the easiest to follow:
• Share Less
We all feel pressured to share our lives on social media but this is not always a good idea. In fact, the less you share on the Internet, the safer your data will remain overall. Keep in mind that every time you log in to the Internet, you leave behind breadcrumbs of information that could cause havoc on your life if placed in the wrong hands. The general rule of thumb here is to never share anything online that you wouldn’t be comfortable sharing with a perfect stranger.
• Use a VPN
Another effective method of data protection is to use a Virtual Private Network. A VPN like IPVanish will automatically encrypt your data before it even leaves your computer, and then tunnel it through a hidden IP address so that your identity and your data stays completely hidden. IPVanish constantly updates their tunneling protocols and they only use cutting-edge encryption technology to help users avoid data theft. Plus, IPVanish doesn’t log user information so there’s no trail left behind when you use the Internet. Even when using a Firestick, Fire TV Stick or other TV boxes, make sure you use a VPN.
• Use a Strong Password
Every website that requires password verification will let you know if you’re using a strong or weak password. Make sure the passwords you use are strong. If you struggle to generate strong passwords, use a password manager or try two-factor authentication whenever possible in order to avoid data theft.
• Be Careful of Marketing Tactics
Marketers know that the easiest way to hook a consumer and get their personal data is through freebies and discounts. This enables them to create targeted and more effective marketing strategies. The rule of thumb in this situation is to avoid any offer that sounds too good to be true.
• Update Your Software
Regularly update your operating system, as well as your online security and/or anti-virus software to avoid data theft.
• Do Not Connect to Public Wi-Fi Networks without Protection
Scammers know that people like free Wi-Fi so they use it as a way to access information from unprotected users. Remember; the more open a network is, the more vulnerable it is to attacks.
• Disable Sharing Services
Short of using a firewall, switch off sharing devices so that no-one else can see your data without you knowing about it.
• Educate Yourself about Security Threats
The more educated you are about cyber threats, the less vulnerable you’ll be. Aapplying the tips mentioned in this article will help you avoid data theft forever.
Have you ever been a victim of data theft? Share your story in the comments section below and let us know if you’ve learned anything new from our article!
