Tag Archives: data protection

Staying Safe Online: 6 Threats & 9 Tips [Infographic]

Staying Safe Online infographic

Staying Safe Online infographic

The Internet is crucial for modern society; however, navigating the internet can be tricky because of looming cybersecurity threats. So staying safe online should be a focus. Protect yourself and your business by knowing what possible threats look like and adopting some tips to be safe.

Possible Threats

Today cybercriminals are more sophisticated using human psychology and social engineering. These are three of the nine main possible threats.

1) Phishing attacks

These personalized messages look like they came from reputable sources. However, they contain links to malware that can infect your device when clicked.

2) Scareware

These pop-up windows contain alarming messages with links to unsafe websites. Your fear may compel you to click and unknowingly download viruses.

3) Third-party apps

These apps mishandle your personal data, whether intentionally or not. They hand over your information to other parties.

Internet Safety Tips

To avoid becoming a victim, you can adopt these tips.

1) Use legitimate software

You may need to shell a few bucks for paid apps from known developers. Free software can end up being more expensive if it gains access to your personal data.

2) Visit only secure websites

Websites with HTTPS in their addresses are safer to visit than those with only HTTP. A small lock sign icon near the URL is also an indicator of security.

3) Steer clear of phishing scams

Not all emails get filtered into the spam folder. It’s important to carefully scan every email you receive. Hover over a link before clicking it to see where it will go.

Check out 3 more threats to look out for and 6 more tips to follow in Staying Safe Online: 6 Threats, 9 Tips, & 1 Infographic below. Stay safe always!

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Survey Finds a Third of People Don’t Trust Social Media Companies with Their Data [Infographic]

survey-finds-people-don't-trust-social-media-companies-with-their-data.

survey-finds-people-don't-trust-social-media-companies-with-their-data.

It seems like oversharing is the norm on social media. Many people don’t think twice about giving their personal information and sharing posts about their personal lives. Still, a recent survey by the University of Sydney reveals that a third of people don’t trust social media companies with their data.

Let’s look at the top apps and the corresponding level of trust their users feel:

1) Facebook

About 66% of baby boomers are worried about security risks because they think the platform collects too much information. Users tend to be older, with 40.5 as the average age.

2) TikTok

The majority of TikTok users are between 10 to 29 years old, so the audience skews young. Among them, 36% are not concerned about security risks. But though outnumbered, around 70% of Gen Xers don’t trust TikTok.

3) Instagram

Around 33% of users are aged 25-34. More than half of this millennial user base is wary of the security issues this platform may pose. Note that Facebook owns Instagram.

Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn have the highest trust level among the platforms. What does this mean for entrepreneurs? Choose the platform that your target market can trust the most. They tend to engage better if they think their personal information is not in danger.

See more about consumer concerns and why people don’t trust social media companies with their data in this Social Media and Cybersecurity infographic.

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GDPR Data Protection [Infographic]

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GDPR-Data-Protection-Infographic-315Many consumers feel they don’t have control of their personal data. Because of this lack of trust, customers are hesitant to provide their personal information or purchase from them. These tips increase consumer trust and make it more likely they’ll share their personal info.

Data Protection Tips:

  1. Properly Communicate With Customers – Businesses should be clear. State who’s collecting the data, why it’s needed, what will be done with it, and who will have access to it. Also, the timeframe for when data deletion should be clearly explained.
  2. Receive Consent – Data should not be collected without customer consent. After a customer’s identity is verified a customer should be asked permission to retain their data. This consent should be verified again every 2 years.
  3. Give Them The Right To Opt Out Of Marketing – Many customers feel their information is only collected for marketing purposes. While this is not always true, it is a longstanding and common concern. Customers should always be given the opportunity to opt out of marketing.  At the very least they should be made aware that such an option exists.

Our thanks go out to the European Commission for this infographic on the GDPR.

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