How to keep your data safe in the new year

The beginning of a new year is the ideal time to reevaluate your online safety and privacy practices. Technological developments constantly give rise to more potential threats from cybercrime and data breaches, regardless of how tech-literate you are. So, whether you’re a tech-savvy user or just getting started, this blog will help you learn how to keep your data safe in the new year.

Use a password manager

A password manager allows you to store all of your passwords in one secure place, making them easier to remember. Password managers can generate strong passwords for you that are unique for each website or app, and they will encrypt them with a master password so that only you can access them. They also help you keep track of when your passwords were last updated, so you know when it's time to give them an update. A good password manager can save you a lot of time and headaches down the road. It's one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your online privacy in the new year.

Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your logins by requiring a second form of identification in addition to your password. When enabled, you will need to enter a unique code sent to you via text, email or an authenticator app, in order to complete the login process. Enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts is a simple but effective way to keep your data safe.

Get a subscription with a secure email provider

For enhanced privacy protection, secure your emails with a subscription from an email provider that protects you from surveillance, tracking and spam. StartMail is one such privacy-oriented service provider that encrypts your messages and keeps your inbox secure and private with unlimited aliases that help protect your actual address from spammers and identity thieves. So, if you don't want anyone spying on your inbox, take advantage of StartMail’s free 7-day trial.

Read the fine print

Before signing up for a new service or downloading an app, make sure you read the fine print and understand exactly what information you’re giving away. You should be aware of the type of data a company is collecting, how they are using it and what type of access they are getting to your device. In some cases, a company may be sharing your data with third parties too. By taking the time to read the fine print, you can ensure your privacy is protected when signing up for a new service or downloading a new app.

Use a private search engine

Searching the web is something that many of us do every day. Unfortunately, when using non-private search engines, these searches can be tracked and recorded, putting your personal data at risk. Consider switching to a private search engine like Startpage, which doesn’t track, analyze or save your search queries, and delivers unprofiled search results. Their Anonymous View browsing feature also masks user’s identity on other websites, making it the ideal search engine for people who value their privacy.

Review your social media privacy settings

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, so it’s important to review and update your privacy settings on a regular basis. To get started, log into each of your social media accounts and pay attention to who can see your profile information, including personal data such as your date of birth, as well as your posts, location and photos. You may also want to consider if you want your profile to be searchable or not. Once you’ve adjusted the privacy settings for each social account, take some time to review them periodically.

By following these steps, you can better protect your online privacy in the new year. Keeping yourself informed and making small changes can already make a big difference when it comes to keeping your data safe.