Top 5 Tips to Protect your Personal Information Online

Addressed in both public and private law in Canada, privacy breaches, identity theft, and other forms of data exploitation are increasingly common as the internet becomes ever more sophisticated. While courts and governments struggle to keep up with new technology, individuals must bear the burden of protecting themselves from identity theft and fraud. The following five tactics by the Toronto private investigators at Haywood Hunt & Associates Inc. can greatly reduce the odds of identity theft and other privacy breaches.

Bear in mind that no method is ever 100% safe and that using a combination of tactics is best.

Top 5 Tips to Protect your Personal Information Online

1.  Encryption

A simple protective step is the use of encryption. This process uses sophisticated programs to “scramble” data before transmission, to be reassembled upon arrival. The technology used here is becoming ubiquitous, especially as commercial transactions increasingly take place digitally. Online services use encryption to prevent data leaks if an interception occurs; if successful, the would-be thief is unable to read the scrambled data Note that encryption is a mixed blessing in the eyes of law enforcement, who frequently run up against the technology when tracking online criminals. 

While encryption may be overkill for ordinary internet browsing, it becomes essential as one deals with more sensitive information. Anyone handling such information for work purposes (such as businesses who keep records of customer credit cards) ought to invest in trusted, up-to-date encryption software for conducting transactions. In extreme cases, data privacy may necessitate using specialized browsers such as TOR, although such services have a dubious reputation and are often used for illicit means. Regardless of one’s intentions, encryption software is a powerful tool in protecting against not only identity theft but other forms of cybercrime as well. 

2.  Firewalls and Antiviruses

Firewalls and antiviruses provide powerful digital protection from encroaching eyes. Up-to-date, trusted software significantly reduces online risk by comparing incoming files with a database of known malware and removing problematic ones from the system. Malware may be a broader issue than online fraud, but viruses and spyware can act as vehicles for phishing scams or invasive information grabs directly from networks and hard drives. 

While no anti-virus is failsafe, investing in trusted, up-to-date software should be a priority for any user to provide a sound safety net for accidental malicious link clicks or convincing scam emails. Firewalls are also useful in corporate environments, where employees with a conflict of interest in certain files or projects can be prevented from accessing sensitive information. In any case, even basic security software can make a difference in protecting against less sophisticated intrusions or breaches.

3.  Awareness of Surroundings and Other Physical Security Tactics

Individuals can better protect themselves even without advanced encryption or protection software by showing diligence concerning location. Browsing in public spaces increases the chance of identity theft, whether from device theft, insecure Wi-Fi networks, or in-person monitoring. Privacy screen protectors narrow the field of view for devices and prevent prying eyes from observing from the sides. Simple behaviors such as sitting with one’s back to the wall, never leaving devices unattended, or using personal hotspots are examples of physical defensive tactics against identity theft and other types of privacy breaches. 

Even in non-public areas such as office spaces or private dwellings, investing in proper building security systems, locks, and other traditional security measures can provide security in the event of a break-in attempt. These should not be neglected when securing private information.

4.  Exercising Judgement When Clicking or Sharing 

Avoiding strange emails or sites is another practice that can greatly reduce the chances of theft. While most of us are familiar with emails carrying “Trojan Horse” viruses and are wise enough not to click the “Hot Singles In Your Area” popups on certain sites, diligence is a virtue in sorting legitimate links and emails from impostors. This idea extends generally to sites that ask for personal information to use their services. While you may be required to enter personal information such as your SIN number or address if you are legally required to do so (such as when conducting banking or other business online), keeping this information off the web when possible is generally a wise idea. This can even include the sharing of more innocuous information; having “what is your grandmother’s maiden name” as a security question for online banking may not be the wisest if you enjoy sharing old family photos and history to your personal Facebook account. Simply staying away from questionable sites, deleting suspicious emails, and exercising discretion over what you post online can make a world of difference. 

5.  Consumer Defense

“Data extraction is a growing industry and tricky extractors are continually innovating to advance their routine into the private lives of someone. Practicing consumer defense includes being aware of which sites have access to your information and unsubscribing from lists or databases that do not need your info” says Criminal Defence Lawyer Calvin Barry. Similar to “Do Not Call Lists”, this tactic aims at keeping your information away from companies who may sell it to third parties or clog your inbox with offers and promotions. Additionally, the prudent consumer will carefully check their online credit card statements to prevent unauthorized use. If any such malfeasance is suspected, one ought to contact their credit card company immediately to deactivate the card or investigate.

Even if one does not plan on browsing the dark web with encryption software, the risk of identity theft can be reduced with small, daily decisions and sound judgment regarding where one’s clicks take them. Broadly applicable to many forms of cybercrime, these five tactics ought to act as the first line of defense for the ordinary internet user.