Data protection on the Internet - the 10 best tips
If you are on the Internet, it is important to heed data protection tips so that you can surf the net safely. In this practical tip, we show you what to look out for.
Tip 1: Protect your computer
Before you surf the Internet, you should make sure that you have a current virus protection program and that you have always activated the firewall. This applies to both virus protection on Mac and Windows, as well as for smartphones such as the firewall on Android phones.
Tip 2: delete the cookies
It is important that you delete your cookies regularly. If you forget this or want to do it right after the end of a session, you can also have the cookies deleted automatically.
Tip 3: Use other search services
The major search engines on the Internet, especially Google, intercept data. To protect yourself from this, it makes sense to change the search engine regularly. Otherwise you run the risk that too much of your data can be collected.
Tip 4: Use multiple email addresses
Use different email addresses to avoid revealing your identity. For example, set up an email address that you only use for spam and make sure that this email address provides little or no clues about you, such as your name or your date of birth.
Tip 5: Use different passwords
You should always make sure to use a secure password. However, since you need a password on the Internet not only to log in to your mailbox, but also for various portals and for online banking, you should select several passwords. These should be different from each other and not allow a connection to your person. The following applies: The password must be complicated, but still easy to remember.
Tip 6: Avoid personal information
No matter where you are on the Internet, reduce your personal information as much as possible. Always ask yourself beforehand whether it is worthwhile to provide personal information and whether this cannot be avoided. Therefore, handle your personal data carefully and carefully - including those of your family members, friends, acquaintances and colleagues.
Tip 7: Don't send a bug report
With Windows in particular, you are often asked to send an error report as soon as a program is supported. Ask yourself here every time whether it is worthwhile and refrain from doing so in case of doubt, because you cannot be sure which data is associated with the sending of the error report.
Tip 8: encrypt your data
Especially with secure online banking, it is advisable to pay attention to the encryption of your data. So always check beforehand whether you can recognize the name "https" at the very front of the address line. If so, you have a secure connection to the server.
Tip 9: Do not open unknown mails
It happens from time to time that an email from an unknown sender ends up in your mailbox. If possible, do not open it. If it is already open, you should not click any links or open attachments and scan your PC with the latest virus software.
Tip 10: Read everything carefully
On the Internet you are often asked to take part in competitions or special promotions. Always read here the participation, usage and data protection regulations as well as the general terms and conditions of a company. This is especially true if you do not know the provider. Always remember that nobody has anything to give away and ask yourself if it is worth giving up your data for a chance to win.
Care should also be taken when it comes to data protection on social networks. Therefore, it is best to protect yourself and your data on Facebook.