It was reported that a large leak of personal data of users of the Uber application had occurred in 2016. It did not affect the number of bank cards, but the attackers received a list of customers with their phone numbers and e-mail addresses. What if malefactors could receive the data about bank cards and various transactions? Obviously, millions of people would lose their money, and Uber would become the enemy number one to anyone.
It is not surprising that the ways of protecting personal data on the Internet are becoming more and more popular among the active users of the World Wide Web. People try to protect their data as they understand the importance of keeping it safe. Phone numbers, emails, addresses − this info is nothing in comparison with the number of credit card, password, and СVC code. However, knowing just the user's email, there is little difficulty in getting to someone’s house and steal whatever is possible. So, are there any ways to keep everything private? Let’s find out.
Paper to Determine and Protect Personal Data
First of all, you have to comprehend the importance of keeping personal data safe and understand what personal data implies. Is it your password to log in on Facebook? Or maybe on Instagram? Or maybe it is a message from an old friend? Determine what the personal data is and where you use it.
The best way to deal with this issue is to write a paper that would consist of all your personal data mentioned on the World Wide Web. This one should include all passwords, usernames, emails, addresses mentioned on various sites. Do not forget to write about credit cards (with CVC codes) by means of which you are making purchases through the Internet.
Such a paper should be placed somewhere around you as it will remind you about personal data that you have to keep safe.
Moreover, you have to understand why the theft of personal data is dangerous. The leakage of personal data can give scammers the opportunity to take action on behalf of the victim. It means that they can gain the confidence of your friends / colleagues − or just use it for other illegal purposes. If such data as user's name, phone number and e-mail address falls into the hands of intruders, you are likely to be on the list of potential phishing scams − you will be getting personalized letters with malicious codes or links to virus-infected resources, for example, from the person of a friend or company.
Studies show that users are not attentive to such emails − 40% of the participants have opened such letters and clicked on unreliable links.
By the way, if you are not aware of where your personal data can be used, go here. This info will help you to perceive a situation more deeply and appropriately.
But do not despair that you could do nothing to hinder stealing your data. There are ways that will make you safe while searching the Internet. They are mentioned below.
Create a Special Email
According to the French experts, the main problem of the users is a careless attitude to their personal data. Often, citizens thoughtlessly give their phone number or e-mail address to participate in various marketing research or obtain bonus cards, and it is difficult to guess how many resources keep this data. The experts recommend not to specify the mailbox used for important tasks in the questionnaire, and not to use a personal box for working moments.
Obviously, it makes sense to create a separate e-mail for such services in order to protect yourself from the actions of criminals.
Complicated Passwords and Usernames
If the e-mail address is not shown anywhere, the attacker will not sort out all the combinations of emails in the world. But if there is a specific email, anyone can try to hack it. For example, try standard passwords. As practice shows, most people use a limited, fairly primitive combinations of numbers or words. Such mails are hacked at one stroke.
Intruders can try to get access to your mailbox by answering security questions. Therefore, do not use the questions such as “Name the mother's maiden name" or "What is the name of your dog" − the answers to them can be easily found in your social networks. It is better to choose something non-standard.
If you come up with a password of 15 characters in upper and lower case with numbers and special characters, the malefactors will not waste time on your account, hacking a hundred of other simple emails instead.
Virtual Card
John Swans (IT representative of one of the most popular banks) advises buying a bank card with a small number of funds, including a virtual one.
The possibility to get such one is provided by a mobile application. But not all banks have such a function. In this regard, you need to check if your bank provides this service.
Do Not Tell the Truth
Quite often, in order to get a bonus card or an access to a service, users are asked to fill out a questionnaire, but it is not necessary to leave real personal data. If you make a purchase in an online store and you are required to enter a date of birth, this data can be used in two options: to send a gift or give an additional discount, or otherwise, send your personal data to other services that are not so credible.