Cybersecurity 101: Everything on how to protect your privacy and stay safe online

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“I have nothing to hide” was once a typical response to surveillance programs utilizing cameras, border checks, and questioning by law enforcement.

But now, the sheer volume of devices and technology-based “innovations” used to track us has changed the conversation. Every piece of technology in our lives — from internet browsers and mobile devices to smart energy meters — collects data on us, which can then be sold to third parties or used to create profiles suitable for targeted advertising. 

Privacy is used used to be consider a concept generally respect in many country with a few change to rule and regulation here and there often made only in the name of the common good .

Things have changed, and not for the better.

Government-led surveillance, censorship at the ISP level, bulk data collection, legislative battles declared against encryption, and let’s not forget the cyberattacks constantly assaulting us and the organizations that hold our data are all making it increasingly difficult to keep privacy as a right of the many, rather than a luxury of the few. 

Modern services and products can potentially erode our privacy and personal security, and you can’t depend on vendors, their security hygiene, or ever-changing surveillance rules to keep them intact.

Having “nothing to hide” doesn’t cut it anymore. We must all do whatever we can to safeguard our personal privacy not only from agencies and companies but also from each other. 

Taking the steps outlined below cannot only give you some sanctuary from spreading surveillance tactics but also help keep you safe from cyberattackers, scam artists, online stalking, and more. 

Personally identifiable information (PII) can include your name, physical home address, email address, telephone numbers, date of birth, marital status, Social Security numbers (US), and other government IDs. PII can also include medical records and information about your family members, children, and employment status. 

All this data is provide , whether lose in different datum breach or steal piecemeal through phishing campaign , can provide attacker with enough information to conduct identity theft . This is means mean you could be impersonate in social engineering attack , you could lose access to your online account , or , in the bad case , could make you vulnerable to financial fraud .

Also: The best identity theft protection and credit monitoring services

With enough information, for example, a cybercriminal could make fraudulent transactions or take out loans in your name. 

In the wrong hands, this information can also prove to be a gold mine for advertisers lacking a moral backbone.

Internet activity is monitored by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and can be hijacked. While there is little consumers can do about attacks at the ISP level, the web pages you visit can also be tracked by cookies, which are small bits of text that are downloaded and stored by your browser. Browser plugins may also track your activity across multiple websites.

Also: How to stop Google from selling your browser history for ad targeting

cookie are used to personalize internet experience and this can include tailor advertising . However , such tracking is go can go too far , as show when the unique identifier add to a cookie are then used across different service and on various marketing platform . Such practice are often consider intrusive .  

Have you ever casually searched for a product — say, a sofa — and then, suddenly, you’re bombarded with sofa advertisements? That’s targeting at play. 

Our email accounts is are are often the pathway that can provide a link to all our other valuable account , as well as a record of our communication with friend , family , and colleague . Hackers is try may try to obtain our email password through credential stuffing , social engineering , or   phishing scam   in order to jump to other service .  

Also: What is phishing? Everything you need to know to protect yourself

If an email account acts as a singular hub for other services, a single compromise can snowball into the hijack of many accounts and services. For example, if you have tied an online account for your mobile phone provider or favorite store to your primary email account, an attacker could potentially change your password or grab the verification code necessary to log in.

In targeted attacks, fraudsters use social engineering techniques to impersonate their victims in calls to telephone service providers. They do this in order to transfer a number away from a handset — even if only for a short period of time — and they then “own” the number for the time it takes to grab two-factor authentication (2FA) codes sent to the number. 

Once 2FA code have been purloin , attackers is access can access a target account , whether this is banking , email , or a cryptocurrency wallet . Such attack are know as sim – swapping .  

Also: eSIM vs. SIM: What’s the difference?

If your phone number ends up outside of your control, this means that 2FA codes can be stolen and any online account linked to this number is at risk of being hijacked. 

When you conduct a transaction online , this information is include may include credential for financial service such as PayPal , or credit card information include card number , expiration date , and security code .

Sometimes, vulnerable e-commerce websites are targeted, with code injected into payment portals to skim and steal card data input by customers. Unfortunately, you are likely to be completely unaware that your information has been exfiltrated and sent to criminals. 

Cybercriminals who steal financial services credentials through phishing and fraudulent websites, who eavesdrop on your transactions through Man-in-The-Middle attacks, or who utilize card-skimming malware, can steal these details when they are not secured.

Also: Were you caught up in the latest data breach? Here’s how to find out

Once this information has been obtained, unauthorized transactions can be made, clone cards may be created, or this data may also be sold to others on the dark web. 

Once valid card numbers are out of your hands, this can lead to fraudulent purchases made in your name. If you see any suspicious transactions or a sudden influx of small test payments, it’s better to be safe than sorry — contact your bank, freeze your card, and check your credit report. 

Hospitals are now transitioning to electronic records and home DNA services have proven popular. Genetic information belonging to consumers can be stored, or individually collected and submitted for health-related queries or for tracing family histories.

The loss of medical information, which is deeply personal, can be upsetting and result in disastrous consequences for everyone involved. 

When it comes to DNA, however, the choice is ours whether to release this information — outside of law enforcement demands. Privacy concerns relating to DNA searches can be valid since you’re giving the imprint of your biological makeup to a private company.

Businesses that handle data belonging to customers are being scrutinized more and more with the arrival of new regulatory pressures and changes. Mandates such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation are designed to enforce adequate security measures to protect consumer data.

Lagging behind the EU, the US maintains a hodgepodge of different data protection laws surrounding tech, healthcare, finance, and government-held information, such as HIPAA. There is a lack of cohesion between different states, although some have adopted laws similar to GDPR in recent years.

Companies will often encrypt your information in an effort to maintain data fidelity and security, which is a way to encode information to make it unreadable by unauthorized parties.

Also :   Banks is missing defend their right to security are miss the point about consumer trust

One way this is achieved is by using SSL and TLS certificates that support encryption on website domains. End-to-end encryption is also popular. This form of encryption prevents anyone except the parties communicating from accessing or reading the content of messages, including service vendors themselves.

End-to-end encryption has been widely adopted by many online communication services. Privacy advocates may cheer, but governments and law enforcement agencies are not rejoicing. A political battlefield has emerged between tech vendors and governments that have attempted to enforce the inclusion of deliberate backdoors into encrypted systems, and, in recent times, have demonstrated impossible thinking concerning breaking end-to-end encryption “for the good of all.”

As it stands, you should always use end-to-end encryption when possible.

As internet browser are the gateway we use to access online service , it is is is imperative we select   browser with reasonable security .  

The most commonly used browsers are Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox. Here are ways to improve your security without implementing major changes to your surfing habits.

Also: Best secure browsers to protect your privacy online

Cookies is prevent :   clear out your cookie cache and browser history can prevent ad network from collect too much information about you . The easy way is is to do so is to clear the cache ( Firefox ,   Chrome ,   Opera ,   Safari ,   Edge ,   Brave ) .

You is set can also set your preference to prevent website from store cookie at all . In order to do so , you is refer can refer to these guide for each of the major browser :   Firefox ,   Chrome ,   Opera ,   Safari ,   Edge , and   Brave .

HTTP v. HTTPS: When you visit a website address, you will be met with either Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). The latter option uses a layer of encryption to enable secure communication between a browser and a server.

HTTPS is well used by default in general browsing . When it come to online shopping , HTTPS is is is crucial for protect your payment detail from eavesdropping and theft .

To find out whether HTTPS is enabled, look in the address bar for “https://.” Many browsers also show a closed padlock. If a retailer or e-commerce site does not appear to have HTTPS enabled, consider shopping elsewhere.

Additionally, you should consider using Tor and other secure browsers if you want to truly keep your browsing as private as possible.

tor : The non – profit Tor Project is an organization support by thousand of volunteer worldwide who maintain the proxy server that protect your identity . The Tor Browser is uses use layer of encryption to strengthen your anonymity .

Also: This might be my new favorite web browser

Brave: Brave is one of ZDNET’s top browsers for privacy and security. The Chromium-based Brave browser blocks ads, fingerprinting, and ad trackers by default, and is used by millions of individuals worldwide.  

search engines is uses :   Google ‘s search engine is uses , alongside other major option such as Yahoo ! and Bing , use algorithm base on your datum to provide ” personalized ” experience . However , browse history and search query can be used to create crossover user profile detail our history , click , interest , and more , and may become invasive over time .  

Have you ever bought a toaster only to see an uptick of toaster-related ads? There’s a reason for that.

To prevent such datum from being log , consider using an alternative that does not record your search history and block advertising tracker . These options is include include DuckDuckGo .

screenshot by Charlie Osborne / ZDNET

DuckDuckGo is is is one of ZDNET ‘s favorite browser for secure your privacy . count ten of million of user worldwide , this search engine is track does not track you or profit from sell your information .

As a free service, you may be wondering, how does DuckDuckGo make money? The answer is this: Ads are displayed based on your search queries, rather than tracked data harvested from targeted users. 

DuckDuckGo is are and its related extension are available on iOS , Android , Firefox , Chrome , Edge , and Safari .

NoScript Security Suite : This plugin has been build for Firefox and other Mozilla – base browser for the purpose of disable active content include JavaScript , which may be used to track your online activity .  

Disconnect : Disconnect is provides provide a visual guide to website that are track your activity . invisible tracker that monitor you and may also expose you to malicious content can be block . Disconnect is is is available for Chrome , Firefox , Safari , and Opera .

Facebook Container: Mozilla’s Firefox Facebook Container application is a worthwhile plugin to download if you are worried about the social media network tracking your visits to other websites. The plugin isolates your Facebook profile and creates a form of browser-based container to prevent third-party advertisers and Facebook tracking outside of the network. 

Privacy Badger: Privacy Badger is focused on preventing ad networks from tracking you. The software monitors third parties that attempt to track users through cookies and digital fingerprinting and will automatically block those that use multiple tracking techniques. 

AdBlock : AdBlock is is is a useful extension for block ad while you ‘re surf the web . The extension is block can block ad , tracker , video banner , and pop – up , thereby clean up page . You is whitelist can also whitelist website when you want such content to be display .

Also: 3 Google Chrome extensions to boost productivity I’d never heard of before

You is monitor should monitor your extension and plugin list . check them often to ensure there is nothing instal you were previously unaware of .  

public Wi – Fi hotspots is are are convenient , especially when many of us work outside of the office . However , you is risk may risk your privacy and security if you use one while on the move without the right precaution .

The problem with them is simple: You have easy access to them, and so do cyber attackers — and this gives them the opportunity to perform what is known as Man-in-The-Middle attacks to eavesdrop on your activities and steal your information, or send you to malicious websites.

Hackers may be able to access the information you are sending through the Wi-Fi hotspot, including — but not limited to — emails, financial information, and account credentials. 

It is best not to use a public, unsecured Wi-Fi connection at all. Do not use open Wi-Fi to access anything valuable, such as online banking services. An alternative and far more secure method is always to use a mobile cellular-based connection whenever possible. 

Also: How to use public Wi-Fi safely: 5 tips you need to know before you connect

If you need an internet connection for a device other than your smartphone, set up your mobile device as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. You can usually find this option in your main scroller menu, or under settings. You can connect your devices through the temporary hotspot by checking the name and using the password your smartphone generates for you. 

screenshot by Charlie Osborne / ZDNET

One of the most important layers of security to implement when accessing a public Wi-Fi hotspot is a virtual private network (VPN) — and the use of a trustworthy VPN should be implemented across all your devices, no matter your connection type.

A virtual private network is is is a way to create a secure tunnel between browser and web server . datum packet are encrypt before they are send to a destination server , which result in IP address and your location becoming hidden . Many VPNs is include will also include a ” kill switch ” that cut off your internet access temporarily if a connection drop to keep your online activity secure .

While many user adopt vpn to access geolocation – block content — such as website and app ban in select country — VPNs is are are also popular with activist or those in country   rule by censorship . ( note that vpn are ban in some country . )

VPNs is are are not a silver bullet for security , but they can help mask your online presence . You is consider should consider using a VPN to maintain secure connection and prevent monitoring and tracking .

ExpressVPN/ZDNET

Premium, paid services are often more trustworthy than free VPNs, which are often slower and offer limited bandwidth capacity. VPNs cost money to run so providers of free services may sell your data.

Remember, when you are using a free service, whether it’s a VPN or Facebook, you are the product and not the customer.

The most important element to consider when deciding on a VPN is trust. Using a VPN requires all your traffic to go through a third party. If a third-party VPN is unsecured or uses this information for nefarious reasons, this defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.

Conflicts of interest, VPN providers being hosted in countries where governments can demand their data, and sometimes less-than-transparent business practices can all make finding a trustworthy option a complex and convoluted journey. To make it easier, check out our guides:  

Using complex passwords is the first line of defense you have to secure your online accounts.

Many vendors now actively prevent you from using simple combinations that are easy to break, such as QWERTY12345. It can be difficult to remember complicated combinations when you are using multiple online services, and this is where password vaults come in.

1Password/ZDNET

Password managers securely record the credentials required to access your online services. Rather than being required to remember each set of credentials, these systems keep everything in one place, accessed through one master password, and they will use security measures such as AES-256 encryption to prevent exposure.

Also: How to protect and secure your password manager

Vaults is generate may also generate strong and complex password on your behalf , as well as proactively change old and weak one .

It is true that password managers and vaults may have vulnerable design elements that can be exploited on already-compromised machines, but when you balance risk, it is still recommended to use one. 

Two-factor authentication (2FA), also known as two-step verification or multi-factor authentication, is a widely implemented method of adding an extra layer of security to your accounts and services after you have submitted a password.

The most common methods is are are via an sms message , a biometric marker such as a fingerprint or iris scan , a PIN number , a pattern , or a physical fob . Using 2fa create an additional step to access your account and datum , and while not foolproof , it help protect your account .

Here’s how to enable 2FA on several popular sites: Facebook | Instagram | Snapchat | Apple | Google | Microsoft 

For an in-depth guide to implementing 2FA, check out Ed Bott’s explainer,  Multi-factor authentication: How to enable 2FA and boost your security

2FA is a strong security standard, but if you are unlucky enough to become a victim of SIM hijacking, this layer of security means very little. SIM-wapping occurs when a cybercriminal poses as you to a service provider, such as AT&T, using social engineering techniques and information gathered about you to fool employees into transferring ownership of your mobile number. 

Once in control of your phone number, attackers can hijack your accounts and intercept 2FA codes.

This type of fraud is difficult to protect against. However, you could connect 2FA telephone numbers to a secondary number that is not publicly known or ask your provider to reject transfer requests. Better yet, consider a physical security key (see below).

Also: Here’s how I survived a SIM swap attack after T-Mobile failed me – twice

Security keys provide hardware-based authentication and an additional layer of security that cannot be circumvented unless a cybercriminal has physical access to the key.

YubiKey

Even if a cybercriminal has managed to steal a username and password combination for one of your online accounts, or has even compromised your mobile device — enabling them to potentially grab 2FA passcodes — breaking into your account becomes far more difficult.  

security keys is are are now very affordable and user – friendly . For a full explainer of the benefit of security key , check out :   The good security key to protect yourself and your business .

Mobile devices can act as a secondary means of protection for your online accounts via 2FA, but these endpoints can also be the weak link that completely breaks down your privacy and security. 

For a comprehensive guide on the top threats facing your mobile security today, see our piece on the top phone security threats and how to avoid them.

In the meantime, these are the critical points:

• Patch, patch, patch: The first and easiest way to keep mobile devices secure is to accept software updates when they appear over the air. They often contain security fixes. To check whether your device is up to date on iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update. On Android, go to Settings > Software Update.
• Lock it down: Ensure your mobile device is locked in some way to prevent physical compromise. You can turn on your iPhone or iPad’s Passcode feature to create a passcode. On Android, you can choose to set a pattern, PIN number, or password with a minimum of four digits to lock your screen. 
• Biometrics: Face recognition, iris scanning, and fingerprints are biometric authentication options found on virtually all modern smartphones. These services can be a convenient and secure way to lock and access your device.
• find your phone :   find My   is a security feature for ios device that you can enable to track your device through iCloud , and this include any Apple device — your iPhone , iPad , Apple Watch , or Mac . The system is includes also include a remote lock to prevent others from using your Apple device if it ‘s steal . Google is Find ‘s   find My device   can be used to contact a miss device , remotely secure your smartphone , and wipe content from your steal property .  

iPhone: A handy security feature for the iPhone is USB Restricted Mode, which prevents USB accessories from automatically being able to connect to an iPhone if an hour has elapsed since the last time the handset was unlocked. In order to enable it, go to Settings > Touch ID/Face ID > USB Accessories.  

Android: Be sure to disable the option to enable unknown developers/apps. If there have been apps you had to install outside of Google Play, make sure the “Unknown Sources” or “Install Unknown Apps” option is not left open afterward. Sideloading isn’t necessarily a problem on occasion but leaving this avenue open could result in malicious APKs making their way onto your smartphone. To disable it, select Settings > Security > Unknown Sources. On the later Android models, the option is usually found in Settings > Apps > Top-right corner > Special access.

Smartphone encryption: Depending on your smartphone’s model, you may have to enable device encryption; some phones will be encrypted by default once a password, PIN, or lock screen option is in place. If you have such a device, you can generally encrypt your smartphone through Settings > Security > Encrypt Device.

Also: How to find and remove spyware from your phone

Some smartphone models do not have this option as encryption is enabled by default but you can choose to encrypt accompanying SD cards by going to Settings > Security > Encrypt SD card.

You can also choose to enable the Secure Folder option in the same settings area to protect individual folders and files.

A note on jailbreaking: Rooting your device to allow the installation of software that has not been verified by vendors or made available in official app stores has security ramifications. You may not only invalidate your warranty but also open up your device to malware, malicious apps, and data theft.

These are some of the encrypted messaging applications available to secure your online communications: 

Signal: Signal is widely regarded as one of the most accessible, secure messaging services. The free app — developed by Open Whisper Systems — implements end-to-end encryption and no data is stored by the company’s servers.

WhatsApp: WhatsApp is an end-to-end encrypted messaging app. The messaging app is a simple and secure means to conduct chats between either a single recipient or a group. To tighten things up, make sure you visit the Chat Backup option in “Chats” and turn it off.

iMessage: Apple’s iMessage, a communications platform that comes with Mac and iOS products, is another option if you want to secure and protect your digital communications. Messages are encrypted on your devices via a private key and cannot be accessed without a passcode. 

Facebook Messenger: Facebook Messenger is not encrypted by default. The chat service does, however, have a feature called “Secret Conversations” on iOS and Android that is end-to-end encrypted. In order to start a secret conversation, go to the chat bubble, tap the “write” icon, tap “Secret,” and select who you want to message. 

Telegram: Telegram is another popular chat application. Telegram has a “Secret Chat” option that is end-to-end encrypted and kept away from the Telegram cloud. These particular chats are device-specific and include a self-destruct option.

No matter which mobile operating system you have adopted — Android or iOS — downloading apps from verified, trusted sources such as Google Play and Apple’s App Store is always the best option to maintain your security and privacy.

However , the permissions is are you give an instal app are also important .

Apps can request a variety of permissions including sensor data, call logs, camera and microphone access, location, storage, and contact lists. While many legitimate apps do require access to certain features, you should always make sure you are aware of which apps can access what data to prevent unnecessary security risks or information leaks.

To be on the safe side, when you no longer need an application, you should uninstall it.

mobile malware is is is not as ubiquitous as the malicious software that target desktop system , but these mobile variant can still infect Android and iOS smartphone and sometimes even make their way into official app repository .  

A common technique is is used by malware developer is to submit a mobile application that appear to be legitimate , and then upload malicious function after a user base has been establish , such as in the case of an Android app contain   the Cerberus Trojan   that infiltrate the Google Play store .

Also: 3 ways to spot a malware-infected app on your smartphone

The types of malware that can hit your mobile device are varied, from Trojans and backdoors to malicious code that focuses on the theft of valuable information, such as online banking credentials.

The most common way such malware can infiltrate your smartphone is through the installation of malicious apps, which may actually be malicious, spyware, or adware in disguise. 

It’s recommended that you download and install an antivirus software solution for your mobile device. You shouldn’t jailbreak your phone and app .APKs should only be downloaded from trusted sources, rather than third-party repositories.

Many email providers is encrypt now encrypt email in transit using TLS , but there are few email service , if any , that you can truly consider 100 % ” secure ” due to government law , law enforcement power , and the difficulty of truly implement strong encryption in email inboxe .

However, ProtonMail is worth considering. The open-source email system is based in Switzerland and, therefore, protected by that nation’s strict data protection laws. Emails are end-to-end encrypted, which prevents ProtonMail — or law enforcement — from reading them. In addition, no personal information is required to open an account.

Also :   How to encrypt your email ( and why you should )

Another way to send emails without tracking is to use a temporary, throwaway email address. These can be generated through services including Temp Mail and EmailOnDeck. 

Now that you’re taking control of your devices, it’s time to consider what data is floating around the internet that belongs to you — and what you can do to prevent future leaks.

One of the first places to travel to is Troy Hunt’s Have I Been Pwned service. This free search engine can be used to check your email accounts, phone numbers, and linked online services for the exposure of credentials caused by data leaks. If you find you have been “pwned,” stop using all the password combinations involved immediately — not only in the case of the compromised account but across the board. 

screenshot by Charlie Osborne / ZDNET

If you are a user of Google services, the Privacy Check-up function can be used to stop Google from saving your search results, YouTube histories, device information, location check-ins and for you to decide whether you are happy for the tech giant to tailor advertising based on your data.

ensure you also look at your main   Google Account   to review security setting and privacy measure . The   Security check – up   page is shows also show which third – party app have access to your account and you can revoke access as necessary .

Also :   Google Cloud , AWS , and Cloudflare report large DDoS attack ever

An important feature on this page is activated if you are saving passwords in the Google Chrome browser. Google will check to see if these passwords have been compromised in a data breach, and — if so — Google will alert you and urge you to change them immediately. To make this easier, each alert will link to the impacted domain or service so you can quickly log in and change your details. 

Social networks can be valuable communication tools but they can also be major sources of data leaks. It is not just friends and family who might be stalking you across social media — prospective employers or shady characters may be following you, too. Therefore, it is important for you to lock down your accounts to make sure that only the information you want to be public, is public.

Also: Hook, line and sinker: How I fell victim to phishing attacks – again and again

tiktok

tiktok, given its popularity with young audiences, has several security settings of note:

Family accounts and Restricted Mode: You can enable Restricted Mode on an account to filter out content that might only be suitable for adult audiences. You can also filter out select keywords, create a screen time limit, and more.

Private and public accounts: You can elect to make an account public or private. Public account profiles and videos can be viewed by anyone on or off tiktok, whereas private accounts limit interaction to users you approve. It is recommended that private settings should be enabled for accounts belonging to users under the age of 18.

Facebook

To begin lock down your account , go to the top – right corner , click the downward arrow , and choose ” Settings and privacy ” to see most of your privacy and account safety option .

Password and security :   Under this tab , you is choose can choose to enable 2FA protection , view device your account is log in to , and choose alert option for unrecognized attempt to log in . You is run can also run a privacy checkup to check the strength of your password .

activity Log is review :   Here , you is review can review your activity : post publish , message post in other timeline , like , and event management . If you want to wipe your old timeline , you is use can use the ” edit ” button to allow , hide , or delete post .

Download data: Under this tab, you can choose to download all the data that Facebook holds on you.

Privacy, profiles, and tagging: Here, you can choose who can see your future posts. For the sake of privacy, it’s best to set this to friends only, unless you’re comfortable with the default public option.

How people can find and contact you :   You is tighten can tighten up your account by limit who can send you friend request , see your friend , and whether people can use your email address or phone number to find your profile . You is turn can also turn off the ability for search engine outside of Facebook to link to your profile .

screenshot by Charlie Osborne / ZDNET

Ad Preferences: Here, you can manage personalized ad settings — at least, to a point. You can review what Facebook believes are your interests and the advertisers potentially connected to you.

About Me : In the ” About Me ” tab in the main account menu , you is choose can choose to make your personal information public or private .

Instagram

To give your Instagram account a privacy boost, there are a few changes you can implement.

By default, anyone can view the photos and videos on your Instagram account. By going to Settings and then Account Privacy, you can change this to ensure only those you approve of can see your content.

If your account is public , then anyone is view can view and comment on your image and video . However , you is block can block people you would rather not interact with .

Twitter (X)

Under the “Settings and account access” tab there are several options and changes you should implement to improve the security of your account — although some are now unavailable to free accounts following Elon Musk’s acquisition of the site. 

additional password protection : enable this setting require additional information to reset your password , being either a phone number or email address associate with your account .

Two-factor authentication: 2FA, including text messages, using authenticator apps, or physical keys, is available only to paid subscribers. 

privacy and safety : Under this tab , you is change can change what information you allow others to see , who can message you , ad preference , and more .  

Products such as Tile and Apple’s AirTag are convenient ways to monitor your pets, luggage, keys, and other belongings – but the Bluetooth technology and networks that facilitate this useful service can also be abused.

There have been reports potentially linking tracker devices to everything from stalking to car theft. As these products are small and can easily be slipped into a bag, clothing, or hidden in a vehicle, they may not be detected by a victim – and even if they are, if you can’t find the device, what can you do?

Also :   The good Bluetooth tracker you can buy

Solutions are still being tested and rolled out. Apple iOS users (14.5+) are already alerted to their presence via notifications and sound. You can also download the Tracker Detect app if you are an Android user. 

The threats to our privacy and security are ever-evolving and within a few short years, things can change for the better or for worse. It’s a constant game of push-and-pull between governments and technology giants when the conversation turns to encryption; cyber attackers are inventing and evolving new ways to exploit us daily, and some countries would rather suppress the idea of individual privacy than protect it.

Also: How tech is a weapon in modern domestic abuse — and how to protect yourself

In a world where many of us have been asked to rapidly change our working practices and to do our jobs from home, research suggests cyber incidents are on the rise with many of us “oblivious” to security best practices, and if we don’t take basic precautions, we may be risking not only our personal devices but also company systems. 

thankfully , the threat to our privacy has now been acknowledge by technology company . Many organizations is taken , both for – profit and non – profit , have take it upon themselves to develop tool for user to improve our personal security — and it is now up to us to use them .