A Comprehensive Guide to Online Privacy
Life is all about privacy. It’s what builds trust. When people know so much about you, they’ll start disrespecting you. And you don’t want that happening, right? There are certain things you should always keep private and confidential. Unfortunately, most internet users believe that they’ve no power over individuals and companies that collect and sell their online data. Keep reading and learn how to fight back.
Why Are Sites Tracking Your Data?
Have you ever shopped online, then after returning to that website, later on, the brand is recommending brands that happen to resemble the ones you already purchased? What’s really going on is modern marketing. Most of this data collection plus tracks are intended for personalizing advertisements so that companies spend minimal time marketing to mass audiences who aren’t interested in their products. This, in turn, helps them save more and significantly reduces the amount of irrelevant advertising.
Research shows that only 29 percent of internet users believe that the data collected about them leads to better products as well as services. And this proves that those marketing tactics are quickly losing their shine.
People are fed up with companies mishandling their data. No one is willing to hand over their personal data to improve online experiences. Even though web browsers, retailers, organizations, and social media channels are constantly watching, collecting, as well as analyzing your data for marketing purposes, they aren’t necessarily protecting your data. And the worst part is that most consumers don’t have any idea how the data they live behind can be used to harm them and who will actually see it. Do you often read the data privacy policies? If so, do you understand what they mean?
What Do Websites Track?
Your online data incorporates more than your name, phone number, and physical address. It’s actually an ever-growing database of personal information which can include purchases/surfing activity, social media, all your credit card numbers, all websites you visit, what you drive and where you’ve driven, every email you’re sent or received, every friend or follower on all your social media handles, and a lot more.
All this data, which is your own personal commodity, is often gathered and sold to third parties who’re interested in getting a piece of you. Most online users aren’t aware of all the confidential data that’s collected about them. Some believe that being tracked online is something inevitable and there’s nothing that can be done to stop it. For more information about online privacy, Check out privacy spark.
Why You Should Protect Your Data Privacy
Whether you’re surfing the web, regularly posting on social media, or occasionally shopping online, you’re being watched. Does that bother you? And do you even know who’s collecting your personal data? What are they doing with it?
Research shows that most people are concerned about the personal data that’s gathered and shared about them. However, only a few of them know what to do so as to protect themselves from hacking.
Remember, the data collected entails everything about you: the positive, the bad, and the ugly. What’s more, these organizations store a database of your personal information without proper security, hence exposing it to breaches.
In the year 2018, 46 percent of American companies suffered a data breach. That means there’s a better chance that some of your confidential data were discovered in those breaches.
Final Thoughts
Your privacy is very important. And that’s particularly true when you’re browsing the internet. Knowing how to protect your personal data from hackers will go a long way in helping you lead a private and peaceful life. The good news is that there are several things you can do this- from creating strong passwords to using a VPN, you’ve got so many options to choose from.