Privacy Day: How aware are you of your digital trail?

Shopping. Grocery shopping. Doing banking. Booking vacations. Looking up information. Nowadays we can do almost everything online. However, because everything has become so easy and accessible digitally, we ourselves have become less careful with our data. Because of course it is very convenient that the browser remembers our login details or that our address details are automatically filled in when we place an order somewhere. This allows us to do our business nice and fast. However, what we do not always realize is that in this way we leave a digital trail of personal data and information online.

European Privacy Day

January 28 is Privacy Day. This day was created in 2007 to better inform citizens of their rights when it comes to the use of their personal data by governments, companies and other organizations. A great time to share with you our 5 tips for protecting your online privacy!

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Tip 1: Choose a secure password

Do you prefer to use your date of birth as your password? Or is "12345" your go-to password? Then it might be wise to reconsider your choice. After all, passwords are the foundation of your online privacy. With a secure password, you reduce your chances of being hacked and hackers gaining access to your personal information. Also, don't use the same password for every website. If your password is guessed, thieves will have instant access to all your online accounts. If you find it difficult to remember all different passwords, you can also use a password manager.

Tip 2: Clear your browser history regularly

Every time you visit a website, it is stored in your browser's history. In other words, your browser keeps track of all the websites you have visited. However, to protect your online privacy, it is good to regularly clear your browser history. Even if you are using a public computer, it is a good idea to clear the history after you have finished.

Tip 3: Don't just accept all cookies

Any website that uses cookies must have a cookie notice on the website. When you visit a website, the websites places cookies on your computer, tablet or phone. This allows the website to remember which pages you have viewed and what information you have entered. Most websites allow you to choose which cookies you accept. For example, you can also accept only functional cookies for a properly functioning website. This makes it less likely that your preferences will be stored and used for marketing purposes. Some websites also allow you to choose to refuse all cookies.

Tip 4: Choose a privacy-conscious browser, such as Firefox

Google Chrome is one of the most widely used Internet browsers. However, Google also has an advertising network. If you are logged into Google while browsing, the websites you visit will enter their (advertising) system. Therefore, choose a privacy-conscious browser, such as Mozilla Firefox, that blocks tracking cookies, for example, so you cannot be tracked by websites.

Tip 5: Beware of phishing

Phishing is when cybercriminals try to extort personal information from you, such as login credentials, PIN numbers or credit card information. They do this in the form of an email where they pretend to be someone else, such as your bank. Therefore, pay close attention to suspicious emails. Always check who the sender is, if there are silly language errors in the message and never just click on a link if you are not sure if the email is reliable.

More security? Take out private cyber insurance!

Private cyber insurance insures various forms of cybercrime, such as identity fraud, cyber extortion, invasion of privacy, loss of money through phishing, malware or hacking, for example, and reputational damage. If you are faced with any of the above online incidents, you can count on fast and targeted help. You will be helped immediately by experienced security specialists who know exactly what to do in such a situation.