How To Protect Your Personal Data On The Internet

With the proliferation of mobile connections and the enthusiasm for social networks, our daily lives are more exposed online than ever. (We sometimes tend to forget this.) To prevent your information (name, address, photos, financial statements, etc.) from falling into the wrong hands, it is essential to implement some good practices to protect your personal data on the Internet.

Understanding the Importance of Online Privacy

In our hyperconnected world, we constantly leave traces on the Web. Between messages posted on social networks, online purchases, and accounts created on dozens (or even hundreds) of sites, our personal information sometimes circulates without any time limit.

It is therefore important to realize that the confidentiality of our data is a real issue (not only for us, but also for our loved ones and future employers!). Even simple vacation photos shared on Facebook or Instagram can be viewed by strangers if our privacy settings are not properly configured. (We don't always suspect the impact of an innocuous post.)

Adopt strong and varied passwords

Among the first reflexes to have to ensure online security is creating "rock-solid" passwords. The best practices are simple:

• Length: Aim for at least 12 characters (including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters).
• Originality: If possible, do not use the same password for different accounts. This prevents the "domino" effect if one account gets hacked.
• Password Manager: For more convenience, tools like Dashlane or KeePass can automatically generate and store complex passwords.

It's a bit inconvenient, yes, but it makes all the difference in terms of cybersecurity.

Enhancing Security with Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (known as 2FA) adds an extra step when logging into an account. Beyond the password, you will need to confirm a code sent via SMS, email, or through a dedicated app, depending on the case. This mechanism proves valuable for blocking access to your account if someone manages to steal your password. And even if it may seem tedious to enter an additional code, it's better to take 30 seconds to secure your account than to spend hours (or even days) recovering hacked information.

Beware of public Wi-Fi networks

Public hotspots available in cafes, train stations, or airports are very convenient, but they can also be the favorite hunting grounds for hackers. The exchanged data (identifiers, credit card numbers, etc.) may be captured and exploited.

• Avoid sensitive transactions: do not connect to your online bank or make payments if you are on an unknown network.
• Use a VPN: a Virtual Private Network allows you to encrypt your traffic, preventing prying eyes from reading your data. There are many services that allow you to install a VPN on your smartphone or computer.

Limit the sharing of personal information

With the rise of social platforms, there is often a desire to post party photos, share personal anecdotes, give political opinions... Yes, it's appealing, but it's wise to think twice before posting anything.

• Privacy settings: check (and double-check) your account settings to restrict your posts to close friends.
• Sensitive content: religious, political, or medical opinions are data that could be exploited by an employer or an overly curious neighbor. Keep this in mind!
• Right to be forgotten: legislation is evolving to better protect internet users, but in practice, it is difficult to completely erase one's traces from the Internet.

Keeping software and systems up to date

Updates to your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android...) and software (web browser, office suite, antivirus) not only add new features. They also fix security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers.

Navigate with privacy-friendly tools

Did you know that some search engines, like DuckDuckGo or Qwant, boast about not tracking their users? This limits (somewhat) the collection of personal data.

On the browser side, options such as Mozilla Firefox or Brave include more advanced settings for privacy protection (for example, tracker blocking). Of course, it is also possible to install specialized extensions (uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, etc.) to counter ads and malicious scripts.

Encrypting one's communications and data

To enhance the privacy of your communications, prioritize messaging apps that offer end-to-end encryption, such as Signal or Telegram. This way, even if a third party intercepts your communications, they won't be able to read your messages. You can also encrypt files stored on your computer or online storage spaces (cloud). There are specific tools available, sometimes natively integrated into systems (like BitLocker on Windows or FileVault on macOS).

Nota Bene: What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the remote server. This means that all your data is encrypted before being transmitted. Even if a hacker or spyware were monitoring your connection, they would only see indecipherable data. It is one of the most effective methods to protect your privacy on public networks or to bypass certain censorships (in some countries, access to certain sites is blocked).

For professionals: anticipating and managing the cyber crisis

Businesses (regardless of their size) are increasingly exposed to cyberattacks. The consequences can be severe: theft of confidential data, blackmail, production paralysis, etc. Here are some action steps:

- **Implement a continuity plan**: have a clear strategy to maintain activity in case of an incident.
- Train staff: raise employees' awareness of best practices (complex passwords, caution with suspicious emails...).
- Monitor intrusion detection: install tools capable of identifying abnormal behavior on the network.

To learn more about the subject (particularly crisis management), you can take a look at our guide: [Anticipate and Manage a Cyber Crisis](https://www.bravrez.fr/article/realisations-clients/article-comment-anticiper-et-gerer-une-crise-cyber---guide-pour-les-entreprises-21.html).

Conclusion

Protecting personal data on the Internet is not a luxury; it is a necessity today. We must be vigilant at every step (from creating our passwords to managing our posts on social media). Cybercriminals are full of ideas to exploit any vulnerability, so it's better to be proactive by adopting a few simple habits: strong passwords, regular updates, using a VPN, and choosing tools that respect our privacy. By following these practical tips, you preserve your peace of mind and reduce the risk of exposing your confidential information.