Digital Privacy is Under Attack: Smart Ways to Protect Yourself

Part of living in the digital age is the understanding that your privacy is more vulnerable to cyber security threats than ever before. Not only have we seen an increase in cyber attacks on businesses and individuals, but the level of sophistication in those attacks have intensified, as well. In the years to come, there will be even more advanced cyber attacks using new technologies, victims, and intentions.

Most people brush off cyber security threats as an attack on businesses and the governments. This assertion is not entirely true. Your computer tablet and cell phone all contain information that hackers and other internet trolls would love to have. With access to your contact information, the hackers can easily send an email or text message to your friends using your name. They can also use the opportunity to manipulate your friends into clicking links with malware.

Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) Announces their Data Was Compromised

Just this week, Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) announced that their data was compromised as a result of the labour disruptions at Canada Post. Approximately 2% of customer orders were accessed by someone via Canada Post’s delivery tracking tool. This translates to approximately 4,500 orders being illegally accessed, including names or initials of the person who signed for the order, postal codes, delivery dates, OCS reference numbers, and Canada Post tracking numbers. Who would have known that buying legal cannabis could be so dangerous?

While businesses and government agencies are constantly working to protect themselves with advanced security measures, you do not have the feel helpless. You can play a role in this fight as well. Our online marketing course directors share their insight on how consumers can protect their digital privacy in a time of increased cyber attacks.

4 Simple Ways to Protect your Digital Privacy | Digital Marketing Training

While there is lots of uncertainty in the air as we approach 2019, one thing is a sure bet: keeping your personal data private will be more challenging and necessary. The following are four simple strategies to boost your digital privacy and security in 2019.

Tip #1: Update Software

One of the simplest ways to protect the security of your information on computers and mobile devices is to keep the software up to date. Updates help manufacturers patch security vulnerabilities quickly. Upon updating your device, you should double-check your digital privacy settings to make sure nothing has changed. You can find this information in the Settings and System Preferences menus.

Tip #2: Install a Password Manager

Think of the password manager as your bank account. Only you have access to the information with a pin that only you know. Most password managers allow you to create and then stores complicated, hard-to-guess passwords for all your online accounts. You can access them with one simple-to-remember password. Dashlane, 1Password, KeePass, and LastPass are among the most popular password managers.

Tip #3: Keep Your Social Network Activity Private

The more information you share online, the easier it is for some unauthorized party to get access to it. Peruse your social media profiles to make sure they are barren—the people who need to know your birth date, email address and phone number already have them. And what exactly is the point of sharing everything about yourself on the internet? To invite friends over for a party? To schedule meetings? This sensitive data can easily be sent through traditional means, which is a lot safer.

Tip #4: Use Two Step Authentication

You can lock down your Facebook, Google, Dropbox, Apple ID, Microsoft, Twitter and other public profiles and accounts with a two-factor verification process, which includes facial and fingerprint recognition as well as code verification. For code verification, the service provider will send you a special code through text or via phone call. You will then need that code to log in to the said service. Some services require it each time you log in, other just when you’re using a new device or web browser.

yourDMAC | Online Digital & Social Media Marketing Courses & Training

yourDMAC offers a comprehensive Digital and Social Media marketing course for current or aspiring professionals in the Digital Marketing field. The course is also valuable for business owners looking to implement a Digital and Social Media Marketing campaign for their own company.

The online Digital & Social Media Marketing course commences with an introductory overview of Digital Marketing and then covers detailed step by step practical skills insight on execution and management of all major Social Media Marketing channels.

The comprehensive online course is comprised of 18 modules and 80 course sections and is expected to take students 40-50 hours to complete. To download the complete course syllabus please click here: yourDMAC syllabus.

Visit our website or contact us for more information on how yourDMAC can further your Digital & Social Media Marketing education. We would love to hear from you!