As internet scams become more and more sophisticated, it’s getting harder to ensure our private information remains that way.
Thankfully, there is a way to minimise your chances of being hacked. These simple but effective tips will help keep you vigilant during your online activity and ensure your data is as safe as it can be.
1. Consider Who You're Sharing Personal Data With
Limit your sharing of sensitive personal data (health, etc.) to trusted recipients such as government departments, public health officials, healthcare professionals or other recipients endorsed by them.
2. Read the Privacy Policy
It might seem laborious but it’s always worth taking a few minutes to read over the privacy policy or data protection notice of a service or website. This will tell you how your data will be processed, who it will be shared with and what purposes it will be used for.
3. Be Wary of Forwarded Links
It’s vital to be wary of links forwarded by SMS, messaging apps or email particularly if you’re not expecting them or you think it has been automatically forwarded. This is a common way to spread malicious links.
4. Avoid Clicking on Unknown Links
If you’re unsure about a link or attachment, don’t click on it. Keep in mind that displayed text for a link can look like a legitimate URL but when you open it, the link may lead somewhere else entirely.
5. Use Anti-Virus Software to protect your devices
Ensure you have up-to-date antivirus or online security software installed on all of your devices. Don’t forget that smartphones and tablets are just as in need of malware protection these days as laptops or desktops!
From the Data Protection Commission
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