Balancing Safety and Privacy in the Digital Age
In a recent year, more than 23.9 million Americans were victims of identity theft. Given the digitalization of confidential information, data breaches pose a threat now more than ever. Scammers and hackers have developed sophisticated means for obtaining social security numbers and other private data, placing your welfare at risk. Below, the Greenville victims’ rights lawyers at Ryan Beasley Law provide our tips on how you can protect your safety and privacy in the digital age.
Monitor Financial Institution Accounts
You have worked hard to build your nest egg, so it is important that you monitor any activity related to bank accounts, investment accounts, and other retirement funds. By consistently monitoring online activity, you ensure that you will remedy any issues as soon as they occur. We recommend that you log into your bank account at least once per week. However, if you have frequent transactions, it may be wise to log in more often.
Routinely Change Your Passwords
Digital wallets (such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet) contain your bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and other personal information. Given that you can store debit/credit card numbers on digital apps, it is important that you change your passwords frequently. Changing your password every three to five months reduces your susceptibility to a data breach. Aside from this timeline, anytime you suspect that your information has been compromised, you should promptly change your password.
Use Encryption Software When Possible
Information sent through e-mail or even password-protected portals can easily be intercepted. To protect your privacy, consider downloading software that allows you to encrypt sensitive information. Encryption software turns readable information into unreadable code, which is only accessible to authorized recipients. To unscramble the data, the recipient must enter a password or other key code. This higher level of protection is a must in this digital era.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods to verify your identity. This may involve having a confirmation text sent to your phone or e-mail, entering a PIN number, or scanning your face or fingerprint. Users who use multi-factor authentication are at a reduced risk of having their accounts hacked.
Avoid Providing Your Age Online
While some sites require that you provide an age for access, providing your real age can compromise your security. In some cases, age verification may be required before a site will let you proceed, while others are designed to cater to content based on your age. Online platforms that ask for other identifying information can be a red flag. When in doubt, stop and consider whether you need to be using the particular site.
Ask an Attorney for Assistance Enforcing Your Rights
Understanding what data a company has can be difficult, especially when so much confidential information is floating around. A victims’ rights lawyer can discover what sensitive information a company has about you, requesting that specific information be removed from their database. By doing some legwork, you avoid having your confidential information entangled in future data breaches. If you are unsure of how to get started, our legal team is only a phone call away.
Reach Out to Our Greenville Victims’ Rights Attorneys
With technological advancements, data and privacy breaches are becoming more common. At Ryan Beasley Law, we have dedicated our professional lives to securing compensation for individuals whose privacy has been violated. If your confidential information has recently been compromised, our Greenville victims’ rights lawyers would like to speak with you. To learn how we can be of assistance, do not hesitate to contact us online or by phone at (864) 756-4204.