When you plan to buy a house, you need to keep multiple things in mind. Square footage to school districts. HOAs to home internet. But it’s also important to think about protecting your personal information.
This Data Privacy Day, here are several steps you can take at home to ensure your data remains secure. That way, your finances are in good shape when you’re ready to buy your home sweet home.
Shred Sensitive Documents
One of the simplest yet effective ways to protect your privacy is by shredding sensitive documents. Bank statements, credit card bills, medical records, and any other documents containing personal information should be shredded before disposal. This prevents identity thieves from retrieving and misusing your data.
Create Strong, Unique Passwords
Creating strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts is a fundamental step in protecting your data. Don’t use easily-guessable information like birth dates or common words — “password” is not a good password! Instead, opt for a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. You can even use a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
Enable Two Factor Authorization (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring a second form of verification (like a text message or an authentication app) in addition to your password. Enabling 2FA can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised. So wherever you have this option? Take it.
Keep Your Software Up to Date
Regularly updating your operating system, antivirus software, and other apps is crucial for maintaining data privacy. Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure your phones, tablets, and computers are always protected.
Be Cautious With Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient — but they can be risky for your data privacy. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or conducting financial transactions over public Wi-Fi. If you have to use it, consider connecting through a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from prying eyes. Pro tip: Airports can be especially risky because data thieves know you’re either in a hurry or just passing through.
Secure Your Home Network
Securing your home Wi-Fi network is another important step in safeguarding your data. Change the default login credentials on your router and use a strong password for your Wi-Fi. Enable network encryption (WPA3 is recommended) to prevent unauthorized access. You might even consider setting up a separate guest network for visitors.
Limit Social Sharing
Be mindful of the information you share on social media platforms. Avoid posting personal details — especially your full address, phone number, or vacation plans. Online criminals often scour social media for information they can use for shady activities or identity theft.
Monitor Your Financial Statements
Keeping an eye on your bank and credit card statements can help you spot any unauthorized transactions quickly. If you notice anything suspicious, call your financial institution immediately. Many banks and credit unions offer alerts for unusual account activity so you can stay informed.
Back Up Your Data
Regularly backing up your data ensures that you can recover important information in case of data loss due to malware attacks or hardware failure. Using an external hard drive or a secure cloud storage service is a great way to keep your backups safe.
Educate Yourself and Your Family
Finally, staying informed about the latest privacy threats and best practices is essential. Educate yourself and your family members about the importance of data privacy and how to protect it. Encourage open discussions about the potential risks and how to avoid them.
By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly enhance your data privacy and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime. Remember, protecting your personal information is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and awareness. But you’ll be glad you did it when you’re signing those closing documents for your new home.