10 Best practices for protecting personal data online

In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are on the rise, protecting personal information online has never been more critical. According to a 2023 study, 83% of UK businesses reported cybersecurity concerns related to data privacy. Whether you’re a business owner or an individual, following best practices can help safeguard sensitive data from cybercriminals. Here are the 10 best ways to protect your personal data online.

1. Use strong and unique passwords

Weak or reused passwords are a leading cause of data breaches. Hackers exploit simple passwords using brute force attacks, gaining access to personal accounts.

Best practice:

• Create strong, unique passwords for each account.
• Use a combination of uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Consider using a password manager to store and generate secure passwords.

2. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Even if a hacker steals your password, MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.

Best practice:

• Enable MFA for all important accounts, including email, banking, and social media.
• Use authentication apps instead of SMS-based MFA for better security.

3. Be cautious of phishing scams

Phishing attacks trick users into providing personal information by impersonating legitimate organisations.

Best practice:

• Never click on suspicious links in emails or messages.
• Verify sender details before entering login credentials.
• Learn more about identifying phishing attempts in our guide on common cyber attacks.

4. Keep software and devices updated

Outdated software contains vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to access personal data.

Best practice:

• Enable automatic updates on all devices and applications.
• Install security patches as soon as they are released.

5. Secure your internet connection

Public Wi-Fi networks are a common target for cybercriminals looking to intercept personal data.

Best practice:

• Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.
• Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic.

6. Review privacy settings on social media

Oversharing on social media can expose personal details that hackers or scammers can exploit.

Best practice:

• Set social media profiles to private.
• Limit the amount of personal information shared online.
• Learn more about securing your digital presence with our cybersecurity habits guide.

7. Use encrypted communication

Standard emails and messages can be intercepted by cybercriminals.

Best practice:

• Use encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp for private conversations.
• Enable email encryption for sensitive communications.

8. Regularly monitor financial accounts

Unusual transactions or unauthorised logins may indicate identity theft or fraud.

Best practice:

• Check bank and credit card statements frequently.
• Set up transaction alerts to detect suspicious activity.

9. Be wary of data sharing

Many online services request excessive personal information that may not be necessary.

Best practice:

• Only provide necessary details when signing up for services.
• Use temporary or masked email addresses for non-essential accounts.

10. Back up important data

Data loss can occur due to ransomware attacks, hardware failure, or accidental deletion.

Best practice:

• Regularly back up important files to secure cloud storage or an external drive.
• Test backup recovery methods to ensure accessibility.
• Read more about strengthening cybersecurity defences for long-term data protection.

Stay vigilant and protect your personal data

Protecting personal data online requires a proactive approach. By following these 10 best practices, individuals and businesses can reduce the risk of identity theft, fraud, and cyberattacks.

For expert cybersecurity guidance and services, visit DarkShield.