Our digital identity is the cornerstone of our online presence in a wired society. Protecting it is crucial to prevent cybercrime.
When it comes to a “wired” society, our digital identity is the cornerstone of our online presence. However, it is also a valuable target for cybercriminals and data harvesters. Safeguarding your digital identity is crucial to protect your privacy and prevent identity theft. In this blog, we will explore the rationale for protecting your digital identity and discuss various measures and tools you can use to remain discreet and secure online in Australia.
Why Protect Your Digital Identity
Identity theft is a prevalent cybercrime where attackers use stolen personal information to impersonate individuals and commit fraudulent activities. Protecting your digital identity helps prevent criminals from accessing sensitive information, such as financial details or personal records, and using it to their advantage.
Online platforms and websites often collect vast amounts of personal data. You can maintain control over what information you share and limit your exposure to potential data breaches and privacy violations.
The data breaches that struck Medibank and Optus in 2022 added more dimension to the privacy consequences. One Melbourne woman interviewed for ABC admitted shock when a man showed up at her parents’ house one night and sought her for adult services he paid for on a website – and the website had a copy of her drivers’ licence, which she actually furnished to a property agent she engaged for a lease. Problem was, the agent posted her licence and that of others on their page.
Things are already worse just as FY24 is wrapping up. The Citation Group noted that Australia has had 60 cyberattacks as of May 2024. In mid-May 2024, national cybersecurity coordinator LTGEN Michelle McGuinness said a major ransomware data breach of e-script vendor MediSecure was labelled as an isolated incident with serious consequences because Australians’ personal data and health details were compromised.
Responsible internet use includes taking measures to protect yourself and others from cyber threats. These include not interacting with strangers on social media, not clicking on certain links and files attached in an email you don’t recognise, and avoiding posting details such as your personal phone numbers. By safeguarding your digital identity, you contribute to a safer online environment for everyone.
Cybercriminals continuously exploit digital vulnerabilities to launch attacks. Protecting your digital identity helps mitigate cybercrimes, reducing the overall impact on individuals and society.
Measures and Tools for Digital Identity Protection
Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Using strong and unique passwords for each online account is crucial. Avoid using easily guessable information and incorporate a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) whenever possible, which adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, routing your online traffic through a secure server. This helps protect your digital identity by hiding your IP address and making it more challenging for third parties to track your online activities. Companies such as ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN are often touted for their good pricing and quality service options, including the ability to protect multiple devices in a single account.
Encrypted Messaging Apps
Opt for encrypted messaging apps that secure your conversations and prevent unauthorised access to your messages. The team at antivirus company AVAST claims that before downloading such apps from a noted portal, check its background, subscriber base, and protective measures, even more if the app’s parent firm has a nasty history of data breaches. Some tech specialists polled on secure messaging apps often have WhatsApp, Signal, and Apple’s iMessage on the top of their favourite lists, and all but prefer to leave WeChat out of the conversation.
Secure Browsing
Use HTTPS-enabled websites for secure browsing, especially when sharing personal information or engaging in online transactions. HTTPS ensures encrypted communication between your browser and the website, reducing the risk of data interception.
Limit Personal Information Sharing
Sharing personal information on social media and other online platforms is often a threat vector for cybercriminals. Limit the amount of sensitive data publicly available to reduce the risk of identity theft and potential privacy violations. For example, if you have a personal social media account with many followers or friends, do not post your birthdate, phone number, or email.
Some QUICKLE users claimed to have received, for example, on WhatsApp, messages from numbers they don’t recognise about job offers claiming the supposed headhunter found the person’s contact number on LinkedIn. The big red flag, though, is that those users never posted their numbers on the professional network at all.
Privacy Settings and Permission Controls
If you have accounts on social media platforms and other online services, take time to access them all and tweak your privacy and permission settings. Be selective about the information you share with third-party apps and ensure you understand the permissions granted to them.
Regular Software Updates
Cybercriminals are known to update themselves on the latest exploits with existing software – and tech companies counter with patches and test their software for potential exploits. Regularly update your operating system, software, and apps to ensure they are equipped with the latest security patches.
Invest in Cybersecurity Solutions
Consider investing in reputable cybersecurity solutions, such as antivirus software and firewalls, to protect your devices from malware and other cyber threats.
Covert Surfing Tools
Anonymous surfing tools, such as Tor (The Onion Router), provide enhanced privacy by routing your internet traffic through a series of volunteer-operated servers, making it difficult for anyone to pin down your IP address.
Use Disposable Email Addresses
When signing up for online services or subscriptions, consider using disposable email addresses. These temporary email addresses can help protect your primary email account from spam and potential data breaches.
Conclusion
Protecting your digital identity is crucial in today’s digitally connected world. Through understanding the rationale behind digital identity protection and implementing the various measures and tools discussed, you can safeguard your privacy, prevent identity theft, and contribute to a safer online environment. Responsible internet use and investing in cybersecurity solutions are essential for maintaining control over your personal data and online activities.
Embrace anonymous surfing tools and encryption technologies to browse the internet discreetly and securely. Being more proactive to shield your digital identity will help you confidently surf the web in the shadows, buttressing yourself from potential cyber threats in Australia and beyond.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. QUICKLE has no working relationships with any company or organisation mentioned, and does not endorse or disparage any digital product featured in this article.
