How to Protect Your Personal Information While Browsing Online

With cyber threats on the rise, it's critical to take steps to protect your personal information when browsing online. By following some key security practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams, identity theft, and other digital dangers. This guide covers practical ways to boost your online safety and keep your sensitive data out of the wrong hands.

Secure Your Microsoft Account

Your Microsoft account is the gateway to many online services, so it's important to lock it down. Adding extra security information helps protect your account if it's ever compromised.

Step 1: Go to the Microsoft account website and sign in.

Step 2: Under Password and security info, click "Edit security info".

Step 3: Add security details like:

• Alternate email addresses
• Mobile or other phone numbers
• Trusted PCs you regularly use
• A security question only you would know the answer to

Step 4: Click "OK" to save your changes.

For even stronger protection, consider enabling two-step verification. This requires two forms of identification any time you access your account.

Browse Privately with Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge offers features to help protect your privacy as you surf the web:

Step 1: Use InPrivate browsing. This mode deletes your browsing history, passwords, and other data when you close the window.

To open an InPrivate window:

• Click the "..." menu
• Select "New InPrivate window"

Step 2: Clear your browsing history regularly:

• Go to Settings > Privacy and services
• Click "Choose what to clear"
• Select the data types to remove
• Click "Clear now"

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Creating strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your personal information.

Step 1: Use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Step 2: Make passwords at least 12 characters long.

Step 3: Avoid using personal information like birthdates or names.

Step 4: Use a different password for every account.

Step 5: Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.

Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks can be convenient, but they're often unsecured, making them prime targets for cybercriminals.

Step 1: Avoid accessing sensitive accounts (like banking or email) on public Wi-Fi.

Step 2: If you must use public Wi-Fi, connect through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data.

Step 3: Disable auto-connect features for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your devices.

Step 4: Verify the network name with the business providing it to avoid connecting to fake hotspots.

Guard Against Phishing Attacks

Phishing scams try to trick you into revealing sensitive information by posing as legitimate entities.

Step 1: Be wary of unsolicited emails, especially those asking for personal information.

Step 2: Check email sender addresses carefully - scammers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones.

Step 3: Don't click on links in suspicious emails. Instead, go directly to the company's website by typing the URL into your browser.

Step 4: Use anti-phishing tools built into your browser and email client.

Step 5: Keep your software and operating systems up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Manage Your Social Media Privacy

Social media platforms can expose a lot of personal information if not managed carefully.

Step 1: Review and adjust your privacy settings on all social media accounts.

Step 2: Be selective about what personal information you share on your profiles.

Step 3: Use strong, unique passwords for each social media account.

Step 4: Be cautious about connecting with people you don't know in real life.

Step 5: Think twice before participating in online quizzes or games that ask for personal information.

By implementing these strategies, you'll significantly improve your online security and protect your personal information from cyber threats. Remember, staying safe online is an ongoing process - regularly review and update your security practices to stay ahead of evolving risks.