—
Men are generally more online than women globally. And as they navigate numerous online platforms, like social media networks and streaming services, the likelihood of being exposed to different attacks is high. Knowing the proper techniques and the best tools is essential to enhance their digital privacy.
With that, we’ve prepared a quick guide on the best safety practices you can use to protect your activities and data online. We will be breaking down some of the most common platforms and services men access and providing insights on preventing potential risks while using them.
Read below for more.
Social Media
Social media platforms are digital playgrounds for connections, interactions, and thorough discussions.
However, it’s also a minefield of potential privacy violations. The good news is that channels like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) now offer robust cybersecurity countermeasures against possible breaches.
For instance, they now offer two-factor authentication and device monitoring capabilities to provide layered protection to users.
Meanwhile, take your safety to the next level and practice mindful social media usage. Update your privacy settings frequently to track and control who can see your posts and personal information. Plus, avoid posting sensitive personal details that malicious individuals can use against you. These include location, contacts, financial records, or other data that can be used for fraudulent purposes.
One excellent tip is to avoid posting in real time. For instance, don’t post about your activities on the same day you travel. This approach will make your online movement more unpredictable, preventing people from planning malicious practices based on your location, from burglary at home to stalking.
Dating Sites
Dating sites may involve more sensitive information than social media networks because this is where users look for intimate relationships. It’s also where “catfish” activities are more widespread.
Unfortunately, some of these malicious online users don’t just aim to play a prank on their matches but to try and scam money out of them.
Photos on these sites can’t be trusted because using other people’s images is easy. So, be cautious with what you share, and don’t be fooled by sweet talk online.
Meanwhile, avoid sending sexually explicit photos or videos of yourself because the other person might use them as blackmail against you. Sadly, this is a common occurrence on dating apps.
Streaming Services
Streaming is everywhere, with many platforms offering vast libraries for different content forms today. Unfortunately, many channels like Netflix and Amazon Prime still employ geo-restrictions in certain countries, forcing other online users to stream illegally on other sites and exposing them to potential hacking attacks.
Implementing a virtual private network (VPN) is one of the best ways to protect online users from attacks. This tool encrypts a person’s connection, keeping their online activities private from prying eyes on the Internet. In addition, using a VPN for streaming lets users access the content they want privately without using illegal streaming sites.
Moreover, a VPN can help users prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from deliberately slowing down their streaming speed. This is called bandwidth throttling, and ISPs do it for numerous legitimate reasons, one being because the network experiences congestion.
Online Stores
Online shopping is convenient but incredibly risky since it involves a lot of sensitive user information. That’s why shoppers must always be vigilant when purchasing any item online.
Aside from employing a VPN and other cybersecurity tools, shopping from trusted online stores is vital. Always buy from flagship stores because e-commerce sites verify them. If buying from a new store is unavoidable, collecting insightful customer reviews first is best to avoid falling into a scam.
Moreover, always use secure payment methods like credit cards and trusted digital wallets like PayPal or Apple Pay for layered transaction protection. It would help to regularly check your bank statements and online shopping accounts for unauthorized transactions.
Navigate Through the Complexities and Risks
Our online world is a fantastic place for insightful information and interpersonal connections. Sadly, it’s also become a place where different attacks thrive. Online users must be vigilant against these attacks.
They must have a proactive approach and use the best practices and tools to fend off any attempts on their data or devices. Doing so will ensure a much safer and more seamless online experience.
—