In today’s digital age, there are approximately 2.5 quintillion tons of data being produced daily. This data comes in all shapes and sizes generated from your credit cards, social media engagements, online purchasing, and so much more. With such fast-paced processing of data, it is important to understand your digital footprint and how to regulate and minimize your risk of data breaches. While millennials are known to be a data-first generation, they place less emphasis or concern on their personal security risks. Millennials are well aware of the risks associated with technology convenience but don’t seem to be bothered by it.

According to Entrepreneur, “in the past six months, about 135 million users have had their data compromised via social networks. Still, 60 percent continue to use Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and other social media networks several times a day.” Twin City remains at the forefront of all security industry updates and changes and we want to share our tips and tricks to reduce your chances of your data being compromised.

 

Safely dispose of personal information

If you have purchased the latest version of your phone or laptop and have to dispose of your old one, this is an important tip for you. Erasing all of the data existing on your old device is a vital step before selling it or exchanging it in-store. Personal devices have so much stored data on them therefore it is important to erase them to ensure no one can get hold of your information. Make sure to remove the SIM card from the device and remove any contacts, messaging, app data, voicemails, and web search history. To find the best way to clear your information and data off the device, check out your provider’s web pages or video tutorials on how to properly erase the hard drives.

 

Be aware of impersonators

Millennial’s vast use of social media platforms makes them very susceptible to impersonators. Ensuring you are always aware of the risks associated with lack of privacy means that you are always conscious about who potentially has your personal or financial information. If you are not cautious about regulating who has access to your information off of your devices, social media, and financial platforms it is easy for somebody to steal it and impersonate you.

 

Keep your passwords private

This tip seems relatively obvious, but it is probably one of the most important. Passwords are the key to everything and often people use similar passwords across different platforms. Use strong, effective and different passwords for your social media accounts, financial logins, and your various electronic devices. Also, make sure your logins are not automatic because then anybody who has access to your device can look at your information. Here are some tips to help create a strong password:

• Include numbers
• Easy to remember
• A mix of letters including capitalized and lowercase
• Add symbols
• No ties to easily accessed personal information

Don’t overshare personal information on social media

While social media platforms are designed to be communal networks for people to come together, it is important to be conscious about what you post.

 

According to Entrepreneur, “Apps and social media might be the way forward for companies and people alike, but millennials need to understand the perils of a data security breach, as it could put others at risk too.”

 

If you are a very open person, it may be in your best interests to put all of your settings on private or have settings set so only friends of friends can see your information. Internet trolls have started to overtake the digital age and because of this, it is important to be aware of who is seeing your information so it is not taken advantage of. If you post a lot of personal information online and it is easily accessible, it leaves room for identity thieves to take that information and use it to log in to your accounts or impersonate you. If any of the information on these sites can answer your security questions, it is important to be aware of that as well.

 

Avoid emails from unknown personnel

When checking your email, it is a best practice not to open up any messages from unknown senders. If you see it is from a website but you’re unsure of its content, go to the website and message the customer service. Some emails will have viruses attached to them that can shut down your device or hack your passwords and other personal information.

 

At Twin City Security, we want to ensure you are taking the right precautions in all aspects of life to reduce risks and avoid security breaches. We have a long-lasting commitment to our clients and customers to provide a strong and dependable service that will give you security and peace of mind. Hopefully, these tips and tricks will help protect your personal information, and reduce your chances of a data breach, either personal or business-related in the digital age.