Back in 2019, I was designated to be the company's Data Protection Officer. While I was simultaneously working as a full-time web developer, the task was extremely challenging and, I must admit, daunting. I managed to get the Company registered to the National Privacy Commission, attended the Privacy Awareness Week 2019, and shared some online safety tips inside the organization that helped them elevate their cyber hygiene. Today, I realized that Data Privacy Awareness shouldn't be limited inside everyone's workplace. In this article, I'll share with you the same safety tips I shared with my colleagues back then, adding my personal insights on how I practice them myself. You can also check this list from the NPC Website.

This is 30 Ways to Love Yourself Online: Part 3 of 3. Click here if you want to jump back to Part 1.

Table of Contents

Tip #21: Clean up your Browser Extensions.
Tip #22: Delete your Browsing Data.
Tip #23: Uninstall unwanted programs from your PC.
Tip #24: Back up your files and data.
Tip #25: Keep your software up-to-date.
Tip #26: Check and use firewalls.
Tip #27: Secure your wireless network.
Tip #28: Store personal and financial documents securely.
Tip #29: Be mindful of devices with company data on them.
Tip #30: Pass this on.

Tip #21: Clean up your Browser Extensions.

Exercise caution over the extensions you install for your browser. These are pieces of code that can customize your user experience, but are also dangerous if left unchecked in the hands of malicious people who want to track your browsing or capture your passwords and private data.

If you're on Chrome, quickly go to chrome://extensions/. Examine your installed extensions and their permissions. Remove any tools you don't use on a regular basis and only reinstall again when you need them. Remember that these extensions can be created and built by anyone, and they can access your browsing history. So choose only the extensions you require with caution.

Tip #22: Delete your Browsing Data.

Cookies on your browsers help you track your usernames and passwords, but it can also be used to track your activity, interests, and preferences. Keep your data private by regularly clearing your browsing data.

I personally don't do this a lot cause it's troublesome and annoying to clear everytime. What I always do when a website seems off is I browse using incognito. This way when I close my tabs, all those cookies will be removed immediately. Fortunately, there's an easy way to clear your data and you can even select what and from when they have been saved. Just go to your browser settings and look for Clear Browsing Data.

Tip #23: Uninstall unwanted programs from your PC.

Be wary of Potentially Unwanted Programs, usually adware, which display advertisements or fake security warnings on web pages that you visit.

Apart from installing an Anti-virus, make it also a habit of removing programs you don't use anymore. All operating systems have the functinality to uninstall programs and I think it's very easy to do. What I can personally recommend is use a software called CCleaner. With this you can clear unnecessary files and programs. You can even sort by date. I'm using it for years now and didn't have any problem but if you want you can uninstall it after use. If you're not sure what to delete, ask a technician to help you.

Tip #24: Back up your files and data.

The threat of ransomware has been growing through phishing e-mails and pop-up ads. Ransomware is when a hacker locks your computer down and threatens to wipe out your data if you don’t pay up.

This is a very scary type of hack and it will be the last thing you'll ever want for your device. I'm sure with all the tips you've read up to now, you should be able to secure yourself. However, in any case you run out of luck and you're locked (see what i did there?), just hard reset your device or buy a new one. So always make sure you backup everything important on a separate physical drive or better use a cloud storage like Google Drive or iCloud. I am currently subscribed to Google One which includes 100GB and it's so much worth it.

Tip #25: Keep your software up-to-date.

Software updates are critical for everything from brand new iPhones to ancient PCs, because these updates sometimes fix security and privacy flaws that leave you vulnerable to hackers.

Most people believe that if you update your devices too quickly, they will break. This is a bad practice because it allows hackers to infiltrate their devices. Huge corporations, such as Apple and Microsoft, have large and talented teams that thoroughly test and scrutinize these updates. These updates frequently include security fixes that will protect you from newly discovered infiltrations or virus signatures. So, would you trust your friend who got the idea of not updating from another friend of another friend? Or would you rather quickly configure your devices to receive automatic updates and give yourself some peace of mind?

Tip #26: Check and use firewalls.

Firewalls are network security systems that monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Make sure yours is up, and that they stay up.

Nope, it's not about your house. Go to your computer settings and look for the firewall. Make sure it's always on. Believe me, unless you're an aspiring hacker, there's no reason for you to turn this off.

Tip #27: Secure your wireless network.

Lock down your wireless network with a strong password and encryption. You can also connect your machine to your router to check how many devices are connected to your network. If there are more than you’d expect, it’s time to change passwords.

Most routers have default passwords, which I only change once with random characters. I don't use anything too obvious or personal. You won't be able to check it every day, especially in densely populated areas. To be safe, use a strong password and only try sharing your wifi information with your closest family and friends.

Tip #28: Store personal and financial documents securely.

Never access your personal and financial documents in internet cafes or public computers. Additionally, when storing your extra-sensitive files, save them in one folder, compress with a password, and delete the original folder for extra safe-keeping.

I personally don't send any details related to my bank accounts or cards online. If needed, i use only photos and delete them immediately as much as possible. If you save it on your emails, don't use any obvious words like My Password or PIN Code. We have to give hackers a hard time to search through your files if ever you get exposed in the future. What I would recommend is to store sensitive files in physical drives and create a password protected backup. In this way, it will not be accessed online.

Tip #29: Be mindful of devices with company data on them.

This goes without saying, but keep your boss and clients happy by respecting their data privacy as much as you do yours. Never open confidential files for work on public computers, and treat devices that contain these files with extra care.

Even if the device that you're currently using is company provided, still consider it as you would with your own. This will help prevent exposing not only your data, your company's data, but also everyone within your organization. Do not engage in personal activities on your work devices as much as you can. If you are a major stakeholder in your company, please promote higher data security protocols and consult your Information Security Team.

Tip #30: Pass this on.

Show your love to friends and family by introducing them to good personal data privacy practices to keep them safe off and online.

There you have it, all 30 ways to Love Yourself Online. I know this is a very long post as we added some of our insights along the way and I hope you learned a thing or two. I will be more than happy if you start practicing these habits as many as possible. Share with your family and friends, most especially the elderly who need guidance in this constantly evolving world of technology.

If you want to check the original list, feel free to look at this amazing page from NPC: https://www.privacy.gov.ph/30-ways/. If you're interested to learn more about Data Privacy, visit their website.