In the increasingly interconnected world we live in, where the exchange of information online is a convention, has the concept of privacy ceased to exist?

Her recent report Kaspersky found that over half of internet users (56%) feel that complete privacy in today's digital world is impossible, and it's not hard to see why this view prevails. With 9 out of 10 (89%) consumers online several times a day, the internet has become inextricably linked to everything we do – from shopping and watching movies, to job hunting, socializing and banking. Our actions online even tell what kind of content we watch, with targeted ads making us feel like our privacy is being invaded. Based on the above, is the Internet a safe or a war zone?

Kaspersky research shows that one in three (32.3%) do not know how they can fully protect their privacy online, while some feel they are not strong enough to resist privacy breaches. Worryingly, more than one in ten (13%) have lost interest in how they can further improve their privacy.

While it may seem like a war zone, the online world can be safe with the right prevention. Researching how much people really value and protect their information, many consumers -perhaps unwittingly- are at increased risk from the way they treat their personal data. This could undermine all other measures put in place to maintain security.

While the perception of privacy is not the same for everyone, there are tangible consequences associated with personal data being misused or falling into the wrong hands. Despite this, one in five (18%) will happily sacrifice their privacy and share their data if they get something free in return.

Sharing data on social media can also turn into a downward spiral, with many people recklessly sharing their data and personal information online in a bid to achieve short-term profits and social 'likes' – with sometimes disastrous long-term consequences. The alleged leader of the gang that robbed Kim Kardashian in Paris in 2016 claims social media tipped him and his associates off about the trip and were able to assess her jewelry before the terrifying heist. While this may sound like an extreme example, it is increasingly common for employers and prospective employers to visit LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to check that staff and candidates are trustworthy and that employees are not defaming someone. way the company.

Kaspersky research found that more than one in four (26%) stated that a third party had access to their personal data without their consent. This figure increases to almost one in three (31%) for 16-24 year olds. For 24% of these people, their private or confidential data was stolen and used for fraudulent purposes. Almost half (46%) stated that someone had accessed their personal data through online accounts without their permission.

THE David Jacoby, Kaspersky Head of Security Research for Northern Europe, says there is still hope for privacy. With Kaspersky taking a more holistic approach to securing personal systems, people can stay protected.

We focus on “digital immunity”, aiming to protect all environments from digital threats. Prevention is key, and through education and simple, easy-to-understand tips and tricks we aim to make online life safer for everyone

Privacy and online security are very personal concepts, we all have different "levels" of security, but the most important thing is that we actually have some sense of security and that we take responsibility for our online identity. Despite our fears and the realities associated with online data breaches, data privacy is and should be within everyone's reach. Secrets can remain secure and data loss should not be an expectation but an exception when interacting online. Good digital hygiene and awareness of the importance of online privacy and how to protect yourself could protect you and your data from potential risks

To keep your online world private and stop falling victim to data misuse, there are a few simple steps to follow:

• Think twice before posting anything on social media channels. Could there be wider consequences of making your views or information public? Could the content be used against you or to your detriment now or in the future?
• Do not share passwords for your online accounts with family or friends. It may seem like a good idea or a convenient way to share accounts with your loved ones, but it also increases the chance of them falling into the hands of fraudsters. Keep them to yourself to protect your privacy in case one of these personal relationships comes to an inglorious end.
• Take your online privacy seriously and do not share or allow access to your information with third parties unless absolutely necessary to minimize the possibility of it falling into the wrong hands.
• A combined solution of security products and practical steps can minimize threats and keep your information safe online. Reliable security solutions for comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats - such as Kaspersky Security cloud and Kaspersky Internet Security, including its use Kaspersky Password Manager to securely store your valuable digital data—can help solve the problem of keeping your personal information under control.

SOURCE: https://www.techgear.gr