Do you have privacy concerns while making an online money transfer? Do you worry about online privacy in addition to the concern about how much of your data is available online and liable to theft or misuse? If so, remember that you are not alone. Living a "private" online life is more difficult than ever due to significant data breaches and online tracking. It's not impossible, though.

The main goal of online privacy is to safeguard and protect the information about you that is shared online. Sadly, doing so is now one of the top worries for internet users. Cyberattacks could potentially steal your passwords, browsing history, and other sensitive data. It is, therefore, necessary to protect your activities from prying eyes. The best techniques for maintaining your online privacy can be found right here.

What Is Online Privacy?

More than ever, and not just in the news, you're probably hearing about online privacy. Governments and the tech industry share a top concern for privacy, frequently sparring over its definition. But what exactly does it mean? Online privacy essentially refers to the defence of your right to maintain your right to privacy. Unexpectedly, not many places have laws defending those rights. Even when online privacy laws do exist, not all businesses abide by them. Although they differ, internet security and privacy are closely related. 

In contrast to cybersecurity, which focuses on preventing illegal data collection, privacy typically deals with legal data collection (such as the information you post on social media sites like Instagram and Snapchat) (like protecting your accounts from hackers). But there is considerable overlap. Enhancing privacy improves security, which in turn aids in maintaining security. You can enhance both by taking a few easy steps.

Lessen Your Online Sharing

Sharing less of your information is the best measure you can take to safeguard it from those attempting to scam you online. When it comes to sharing information, we immediately consider social networks, and that's a great place to start. Pay close attention to any images of you or your loved ones, geotagged posts, or other details you wouldn't want strangers to find out.

Nearly all apps, especially global money transfer apps and social media platforms, gather information about your activities; however, they rarely protect your data as carefully as you would like. Every few months, news stories about privacy violations by another company surface. One example is Zoom, which linked its user accounts to LinkedIn profiles, exposing names and professions, even for "anonymous" users.

Secret U.S. military bases in Syria and Afghanistan have been located thanks to an interactive map that Strava published that showed all recorded user routes. In a searchable, employee-accessible database, Facebook kept hundreds of millions of account passwords and did not discover this for seven years. Your digital footprint consists of all of these shares and data points (which scammers can use to get access to your sensitive information). To avoid oversharing online, try these strategies.

• Lessen your form sharing. Avoid including any "optional" information, such as a middle name or phone number. Establish a disposable email address. On the Dark Web, email lists are frequently rented or sold, and they may end up in the hands of dangerous people. A disposable email that is used only for subscriptions might be a good idea. ‍
• Don't use too many collaborative playlists, albums, or folders. Your data is more likely to be compromised or leaked if more people have access to it.
• Don't share your WiFi password. Your router manages a lot of private data, including passwords and financial information. Anyone with access to your WiFi password and evil intentions could attempt to steal your information.

Set Your Online Accounts' Privacy Restrictions More Strictly

The following and possibly simplest action you can take is to simply review the privacy settings on the online accounts you frequently use. Companies profit by collecting your personal information to the tune of millions or even billions. Additionally, their default settings tend to favour data collection over data protection.

Public Information: Consider carefully what details should be made public, kept private, or kept somewhere between. The three levels of data are typically your profile data, your content, and your interactions with other content.

Comments likes, and shares. Although we frequently consider how much information we share, your "likes" and comments on other posts are typically also made public. Even for "private" accounts, search results frequently include profile pictures, names, and comments on other posts. You can check some tips to make a secure online transaction here. 

Verify The Website's Security

Check the URL at the top of your browser before entering any personal information. An indication that a site is secure is the presence of the lock icon and a "https"- a prefixed URL. A website privacy policy, contact information, or a "verified secure" seal are a few additional ways to tell if a website is reliable. For instance, it is preferable to use secure websites like ACE Money transfer when you need to send money online.

Use A Trustworthy Password Manager

Using a password manager can make logging into frequently visited online accounts simpler because clearing your browser's cookie data will also delete any saved logins. There are built-in password managers and generators in many browsers, but using a trusted password manager for your logins and passwords is preferable.

Browser password managers are not as secure as password managers because anyone who has access to your device will also have access to your online data. Given that you must log in using a different master password with a password manager, it offers a more secure option. Additionally, a password manager can create stronger passwords than your browser and is compatible with a variety of browsers.

Configure A Virtual Private Network (VPN)

You should use a virtual private network, or VPN, to encrypt your personal information from prying eyes if you frequently use public networks and WiFi hotspots. Installing an extension for your browser or an app for your smartphone is all that is necessary to set up a VPN.

Your banking information and other personal information are scrambled, encrypted, and ultimately rendered unreadable by a VPN to protect your privacy. Your information will be scrambled and unreadable, so even if someone manages to hack your device or connection, they won't be able to steal anything, largely because of VPN encryption (given that you were using a VPN while surfing online).

Many people think it's impossible to maintain privacy online, but it's possible with a little work. Many tools are available to help you browse anonymously and fend off trackers and hackers, whether using a password manager, setting up the best antivirus program, or finding a no-logging VPN. Utilise the best security measures and maintain the highest level of online privacy by doing so.

Bottom Line - Stay Safe and Send Money Online Securely

The important thing to keep in mind is that having a private life is a human right, not a privilege. Governments may find it difficult to comprehend this fact, but you must be aware of it. Start managing your online privacy today; don't wait for someone else to take the necessary precautions to protect you from hacking and other online crimes. Take advantage of ACE's services if you want to make a secure money transfer.