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Social Media Smarts: Protecting Your Privacy as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Australia

12 Sep 2023


Did you know that the information you share online has the potential to harm you and your family? The dangers that lurk in the online world can impact your quality of life in Australia. Out of 7.6+ million foreigners in Australia, more than 408,836 are overseas Filipino students, expat workers, and diasporas. Being unsafe online can harm your potential to send money to Philippines from Australia to your family, who is dependent on your financial assistance. Almost 40% of all social media users have experienced some sort of phishing attack. So, keep reading this blog to learn how you can tackle the adversaries of social media threats.

How to Stay Safe on Social Media?

Here are some important social media usage tips that every Filipino expat should follow to ensure they stay emotionally, financially, and physically safe.

Lookout for Clickbait

Avoid following the arbitrary links that ask you to "comment below to see magic" or "check which celebrity you share a birthday with." They are third-party applications that aim to obtain and abuse your personal data.

Be Cautious When Uploading Content

Do your research before posting any pictures. One of the dangerous social networking practices is sharing pictures on social media. A simple, innocent photo of your child without any context can already be disclosing too much information. Cybercriminals may target you, your loved ones, or your house if you use photographs to advertise your whereabouts Hence, always be careful and mindful when uploading pictures.

Never Disclose Your Location

Never forget to disable location sharing on your device while altering your privacy settings. Your Facebook, email, and phone lookup will be all blocked if you turn off your location. This way, you can save yourself from becoming a victim of any crime.

Social networking platforms will frequently ask for your location information. You have the right to reject. Also, be aware that location data is commonly used to tailor adverts and recommendations based on places you have recently visited. By allowing access to location services, it may be that your location information is being shared with other parties. Keep in mind that while making an online money transfer from Australia to Philippines, you will only be asked to disclose your country, not the specific location. Hence, always protect yourself from online fraudsters who ask for specific and unwanted details about your life.

Alter Your Privacy Settings

On almost all social media networks, you can modify your privacy settings to limit how your data is gathered or used. Each social networking platform has a unique process for changing privacy settings. Before sharing your information or photographs, take into account who might see, comment, or respond to it. Something to consider is whether you want your social media posts and pictures to be visible to everyone, simply friends or friends of friends and alter accordingly.

Tagging friends could be a lot of fun, but it might also violate their privacy. You also don't want to be associated with anything offensive. Always decide to review something that someone tags you in before it is published. However, keep in mind that even if you decide not to publish the post on your social media page, it may still be available for public viewing on theirs.

Always go through the default settings before using your social media account. Under the majority of social media sites' default privacy settings, your information may be shared with other online third parties. By altering the social networking site's default privacy settings, you can limit the amount of information that is unknowingly shared with other users.

For example, to limit your contact information, Snapchat offers a number of privacy settings. Start by checking your settings in the Snap Privacy Centre. You have the option to review whatever data Snap holds about you, including when your account was created and the devices that have access to it. By downloading your data, you can review the various types of information that have been obtained and modify your settings as required.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication further secures your accounts. The initial authentication is performed using the usual username and password that has been in use for years. The second element is a code that is sent via email or text message to a mobile device. Unreliable individuals will find it more challenging to access their accounts by adding this extra step. Two-factor authentication can save you the hassle and harm that come with hacked accounts, even though it only adds a few extra seconds to your day.

To boost security, use an authenticator app as your second factor. In light of the growing number of people who are working and studying remotely, it is imperative to exercise caution while disclosing information both online and offline. Never forget to change your settings or stay up to date with any privacy updates or changes made to the online services you use every day. Take responsibility for protecting your personal data, and encourage people to think carefully before sharing any information.

With credible and trusted services like ACE Money Transfer, you can send money to Phillippines online from Australia and have peace of mind that your data and information is completely private and protected.

Always Log Out

Make it a practice to log out whenever you use a public computer, and occasionally do the same on personal devices. Logging out will stop someone from accessing your social media profile, changing your password, locking you out of your account, or worse, using it to attack your friends or turn personal information into insulting remarks.

Advice on Social Media Privacy and Security

To combat the lack of privacy on social media, you should take security precautions to safeguard your privacy and account information, just as you would with any web-based account. Here are some extra tips.

  • Select a safe password that is "strong".
  • Use a different password for each of your many social media accounts.
  • Change your passwords often.
  • Avoid accessing your social media accounts on friends' phones or shared PCs.
  • Take caution when using your social media accounts on free public wifi.
  • Even if a buddy offers you links to social networks, avoid clicking on them.

Advice for Maximum Online Security for Filipino Expats

 

Use ACE Money Transfer to Send Money to the Philippines from Australia

Relying on online services for sending remittances is much cheaper and more convenient. However, unregulated firms can rob you of your wealth. It is important to choose secure services that are regulated and well-reputed. ACE Money Transfer offers top-notch security through strong encryption and two-factor authentication. Plus, ACE is in compliance with all important regulatory guidelines in Australia and the Philippines. Here is a detailed guide on the safest ways to send remittances to the Philippines.

Use a VPN

Using a virtual private network allows you to take proactive steps to defend yourself against hackers attempting to steal data straight from you. The best thing you can do to safeguard your personal information on your end is to use a VPN. Criminals frequently utilise public Wi-Fi to monitor your keystrokes in an effort to acquire your usernames and passwords as well as any sensitive data you might share online, such as credit card numbers and PINs. 

Browse in an Incognito or Private Window

Use private browsing mode when browsing the internet to prevent your computer from saving cookies, temporary internet files, or your browser history. These days, a lot of web browsers offer this kind of privacy protection. For example, it is known as Incognito Mode in Chrome. It creates a secure network inside of a bigger network.
 

By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure a safe experience in Australia. Protecting yourself and your family from online dangers can contribute to a happy and beautiful life. Remember, ACE can be your trusted financial partner in a foreign land. Sign up today and enjoy a free online money transfer to Philippines from Australia.

FAQs

What steps can I take to protect my privacy on social media as an OFW in Australia?

Avoid sharing personal details that include your personal number and residential address.  

Can I trust friend requests from strangers in Australia?

No. Be extra cautious when accepting friend requests from people you don't know personally.

Are there legal consequences for sharing sensitive information online?

Yes, sharing sensitive information can lead to legal issues, so be extremely mindful of what you post on your social media.

What should I do if I suspect someone is impersonating me on social media?

Report the impersonation immediately.

How can I ensure my online job search doesn't compromise my privacy?

It is advisable to use only reputable job search platforms and avoid sharing personal information upfront. It is best to research potential employers thoroughly.


Online Safety Tips

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