Together with our partners, we do our best to protect your personal data. However, you can also participate in this process and take some steps to keep your data safe and secure.

Your device

Let’s start with the device that you use. Firstly, its software should be up to date.

This includes an operating system, browser, and any application you use. Out-dated versions have vulnerabilities that can be used to access sensitive information. Your device should be encrypted and protected with a password. Most of the modern smartphones have automatic encryption, and it can be easily switched on for your laptop too. This makes it more difficult to obtain data from your encrypted device in the event it gets lost or stolen. Also, you can use software that allows remote access to your device, allowing you the ability to delete it if it was stolen.

Passwords

Now let’s talk about your password. First of all, it should be strong. To ensure this, ****use a combination of letters, numbers and special symbols. Avoid using easily guessed passwords, such as birthdays, family names, home addresses, or a simple sequence of numbers. Change your password regularly, and do not use the same password for multiple accounts. A good solution would be to use password manager software, that will help you to create strong passwords, and will also save them. You will only be required to remember one master password.

Public networks

Always pay attention how and where you connect to the Internet. ****If you are connected to a public network in a coffee shop or in a co-working space, it’s always safer and more secure to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This will make you much less vulnerable to the type of attacks like “man in the middle”, and you can read more about these type of attacks here. If you use a public network without VPN, it’s better to avoid opening the page of your bank, or other services that require you to insert your credentials.

Cautious online behaviour

Another good habit is to always question the validity of an email or a pop-up. Do not click on pop-ups claiming your computer is infected or offering discounts for example, as you might be installing malware on your computer. Ignore unsolicited emails asking you to open an attachment or to click on a link if you're not sure who actually sent it and why. Even if you have received an email from your bank, asking to change your password, don’t click on the link in the email. Open the app or the website, and change the credentials within your settings. Please be aware that no financial institution will email you and ask you to provide sensitive information such as account numbers and PINs within your reply.

Avoid inserting your credentials in nonsecure websites. ****For example, when banking or shopping online, look for the padlock symbol (🔒) on the page (which means it's secure), and "https: //" at the beginning of the web address (which means the website is authentic and encrypts data in transmission time).

These simple steps will massively help to increase the safety of your personal information.

Let us know if you have any questions.