Review account privacy settings. Log into social, shopping, cloud storage sites and ensure you have security options enabled.
Disable location tracking, limit ad targeting, and lock down public viewing of posts, photos and data.
Adjust smartphone privacy. iOS and Android phones collect sizable data on movements, interests and activities. Adjust settings to limit app permissions,
turn off tracking services, and disable unnecessary default options that share data without your knowledge.
Remove unused online accounts. Our digital footprints accumulate over the years.
Delete unused social media accounts, old retailer accounts with outdated payment data,
obsolete cloud storage logs and other vestiges that could pose security risks if hacked.
Check credentials on financial accounts. Ensure robust passwords, passcodes and two-factor authentication are enabled on banking, investment, insurance
and other accounts with sensitive personally identifiable information. Update where needed.
Learn more about emerging tech. Read up on privacy best practices as networked gadgets, the Internet of Things,
artificial intelligence and extended realities become more pervasive.
These technologies introduce new data vulnerabilities that conscientious consumers should be aware of.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also offers these tips:
Share less information with apps and services.
Use strong and unique passwords with two factor authentication (2FA).
Tighten privacy settings on your social media accounts.
Delete unused accounts, apps and browser extensions.
Stop search engines from tracking you.
Use a VPN to hide your browsing history.
This one-week Data Privacy Week initiative serves as an annual reminder for individuals and organizations to reassess privacy practices.
Thi includes your "Smart TV" , as well
The problem with deleting unused accounts is some sites won’t let you do it, even if you threaten them with a lawsuit should someone hack into your account.
If you backup your data to “the cloud” you’re putting it all on someone else’s server.