Online Privacy: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

Online privacy defines the process of securing personal information from unwanted threats on internet platforms. Billions of people around the globe use online platforms like social media regularly, connect with strangers, and share personal information with them, but they seldom pay attention to the possibilities of data breaches and theft.   

There are more than 5.35 billion regular internet users worldwide, accounting for 66% of the global population. Data states that almost 77% of the internet-using audience is concerned about their privacy, but very few take steps against enhancing cyberattacks on internet platforms.   

Considering the elevating cases of cybercrime in recent times, experts suggest taking steps against cyber threats and solidifying privacy standards online for enhanced user experience. In this blog, let us understand online privacy in an extensive way, including its importance and a few methods to safeguard privacy on internet platforms.   

What is Online Privacy?

Online or internet privacy is the parameter of data protectiveness that individuals get while using internet-based websites, webpages, software, and devices. It is broadly the right and method of safeguarding personal information on the internet from theft, third-party access, and illegal usage. 

As a segment of data privacy, online privacy raises concerns about possible data breaches on internet platforms and encourages users to take precautions to prevent such threats.     

Internet usage is multiplying with new users every day. The probable reason for enhancing usage is the technological shift lately. Nowadays, most of the devices we utilize are connected to the internet or wireless networks. Moreover, people can initiate and accomplish many tasks in contemporary times with tools and gadgets which have an internet connection.  

Therefore, we can state that high internet usage is the outcome of fast adoption and frequent utilization of devices and techniques with wireless network connection. Such networks assisted users to stay connected with each other and the devices they use regularly. People put the necessary information to operate such tools or devices that is basically their personal information.   

Why is Online Privacy Important?

While sharing personal data on internet-based platforms, they make the data available for others on that platform. There can be people with wrong intent who may use the personal information of the users for ill purposes, such as fraud and scams. To prevent such activities, online privacy is a must. Additionally, let us discuss a few factors to justify the importance of Internet privacy:  

Enhances User Control of Data:  

Internet privacy ensures that data control and management capabilities are provided on Internet platforms to parent users who primarily create or store information. Websites often share user data with third parties for financial benefits. However, high privacy standards restrict websites from sharing user information without consent.  

Prevents Cyber Threats:  

When user data is secured from illegal access and management, there are less possibilities of theft and breaches. Even if there are scammers on digital platforms, they cannot access or illegally leverage user information for any personal purposes.   

How to Protect Your Privacy Online? 

Protecting privacy is essential online and offline. It keeps our personal and confidential information safe from unwanted risks. Below are a few methods to shield data online:  

Set Strong Passwords: Users need to set passwords to access their online platform accounts. General passwords are easy to crack, which scammers take advantage of. Therefore, setting strong and unique passwords or pins is very important to protect online privacy.   

Lock Profile: Many online platforms nowadays offer the choice to lock user profiles to restrict strangers from accessing their data. Locking profiles allows users to defend their data from threats.   

Use Antivirus: Leveraging antivirus will allow users to scan and monitor every software they use and every website they visit. It will also notify users if they notice any threats.   

Concluding Remarks:  

Data on internet platforms is very vulnerable to theft and misuse. Scammers can illegally utilize user information from online sites to fraud people. As users, it is our responsibility to safeguard our online privacy and share information accordingly. Cybercrimes are very common at present and can occur against anyone on the internet. Check out our infographics to get insights into various types of cyber threats.   

Also Read:

Top Tips to Protect Your Personal Information Online