As we step into a brand-new year, the start of 2025 is a perfect time to prioritise your online safety by updating your privacy settings across all your online platforms. Just as you might set goals for health, career, or personal growth, safeguarding your digital privacy should at the top of your list of New Year’s resolutions.
Why You Should Update Your Privacy Settings
Our online lives are more connected than ever. Each platform collects data about you from social media to shopping apps, streaming services and online banking. While this can enhance user experience, it also opens the door to potential risks if your privacy settings aren’t current.
Many platforms update their privacy policies and settings options throughout the year. If you’re not regularly reviewing and adjusting your settings, you might be giving away more personal information than you realize. By taking a few moments to review your privacy preferences, you gain greater control over what’s shared and who can access it.
The Risks of Neglecting Your Privacy Settings
- Identity Theft: Hackers and cybercriminals can exploit exposed personal details, like your full name, address, or birthdate, to steal your identity.
- Data Breaches: If your privacy settings are too relaxed, you may be more vulnerable when a platform experiences a data breach.
- Targeted Advertising: Companies can track your activity and behaviour to serve hyper-personalised ads. While this might seem harmless, it’s a form of surveillance that can feel intrusive.
- Phishing Scams: If too much information is visible on social media, scammers can craft convincing messages or emails tailored to you.
- Reputation Damage: Old, forgotten posts, photos, or comments may resurface if your privacy settings allow for public access.
Simple Steps to Protect Your Privacy in the New Year
- Review Privacy Settings on social media: Check who can see your posts, who’s allowed to tag you, and what personal information (like your location) is being shared.
- Turn Off Location Sharing: Many apps track your location by default. Disable location tracking unless it’s necessary.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts with 2FA, so even if someone steals your password, they’ll be blocked from logging in.
- Limit App Permissions: Review which apps have access to your contacts, camera, and microphone. Revoke permissions that aren’t essential.
- Update Your Passwords: Start the new year with strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Use a password manager to keep track of them.
- Check for Platform Updates: Some platforms release new privacy features. Check for updates and adjust new settings.
Start the Year Securely
This New Year don’t just focus on physical wellness—prioritise your digital wellness too. Take control of your online privacy by reviewing and updating your privacy settings. It’s a simple step that can save you from identity theft, data breaches, and other cyber risks.
Set aside an hour this month to review your privacy settings on all your favourite platforms. It’s a small effort that can protect you in a big way. Make 2025 the year you’re safer, smarter, and more secure online!