How to secure your digital life guide

Posted on: 5th September 2022 in Finance

How to secure your digital life should be one of your primary targets when it comes to protecting your personal data. During the last few years, our digital footprint has expanded to unprecedented and maybe unexpected levels. Many processes that required physical presence or a brick-and-mortar shop can now be concluded online. Our laptops and cell phones have become basic tools in our everyday life. 

A large amount of data is being exchanged between various service providers and us. The question is if this exchange is safe for us. Another question is how we can secure our digital life as very often we see data breaches being announced. By reading this blog, you will be able to understand how you can secure your digital life without reducing the level of services you receive.

GDPR: What is it exactly?

GDPR is the acronym for General Data Protection Regulation. In order to update and standardise data privacy rules across the European Union, legislators drafted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU). On April 14, 2016, GDPR was passed by the European Parliament, and it became law on May 25, 2018. 

The General Data Protection Regulation’s stated objective is to guarantee that any and all firms who gather personal information about their customers do so in a lawful and transparent manner. According to the GDPR, the organisation must notify all impacted individuals and the supervising authority within 72 hours if a severe data breach is discovered. 

What is the Data Protection Act in the UK?

In the UK, the Data Protection Act which came into force in 2018 ensures that your personal data is safe from any malicious acts. According to gov.uk, “under the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to find out what information the government and other organisations store about you.” 

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is “the UK’s independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.” Companies must provide detailed explanations for their data usage or objections if asked to do so. This is mandated by the DPA’s principle of accountability. One of the fundamental tenets of data protection law is accountability, which requires organisations to both comply with the law and show that they are doing so.

How can I secure my personal data while browsing?

The GDPR or the Data Protection Act cannot protect your personal data from any malicious software you might install on your computer or any website targeted to steal passwords, PINs, credit card numbers, etc. Whilst surfing the internet hides some dangers regarding your personal data, there are some ways to protect it.

How to use password managers

Every subscription on a website requires registering a new account, meaning you will need an email address and a safe password. However, every day you need to log in to many websites. It’s no surprise that you are not able to remember every single password you use. Experts advise not to use just one password for each website. If you want to save some time and stress trying to remember complicated passwords, password managers are here to help you. 

A password manager is either a website you subscribe to or a piece of software you download and install on your computer to handle all of your passwords securely. An effective master password should be used to unlock all of your other passwords. Password managers combined with security questions offer a layer of security that will save you time and sometimes even money. 

What is two-factor authentication?

Complex passwords sometimes are not enough to protect your personal data, and additional security is needed. Cyber security has come a long way in the last few years. Online security experts recommend using the two-factor authentication provided by many websites. If you are not experienced enough to know what two-factor authentication is, we give you a brief description below.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) has emerged as a crucial web security measure due to the increasing frequency of security breaches. It reduces the damage that can be done by using compromised login credentials. Two-factor authentication (2FA) makes it impossible for an attacker to get access to a system if a password is compromised (whether through hacking, guessing, or phishing).

There are many ways to activate and use the 2FA. Please visit this link regarding the 2-step verification (2FA synonym) for Google users.

Using Virtual Private Networks whilst surfing

Surfing the internet, you must have read many times about Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are a way to make an encrypted connection to another network over the public Internet. With a virtual private network (VPN), you may bypass geo-restrictions on websites, protect your online privacy while using public Wi-Fi, and do much more.

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are all the rage nowadays, but not for their intended purposes. They were originally designed to simply give remote access to a company network from home or to join two separate business networks via the internet securely.

The advantages of VPNs, such as remote access to local network resources and evading Internet censorship, stem from the fact that VPNs essentially route all your network traffic to the network. It’s not difficult to choose the best VPN for your needs; all you have to do is search for the right price and the best reviews. 

Install the necessary updates

Strong passwords and antivirus software do not reduce security concerns. Therefore, you need to increase the level of protection to resist phishing attacks and other such malicious acts. 

Every operating system such as Microsoft Windows for example receives software updates. Computer experts recommend running the updates as quickly as possible as they aim to close any loopholes that could help hackers steal your personal data. 

Personal data and financial services

Whilst legislation such as the GDPR and the DPA intend to make sure your data is used according to your wishes, this is not always the case. Finding the best financial services provider included choosing the provider that respects your privacy and will protect it no matter the cost. Working with financial advisers means third parties will access your financial and family data. 

Therefore you should always be sure that you collaborate with people who will offer you the best investment or any other type of financial solution as well as protect your personal data. In this case, you need to collaborate with fully regulated financial providers, relieving yourself of anxiety and uncertainty. 

Holborn ensures your financial protection

Technology has made giant steps in the last 20 years. Processes that required standing in line for hours in a brick-and-mortar bank branch are now done in a matter of seconds by using our cell phones. It is true that we have come a long way since then, saving time and accelerating the execution of orders thus reducing anxiety in everyday life. 

Holborn Assets is regulated by the most strict as well as prestigious regulatory authorities in the world such as CySEC in the EU among others. All processes and personal data are protected by the most sophisticated systems and are in accordance with regulatory instructions. Therefore, you never have to worry about your data being highjacked by any hackers with malicious intent. Get in touch with us today to build your financial plan and achieve your financial goals.