During
Data Privacy Week, Information Technology Services offers the following tips for you to take control
of your data by shrinking your digital footprint.
1. Search yourself online. This can help you realize how much information is already publicly available and generate ideas on how to change that.
2. Resist the urge to create a new account. You may not need an account for a service you’ll only use once. Consider selecting “Continue as Guest” instead. Don’t create more online accounts and apps than you can manage.
3. Do an “app audit" every few months. Review your list of apps and delete any that you don’t use anymore.
4. Check your settings. Periodically revise your app permissions to ensure you are not constantly sharing unnecessary data. Generally, you can choose to only share information while using the app, and you can turn off an app’s access to your camera, microphone, location and access to your contacts.
5. Keep current on data security events. Have I Been PWNED is a website that shows if your email or phone number has been involved in a major data disclosure incident and, if so, what to do about it.
6. Use strong passwords and a password manager. Passwords should be at least 12 characters. Keeper is an example of a service that helps you strengthen passwords and confirm you aren’t reusing any.
7. Take the data privacy test to know your privacy IQ. Test your digital habits, privacy awareness and risk tolerance by answering 22 questions at nationalprivacytest.org.
Learn more about protecting yourself at defendyourdata.wvu.edu.