*This is a collaborative post*
When it comes to blogging and staying safe online, no matter how careful we think we are, there's always extra measures we can put into place. Even with GDPR now in full force, third parties such as hackers can still access our personal data and information all too easily when we leave ourselves open or vulnerable. Choosing the best vpn for privacy can lend some protection in this respect as it hides your online activity such as your browsing history. There's a reason that many individuals refuse to have social media sites and it's not just that they prefer to remain notoriously private!
As I mentioned in a recent post on online security, it's important that you protect your identity, location and IP address so that third parties such as hackers can't track you or take advantage. Whether you're ordering products online or are simply browsing the latest news, you need to be vigilant. Here are three essential pieces of advice to consider;
Be Cautious When Posting Content
Never share your personal information ie. your full name, address, date of birth, workplace or location. If you do you're leaving yourself open to a whole host of problems such as cyber bullying, fraud, identity theft, harassment or stalking.
Be aware when writing your posts. Remember that once you put something out there onto the web, it's there for everyone to read forever more. Don't blog about something if you think you might later regret it, whether it be talking about a person in a negative light, moaning about an incident at work or simply reflecting on personal circumstances. Likewise, if you're not prepared to deal with backlash or repercussions, don't publish anything sensitive or controversial in nature.
Domain Privacy
Consider paying extra to protect your domain privacy. When you register your domain name it's hugely exciting, I remember all too well what it felt like once GirlGoneDreamer was 'official.' Of course registering is a necessity, but once done, your personal details are then added to the database WHOIS. This means that you may be more susceptible to identity theft, hacking or even worse. Investing in domain privacy may give you that extra peace of mind and it also shouldn't cost you a lot.
Protect Your IP Address
Your IP address is personal to you in the sense that it identifies your computer which in turn traces or leads back to you. (I guess sort of like your phone number could.) If you don't protect it then anyone can track you via this. Of course this might not particularly bother you but it probably should. Not protecting your IP address can leave you open to hacking, cyber bullying and extortion amongst other things. One way you can protect yourself is by hiding your real IP address behind a proxy. A proxy IP address essentially means a 'substitute' IP address ie. meaning that no-one will be able to identify you.
*Header image via Pexels
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