30/10/2017
Privacy|
We need to talk about Privacy.
This post is prompted by recent Social Media leaks and the resultant barrage of misleading information and scaremongering that always follows. Privacy is a fundamental right afforded to all citizens which is enshrined in the Constitution and supplemented by enactment of the Protection of Personal Information Act. Here’s what you need to know about it and some tips on protecting your own Privacy.
Actual Privacy Tips|
1. You need passwords on all your devices. Make them alphanumeric and use special characters. Passwords will not prevent hacks, just slow them down – the easier it is to guess or socially engineer your password the more vulnerable you are.
2. Don’t transact or login to any accounts when using public wifi. Free Wifi means anyone could potentially be on the same network and gaining access to your data.
3. Don’t open links to banking or transaction sites. Your bank will never ask you to follow a link to login to their websites. Also, if you
4. Cover your we**am with tape. If it’s enough of a concern for Mark Zuckerberg it should be for you too.
5. Circumspect when Social. Every single thing that you post online is recorded and saved for eternity. Your Facebook rants, racist Tweets, risque Snapchats and private Whatsapp conversations are stored on servers abroad, screenshotted and recorded by your friends and colleagues. Don’t say anything on Social Media that you wouldn’t gladly broadcast to the public. Remember that your reputation is tied to your Social Media Accounts forever.
6. Google is Big Brother. If you have a Google Account, you’re being tracked and your every interaction with the tech giant is recorded. Google “locationhistory” and “myactivity” for some .
7. Use a VPN when going online. VPN’s anonymize your traffic. But be wary that some VPN providers keep logs and may still report your activity.
8. Understand that others have the same right to privacy too. Uploading pictures of minors (under 18) without express consent may land you trouble. At the same time, using personal information without the consent of individuals may also attract liability. If you’re not sure, ask.
9. Be aware of your privacy at all times and understand that you have a right to have your privacy protected. You also have a right to revoke consent for the use, collection and processing of your information at all times. The next time someone tells you that a call is recorded – try telling them that you don’t consent. You also have a right not to receive unsolicited electronic communications by way of SMS messages and Emails from organisations that have not obtained your consent.
10. Your special information has greater importance and for which you have greater legal protection. Your biometric information such as blood type, fingerprints, health status, religious and political affiliation and sexual orientation require your express permission before collection.
Protect your privacy at all costs.
