Zohaib Shah
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has an “Online Safety Guide Safe Use of Social Media,” that provides guidance on potential risks. PTA offers advice on how to keep your digital footprint positive and secure. This article will explain the PTA guidelines on how to protect your privacy online.
Protect Your Privacy Online
Device Name:
You might have given your Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or phone your “name”. This allows everyone to see your real name. You can change the name to something more personal by going into the “Settings” section of your device. To ensure that nobody could see your actual name.
Location Footprint:
Location Footprint reveals one’s whereabouts such as pictures, documents, messages, contacts, and much more. Such as where you live, what you do at work, and other important details. Although you may have your location turned off on your smartphone, still there are many built-in apps that may track your movements and activities. Location permission is not required for any app. Go to Settings on your phone and turn off location services for all the apps.
Remove Irregular Apps:
Your data is being collected by the apps installed on your phone. Check the permissions granted to apps, and then check your phone regularly to find out if any apps aren’t being used to delete them.
Try to Use a Safe and Secure Browser:
Pre-installed browsers on mobile phones and laptops may not protect privacy. Secure browsers help you to stay safe online and protect your data from being misused. You can find a secure browser that suits your needs while protecting your privacy and shielding you from trackers. You can add extensions and “addons” to your browser to protect yourself against tracking, malware, and ads. These mini-programs are quick and easy to install for your browser. They can help make your online activities more private. Make sure you only install extensions from official web shops and be aware of the permissions required.
Check App or Website is Safe:
Make sure you are safe when visiting any website. You can verify security by looking for the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), URL, and icon. Also, ensure that the URL in your address bar is correct. It is best to avoid sites that your browser or antivirus flags as fraudulent or display many pop-up advertisements. A simple internet search will allow you to check reviews about the app or website.
Remember to only download software or apps from official websites or stores. Your security is at grave risk if you download software from third-party websites/apps. I hope this article helps you stay safe.
