Are you tensed about how much of your private data is on the internet and prone to theft? Then you would be relieved when you receive the answer that you are not alone. Reports suggest that 64 percent of Americans had experienced a major data violation

But there are some steps that you can do for protecting your financial and personal data and create awareness

Below are top 7 ways to keep yourself secure online :

•Restrict the amount of personal data you share on social media

Don’t try sharing everything on social media. Too many information on social media sites makes it easier for cybercriminals to steal your financial information. Restrict the people who can view your posts to those you’ve personally invited. Make strong passwords for your social media profiles to prevent others from logging into your account.

•Browse in incognito mode

If you don’t want your desktop to save your browsing history, temporary internet files or cookies, do the web surfing in private mode.

•Use a different search engine

Norton Privacy Manager’s default search engine does not gather, collect or share search histories or personal data about users. Therefore, it cannot craft advertisements based on user behavior or sell that behavioral information to advertisers.

•Use a virtual private network

A virtual private network (VPN) provides online privacy by creating a private network from a public internet connection. VPNs cover your Internet Protocol (IP) address so your online actions are normally untraceable.Using a VPN is especially significant when you are on public Wi-Fi at a library, coffee shop, or other public location. A VPN will make it more tough for cybercriminals to interrupt on your online privacy and access your personal data.

•Be alert while clicking

A well known way in which hackers penetrate into your online privacy is through phishing. Phishing happens in such a way that scammers try to trick you into providing valuable financial or personal information. They will frequently do this by sending fake emails that appear to be from banks, credit card providers and other financial institutions. In most of the times, these emails will say that you must click on a particular link for verifying your financial information so that your account doesn’t get frozen or closed.

•Secure your mobile devices too

It is also vital to put in much effort for protecting our online privacy on our phones and tablets as on the same is necessary on our computers.You can start by making sure that you use a passcode for locking your phone. Avoid using your birth date, your house number, or any other code that thieves might be able to guess. Be alert while downloading applications. These games and productivity tools might come hidden with vulnerable viruses. Only buy games from legal sources.

•Use quality antivirus software

Lastly, keep installing antivirus software on all your devices. This will keep hackers from remotely taking over your computer, accessing your personal and financial information and tracking your location.