Online Security

Online security is something that never really crossed my mind until recent months, when I realized how many accounts and random things I’ve signed up for over my 12+ years of using the internet. I hate to admit it, but I still use the same password I used when I made a Webkinz account when I was 9. Today I followed the steps listed at https://femtechnet.org/csov/lock-down-your-digital-identity/ and took extra precautions to enhance my online security. I have a few passwords that I use for many different accounts, and if someone were to find out one of those passwords, they would have access to a lot of my online accounts. I set up a password manager on my computer so my individual accounts are more protected, and I only have to remember the password for the password manager. While following the steps on femtechnet, I was surprised to see just how much information about me exists on the web. Even if I google my first and last name, I see pictures of myself in the search results that I don’t even remember posting in the first place. I think this just reiterates the fact that the internet can be a dangerous place, especially if you release a lot of personal information about yourself. Unfortunately there are bad people in this world, and they use the information about you on the web for ulterior motives. By further protecting yourself you are significantly decreasing the chances of identity theft, or any other harmful thing to happen to you and your personal information.