Online activity generates data - about your interest, purchases, behavior, even health. This data is collected and stored by websites, apps, services and companies worldwide. You cannot totally prevent this, but the National Cybersecurity Alliance has tips to manage data privacy (https://staysafeonline.org/programs/data-privacy-web/idnividuals/).
- There is a tradeoff between data privacy and convenience. When downloading an app, opening an online account or joining a social media platform, ask yourself if the personal information they want is worth the service - and whether you can control the data you share. If you haven't used a service or account for awhile, it may be wise to unsubscribe.
- Adjust your privacy settings; generally, less information sharing is better.
- Protect data with long, unique passwords; multifactor authentication; automate or promptly install updates; and identify phishing messages.