What changes can I make to protect myself and my  online information?

After reading the findings in the 2021 Internet Crime Report, I feel a mixture of surprise and responsibility. Even though I have several social media accounts, I don’t share much about my private life on them. Still, the sheer amount of data stored in cloud services, like passwords and other sensitive information, makes me feel more vulnerable than I expected. I never really thought about how much personal information is connected to these platforms, even without posting anything.

I also feel a strong sense of urgency to take better precautions. The idea that my data could be exposed or misused pushes me to re-evaluate my digital habits, like strengthening my passwords and being more mindful of where my information is stored. At the same time, this knowledge empowers me to take steps toward better security, making me more conscious of my online presence, even in areas where I thought I was safe.

I have noticed that, lately, I have been receiving multiple calls and messages from unknown people, which makes me even more cautious about my digital footprint. It is alarming to think that my personal information could be circulating in places I do not even realize. To improve my safety, I plan to take several important steps: First, I will review my social media privacy settings and limit who can access my information. Second, I will implement stronger, unique passwords for all my accounts and enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection. Lastly, I will be more careful about where I store sensitive data and I continue to avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal details online. Taking these measures will help me feel more secure and in control of my digital safety.