Mark Simpson Technology Centre

We have a right to privacy and this is enshrined in various acts. However, when it comes to our online activities, most of us are blissfully unaware of how many people and governments want to learn everything about our digital lives.

Many subscribe to the theory that if we have done nothing wrong then there is nothing to worry about. Try asking for the view of somebody who has had their identity stolen, their bank accounts cleaned out, or who has been persecuted by their state – and you will quickly find a very different perspective.

You can protect yourself from many of these threats by following a few simple guidelines:

Keep your software up to date;

Use strong passwords and use a different one for each account; change them regularly and never share them;

Use a good antivirus program;

Do not give out your personal details unless you are certain of the recipients credentials and only then if you have no other option;

Never give anybody your credit card details unless you are on a verified secure website;

Never publish your personal details, such as address and birthday on social media sites;

Consider using a different email address for your public persona – Gmail accounts are free.

If a stranger came to your door, you would not give them your personal information, car keys or your credit card. Why would you freely give out this type of information online?

Mark Simpson is an internet security specialist, who works at the Technology Centre. For more

information email mark@technologycentre.co.nz