We live connected lives. We check our phones before breakfast, share photos, use the cloud, shop online, and work remotely… and sometimes, without realizing it, we leave doors open for cybercriminals to exploit.
Identity theft and personal data leaks are the order of the day.And you don’t have to be famous or work for a multinational company to be objective. Just having an email address or active social media accounts is enough.
In this context, maintaining healthy digital habits isn’t just advisable: it’s essential. Protecting our digital identity should be part of our daily routine.
Some tools can help, such as Qondar,which is our solution designed for individuals. Through Qondar, you can monitor your online exposure in real time, detect if your data has been compromised, and receive alerts when your digital security is at risk.
Good Healthy digital habits to protect yourself
1. Change your passwords regularly
Although it may seem like a basic recommendation, most people have continued to use the same passwords for years.. The worst part is that they often reuse the same key for everything. This is like having one key for your house, car, and office.
Use different passwords for each account, change them every three or four months, and rely on secure password managers whenever possible.. Do you have any clues about whether yours has been stolen? Qondar can help you detect it.
You may be interested in→ How to manage business passwords and credentials easily and securely to avoid online threats.
2. Activate two-step verification
Also known as two-factor authentication (2FA), it’s one of the most effective measures against unauthorized access. Even if someone gains access to your password, they won’t be able to log in without that second step (usually a code you receive on your phone).
Almost all major platforms offer this free option, which can save you from a big scare.
3. Be wary of suspicious links
You receive an email claiming to be from your bank but asking you to click a link and update your information, or a message on social media with a shortened link and no context. Be very careful: you could be facing a case of phishing.
Always check the sender. Do not click on dubious links or provide personal information outside of official channels.. If you have any doubts, it’s best not to interact.
4. Update your devices and apps
Yes, sometimes updating the operating system of your mobile or computer can be a pain, but these updates often include crucial security patches.. Older versions are fertile ground for cyber attackers.
Configure automatic updates and ensure your apps come from official sources (App Store, Google Play, etc.).
5. Be careful with public Wi-Fi networks
Connecting to Wi-Fi at the airport or mall is fine for checking the weather or reading the news, but you should not use it to perform sensitive tasks such as accessing your online banking or sending important documents.
If you need to, you’d better use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). These tools encrypt your connection, making it much harder for someone to intercept what you’re doing.
6. Review your app permissions
Many apps ask for access to your camera, contacts, and location; often, they don’t need it to work. Automatically granting permissions can put you at risk.
Take a few minutes to review your apps’ permissions on your mobile or browser and modify those that are not strictly necessary.
7. Be careful what you share on social media
Posting vacation photos while you’re away from home, showing tickets with QR codes, giving out personal details (like your address or phone number) on public profiles… This may seem innocent, but it can be used against you.
Think before you post and check your privacy settings.. Not everyone needs to know everything about you.
Access our post→ Public image on the internet: how to protect it from digital risks.
8. Do regular digital cleaning
Do you have old accounts you no longer use? Apps you’ve installed for years? Every profile and every app is a potential entry point for cybercriminals.
Delete accounts you no longer need,delete unused apps, and back up your important data. Qondar can also help you identify the data you still have floating around online.
9. Monitor your digital footprint with tools like Qondar
Did you know that databases containing millions of leaked emails, passwords, and phone numbers are being sold on the dark web? And often, those affected don’t even know it. So, being vigilant and learning how to erase your digital footprint is essential
This is where tools like Qondar become crucial. This tool alerts you if your email appears in a leak,your password has been compromised, or your identity has been stolen. It’s like having a personal security guard for your digital identity, working 24/7.
Why does all this matter so much?
According to the report IBM Cost of a Data Breach 2024, the average global cost of a personal data breach amounts to $4.88 million. While this data typically refers to companies, individuals suffer consequences, from financial losses to legal issues and reputational damage.
Having healthy digital habits doesn’t make you invulnerable, but it significantly reduces your chances of falling victim to identity theft or a data leak. Just as you don’t leave your front door unlocked, you shouldn’t expose your digital identity.
Protect yourself today with Qondar
If you want to go further and have absolute control over your digital exposure, try Qondar by Enthec. It’s intuitive, effective, and designed for people like you, who don’t necessarily need to be cybersecurity experts, but still want peace of mind.
Start protecting your digital identity today. Take advantage of all Qondar’s benefits and discover how we can help you.
Technology makes our lives easier, but it also demands responsibility. Implementing these nine healthy digital habits is a simple but essential step toward a safer digital life. Remember: It is not about living in fear but with awareness. And with the right tool,s you can do it with confidence.