How Can I Keep My Privacy in the Era of Big Data?

Ever feel like your devices know you better than your best friend? You’re not imagining it. In today’s digital world, everything you do-from scrolling through social media to ordering takeout or asking Alexa the weather-is tracked, analyzed, and often sold.

This is the Big Data generation, where personal information turns out to be the greatest currency in the world. Though data collection is taking place everywhere, one can counterattack and get control back over one’s digital life. It’s time to find out how to be smarter than Big Data and to stay connected with the virtual world.

What Is Big Data?

To protect your privacy, you first need to know what you’re up against. Big Data is an interconnected web of information pieced together from everything you do online-and often enough-offline. Companies collect data from your social media profiles, browsing habits, smartphone usage, and even loyalty cards at the grocery store.

Why do they need all this information? The answer is simple: Data is extremely valuable. It allows companies to predict your behavior, personalize their marketing, and ultimately make more money.

That’s why it’s important to stay one step ahead. Start with simple tools like VPNs to mask your online activity or private browsers to limit tracking. For extra anonymity in specific situations, consider using a burner phone.

Wondering, “What is a burner phone?” It is a short-term, no-strings phone that is aimed at concealing your identity. Starting from one-off purchases up to managing your projects, it is a way to curtail the quantity of information that companies could trace back to you.

Practice Smart Device Usage

Your smartphone and all other gadgets are data-goldmines. Every application, notification, and “smart” feature allows companies to track what you like, what your habits are, and how you move. Your smart TV may even be tracking everything you watch and when you watch it.

To reduce the amount of data you’re sharing, start with permissions. Many apps request access to your camera, microphone, or location — even if they don’t need it. Deny permissions unless absolutely necessary, and periodically review the settings on your devices.

Next, think about limiting how your devices interact with your environment. Switch location tracking off if you do not use the GPS features. Turn off Bluetooth until you need to use its functionality. Consider clearing cookies and your cache from a browser periodically, as companies will otherwise begin building extremely detailed profiles about what you do.

Related reading: How Can Real-Time GPS Tracking Assist During Emergencies: A Comprehensive Guide

Protect Your Online Activity

Any website you visit, search query you type, or “like” you click leaves behind a trail or footprint in the digital space.

Switch over to privacy search engines like DuckDuckGo or Brave. These websites focus on users’ privacy and do not store search histories or follow clicks. To block trackers and annoying ads, one can add the following browser extensions: uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, among others.

Another critical step is to strengthen your online accounts. One must use a password manager for creating and storing strong passwords for each account and also adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) to require more than a password to access.

Manage Public and Financial Information

Your personal and financial details are a treasure trove for Big Data. Signing up for a loyalty program, making an online purchase, or sharing updates on social media allows companies to build a profile on you — or worse, for hackers to steal your identity.

Avoid storing card details on websites or apps to keep your financial information safe. Sure, it’s convenient, but it also makes your data vulnerable in the event of a breach. Instead, use secure payment methods like PayPal or virtual cards for online transactions.

Public information matters, too. Be mindful about what you share online: Scammers can use vacation photos, family details, and even your birthday to guess passwords or answer security questions.

If you’re signing up for a service requiring personal information, consider anonymizing your details using a temporary email address or pseudonym whenever possible. Remember, the less accessible your information, the safer it will be.

Adopt a Privacy-First Mindset

While tools and strategies can be helpful, true protection of your privacy ultimately starts with how you think about data. In this age of Big Data, convenience is often bought with a cost: your information. The privacy-first mindset calls for intent in what one shares, how one engages with technology, and the trade-offs one is willing to make.

It’s also empowering to be in the know. Privacy policies aren’t exactly page-turners, but you can quickly scan for the key information about data sharing.

And lastly, remember that privacy is not an all-or-nothing proposition. Small, consistent actions can collectively make a big difference in protecting your data.

Related reading: Cybersecurity for Kids: Educate Yourself & Your Children

Take Back Control of Your Data

Living in the Big Data era doesn’t mean abandoning your right to privacy altogether. It seems as if things are really against you, but reading through this article will bring control over personal data back. Privacy doesn’t mean disappearance; it’s about being thoughtful in the choices you make to protect yourself and stay connected. With a little effort and the right tools, you can feel confident navigating the digital world, knowing you have control over your data.