The internet has enabled faster and simpler access to information, user-generated content, the development of new professions, and new forms of entertainment, while also facilitating communication. It has quickly become increasingly significant in human life, to the point where a day without it has become unimaginable. However, with the ongoing development of various digital tools and the increasing number of websites and internet domains, control over them has become more challenging. The inability to adequately verify information and sources, inadequate protection of personal data, data theft, lack of privacy assurance, cyberbullying, and hate speech are becoming increasingly significant problems in the digital age. This is why internet safety has become an important topic, especially concerning the safety of children and young people in the virtual world.
Personal data includes information about an individual such as their name, surname, phone number, personal identification number, residential address, bank account number, and similar. Carelessly sharing personal information with strangers or posting it on the internet and social media can lead to negative and serious consequences, such as identity theft. Personal data is a valuable resource for cybercriminals who use it for financial gain and manipulation. To avoid becoming a victim of online manipulation, one must take protective measures. Creating strong passwords for online profiles or applications can somewhat protect personal data and prevent theft. A strong password consists of a combination of letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and special characters like asterisks (*), hashes (#), or similar. Furthermore, caution is needed when revealing and sharing personal information. Receiving SMS messages, messages on social media, or emails requesting confirmation of personal data or bank card numbers should be carefully checked, as these could be scams. Recently, we have witnessed numerous internet scams where individuals impersonate authorized services, banks, government representatives, or distant relatives. Additionally, it is not advisable to open unverified documents and files from unknown and unauthorized sources due to the risk of harmful and unwanted content and data theft. There are many fraudulent domains and websites created for the purpose of deceiving users. An increasing number of sites advertise or promote themselves as authorized online stores or brand intermediaries, but in reality, users may never receive the ordered and paid product or receive a product that does not match the characteristics of what was ordered. To avoid becoming a victim of such online fraud, it is essential to thoroughly check the website data and the URL. Another way to protect personal data on social media is to accept requests and messages only from friends or acquaintances, that is, people the individual knows.
Moreover, cyber attacks have devastating consequences for both individuals and organizations. Since global organizations and institutions hold vast amounts of personal data, they are often targets of hacking attempts aimed at financial gain. Therefore, it is crucial to educate employees and invest in various mechanisms and tools to ensure security. Continuous education of citizens about recognizing suspicious emails and SMS messages aimed at acquiring personal data will facilitate easier identification and reduce the risk of identity theft.
Test your knowledge about protecting personal data on the internet at:
The aim of the quiz is to help users learn how to protect themselves from data theft online.
This quiz has been designed as part of the project “Improving the Culture of Fact-Checking,” implemented by HUOJ in collaboration with media experts from Lider Media and the Faculty of Economics at the University of Zagreb, with financial support from the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
