Page 39 - Banking Finance September 2025

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cially if it involves clicking on links or downloading attach- determine if one's data has been exposed. These free tools
ments. Be sceptical of unsolicited emails or messages, even allows us to check if our email address or other personal
if they appear to come from trusted sources like bank or a information has been exposed in any known data breaches.
well-known company. Remember, legitimate organizations If its discovered that our data has been compromised, we
will never ask for confidential information in this manner. can take immediate action by changing our passwords, en-
When in doubt, contact the organization directly using a abling 2FA, and monitoring our accounts for any signs of
verified phone number or email address. suspicious activity.

Limit App Permissions By incorporating these measures into our digital routine, we
can greatly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of
Every app one install's on a smartphone or device has the
potential to collect a variety of personal data. Many apps data harvesting. While it's difficult to completely shield one-
self from the ever-evolving tactics used by data collectors,
ask for access to sensitive information such as our contacts,
camera, microphone, location, and other private details. these strategies will help us to stay one step ahead, keep-
ing our personal information safer in the digital age. Stay-
While some permissions are essential for an app's function-
ality, many are unnecessary and intrusive. Always review the ing informed, being proactive, and practicing good
permissions requested by an app before granting them, and cybersecurity hygiene are the keys to maintaining privacy
be cautious about giving unnecessary access to one's data. and protecting data from exploitation.
For example, a weather app does not need access to our
contacts or camera, and a flashlight app has no business Conclusion
tracking our location. Minimizing app permissions is a simple As technology relentlessly advances, data harvesting will
yet effective way to prevent unnecessary data harvesting continue to shape our world in profound ways. While it serves
and limit our exposure. as a catalyst for innovation, providing us with conveniences
and opportunities previously unimaginable, it also carries the
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) weight of responsibility. While the potential for misuse is
ever-present, especially concerning the security of personal
To add an additional layer of security to our online accounts,
data, hope lies in awareness and action.
we can enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) wherever
possible. This extra layer of security requires two forms of
Awareness is not merely a shield but a powerful tool that
identification-something one knows (such as a password) and
empowers us to make informed decisions in an increasingly
something one possesses (like a temporary code sent to a
phone or email). Even if a hacker manages to steal our pass- interconnected world. By recognizing the mechanisms be-
word, they won't be able to access our account without the hind data harvesting and understanding its role in cyber
second factor, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized fraud, we can transform vulnerability into strength. When
access. Many major websites, including social media plat- individuals and organizations commit to protecting their
forms, email services, and banking institutions, offer 2FA as personal information, adopting security best practices, and
staying vigilant in the face of emerging threats, they not
an added layer of protection. Enabling this feature is one of only defend themselves but also contribute to a safe and
the best ways to fortify our accounts against hacking at-
sound digital ecosystem for all.
tempts and data breaches.
Ultimately, the fight against data misuse is not one of fear,
Stay Updated on Data Breaches but one of empowerment. It is about taking control of our
Even if one takes every possible precaution to protect the digital lives, setting boundaries, and ensuring that the tech-
personal data, there's always a chance that a company nology we embrace serves us, not the other way around.
which interacts with oneself, could suffer a data breach. In By nurturing this proactive mindset, we lay the foundation
such cases, hackers may gain access to sensitive informa- for a future where our digital identities remain secure, our
tion such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and innovations thrive, and our privacy is respected. In this digi-
more. To stay informed about potential threats to our data, tal age, our awareness, vigilance, and actions today will
regularly check for data breaches using services provided by resonate far beyond the present, leaving a legacy of integ-
various websites and or even Google's Dark Web Report to rity, security, and trust for tomorrow.

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