Building and Maintaining Your Online Presence
- Create and Control Your Website:
- Build your own website as your central online hub rather than relying on platforms like Patreon, Ko-fi, or social media. This ensures your content isn’t vulnerable to policy changes or platform shutdowns.
- Choose a reputable hosting provider with a focus on security and uptime.
- Regularly back up your website and data to prevent loss in case of technical issues or cyberattacks.
- Avoid Over-reliance on Meta and Similar Platforms:
- Do not use Meta (Facebook, Instagram) as your primary business page. Use your website as the main touchpoint for your audience.
- Diversify your communication and marketing channels to avoid being tied to any one platform.
Protecting Your Devices and Online Activities
- Physical and Network Security:
- Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, especially for sensitive tasks. Use a VPN if absolutely necessary.
- Turn off Bluetooth and other wireless connections when not in use to minimize exposure to potential attacks.
- Avoid using public USB ports for charging; instead, use a personal USB power adapter or portable charger.
- Device Settings:
- Avoid using facial recognition or fingerprint biometrics to unlock your devices, as these can be used without your consent.
- Use a strong alphanumeric PIN or password (preferably longer than six characters).
- Set your device to lock automatically after one minute or less of inactivity.
- Update and Maintain:
- Regularly update your devices, operating systems, and apps to patch security vulnerabilities.
Email and Account Management
- Separation of Professional and Personal Accounts:
- Never use your professional email for personal social media accounts or unrelated activities.
- For business-related social media accounts, coordinate with legal and marketing teams to maintain clear boundaries and compliance.
- Authentication Practices:
- Avoid using single sign-on (e.g., “Sign in with Google/Facebook”) for third-party accounts.
- Use unique usernames and strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
- Additional Email Security Tips:
- Use a secure email provider with robust encryption.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your email and all critical accounts.
Mobile Device Privacy Settings
- Control Data Sharing:
- Set location permissions to “Ask Every Time” or “While Using the App” instead of “Always On.”
- Disable permissions for apps that don’t require access to sensitive data like location, microphone, or camera.
- iPhone-Specific Tips:
- Set AirDrop to “Contacts Only” or “Receiving Off” to avoid unsolicited file transfers.
- Enable “Filter Unknown Senders” in the Messages settings to reduce spam and potential phishing attempts.
- Other Recommendations:
- Avoid using your personal phone number for professional accounts or vice versa.
- Use a virtual phone number or separate SIM cards to maintain clear boundaries.
Awareness and Precautions
- Monitor Your Surroundings:
- Be mindful of surveillance cameras in public spaces, including grocery stores and other retail environments.
- Understand that certain stores may restrict or monitor internet access on their premises.
- Stay Vigilant Against Threats:
- Be cautious of unsolicited links or requests for personal information, even from trusted contacts.
- Regularly review privacy policies for apps and services you use to understand how your data is handled.
Final Tips
- Education and Awareness:
- Stay informed about the latest privacy threats and tools to mitigate them.
- Periodically review your security practices and make adjustments as needed.
- Use Privacy-Focused Tools:
- Consider browsers like Firefox, and search engines like DuckDuckGo for increased privacy.
- Use password managers to generate and store strong passwords securely.
Learn more about tools available to you: https://ssd.eff.org
Need help? Get in touch!