How can you protect your digital identity?

• Use a variety of strong and hard-to-guess passwords. If you struggle to remember them all, then a password manager can help. Keep an eye on any requests to reset passwords on your accounts and change them regularly in case they leak without your knowledge.

• Make sure you always update your operating system, browser settings, and apps on all your devices. This ensures you’re protected by the very latest security patches from these companies at all times. 

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi on any of your devices. If you have no choice, you should always be doing so with a VPN to ensure all your online activity – from online banking to private messages – is encrypted. 

• Be careful with what you share online across your social media channels. Don't unknowingly give away the answers to your security questions by sharing personal information about yourself or your family.

• Make sure you check your credit report often and make note of any changes, no matter how small. If you don't recognize something, the faster you identify it, the more likely it is that it can be rectified. 

• Consider using anti-tracking software to protect your digital footprint and keep yourself safe from invasive online tracking, targeted advertising, and price discrimination.

• Make sure you are using a browser that works to keep your data secure and private. There is a variety that can be used to mask your digital footprint as well as hide your browsing activities. Avg.com/retail Secure Browser offers a fast, secure, and private browsing experience, keeping you and your data safe. And the best part? It’s absolutely free!