(Newswire.net — March 20, 2019) — One of the benefits of living in a time of technological advancement is having instant online access to a wealth of private and public information. But with these modern conveniences comes an increased risk of compromising personal and financial security. Using responsible practices, pragmatic tools, and intuition could help make these connections safer and easier.
Addressing the Problem With Passwords
Current research is showing that poor password strength and diversity are still major concerns for online accounts. Many Americans average a total of one hundred thirty online accounts per person. A high percentage of these individuals use identical passwords to log in on multiple sites, even if they’re aware of the risks of implementing this type of password strategy. These passwords are usually weak to begin with and spreading them around on various websites poses a major threat to account and identity theft.
Creating dozens of complex and unique passwords is a good start, but it’s impractical to try to commit all of them to memory. In addition, they should be updated on a regular basis. One simple solution could be to keep a basic password book or list that can be easily accessed when needed. Hard copies should be kept in a safe place at home. Lists created on a laptop or mobile device should be typed in a simple word processing program or application.
Lowering the Threat of Detrimental Encounters
Would you still consider pursuing a relationship through an online dating site if you found out your match had multiple past marriages? What if this person had misled you about their current employment situation? Perhaps you enjoy hunting for local collectibles through online classified ads websites. Even if you planned to meet a seller at a neutral location, would you still do business with them if you found out they had a criminal record?
These are just two of several scenarios where a personal background check could help protect you physically, financially, and emotionally. Conducting a people lookup search for a potential roommate can help you find matching social media accounts quickly and accurately. As a result, you may get a better feel for their lifestyle choices, personality traits, and the way they’ll treat your shared space. When new neighbors move into your area, you have the ability to check for arrest reports and registered sex offender profiles. A little legal research into public records can help you make more informed decisions about who you choose to meet in person. It can also give you the ability to build a meaningful new relationship or reestablish a long-forgotten one.
Expanding Your Horizons With Prudence
Instinct and sound judgment can also go a long way to increase peace of mind while surfing the web. Studies have shown that intuition is a valid factor in making smarter decisions. Don’t be too quick to dismiss that gut feeling while you’re exploring online.
While there is some known risk in creating a large online footprint, doing so is practically unavoidable in the Information Age. But this doesn’t mean users can’t enjoy the benefits of convenience, simplicity, and increased connection. Adopting responsible practices like these can result in a safer, more enjoyable experience.