How can individuals control their personal information?

Individuals can take several practical steps to monitor, control, and protect their personal information online:

1. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and consider using a password manager to securely store them.
2. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.
3. Regularly update your devices and software to ensure they have the latest security features.
4. Be cautious about sharing personal information online, especially on social media platforms.
5. Use secure websites (look for “https://” at the beginning of the URL) for online transactions and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities.
6. Review privacy settings on social media accounts and adjust them to control who can see your information.
7. Regularly monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity.
8. Be wary of phishing emails and messages asking for personal information and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
9. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added privacy and security when browsing the internet.

By following these steps, individuals can better safeguard their personal information online.