Maximize privacy on social media with settings, limit personal info shared, learn to report/block users, enable 2FA for security, keep personal/professional separate, be cautious of location sharing, educate on cybersecurity, secure Wi-Fi and use VPNs, create strong passwords, maintain digital hygiene to reduce online harassment risks.
How Can Women Protect Themselves from Online Harassment: A Comprehensive Guide?
Maximize privacy on social media with settings, limit personal info shared, learn to report/block users, enable 2FA for security, keep personal/professional separate, be cautious of location sharing, educate on cybersecurity, secure Wi-Fi and use VPNs, create strong passwords, maintain digital hygiene to reduce online harassment risks.
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Online Safety and Security
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Utilize Privacy Settings
Maximize your privacy settings on social media and other online platforms. Adjust who can see your posts, comment on them, and send you messages. Familiarize yourself with each platform's privacy features and regularly check your settings to ensure they are up-to-date.
Be Mindful of Personal Information Shared
Limit the amount of personal information you share online. Avoid posting details that could be used to track, identify, or harass you, such as your address, phone number, or information about your daily routine. Consider creating separate profiles for public and private use.
Know How to Report and Block
Learn how to report abusive content and users on every platform you use. Understand the steps to block someone and do not hesitate to use this feature to protect yourself from unwanted interactions or harassment.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts to add an extra layer of security. 2FA requires a second form of verification in addition to your password, making your accounts harder to hack.
Keep Personal and Professional Separate
If possible, keep your personal and professional online presences separate. Use different email addresses and profiles for your personal life, work, and public persona. This separation can help minimize the risk of harassment affecting all areas of your life.
Be Cautious with Location Sharing
Avoid sharing your location in real-time or tagging locations frequently visited. Geotagging can make you an easy target for harassers. Turn off location services for apps where it isn’t necessary.
Educate Yourself on Cybersecurity
Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and protections. Understanding the basics of securing your devices and networks against unauthorized access is crucial in protecting your online privacy and safety.
Secure Your Wi-Fi Connection
Always use a secure Wi-Fi connection and consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when accessing the internet, especially on public Wi-Fi. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and harassers to intercept your data.
Create Strong Unique Passwords
Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and change them regularly. Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or common words. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.
Engage in Digital Hygiene
Regularly review and clean up your online presence. This includes unfriending or blocking individuals who make you uncomfortable, deleting old accounts you no longer use, and removing personal information from public view. Staying vigilant about your digital footprint can help reduce your vulnerability to online harassment.
What else to take into account
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