The Hanoi Police have recently issued a warning about protecting personal data of all citizens. In the digital age, every mouse click and every touch on the phone screen can open a door. That door can lead to useful information and interesting connections, but it also poses countless risks, especially the risk of personal data being exposed and stolen.

Protecting personal data is no longer an option but a mandatory requirement for individuals participating in cyberspace.

Personal data includes information such as full name, date of birth, address, phone number, ID number, bank account information, shopping habits, and preferences.

All of this information, no matter how trivial it may seem, can be used by hackers or malicious individuals to:

Financial Fraud: Create fake calls or messages pretending to be from banks, police, or reputable organizations to steal money from your account.

Identity Theft: Open fake accounts, borrow money, or perform illegal activities in your name.

Harassment: Send spam, unwanted advertisements, or even harmful content.

Psychological Manipulation: Use your preferences and habits to target you with advertisements or more sophisticated scams.

In cyberspace, risks can come from the most harmless-looking actions. Be especially cautious of the following:

Strange and Untrusted Links: Whether they appear in emails, messages, or on social media, these links can lead to phishing websites designed to steal your login information.

Downloading Files from Untrusted Sources: Email attachments, “free” software, or other files from unknown sources may contain malware, viruses, or ransomware that can silently infiltrate and steal data from your device.

Oversharing on Social Media: Information such as your home address, travel plans, or even photos of your ID card can be exploited by malicious individuals.

Visiting Websites Without SSL Certificates (HTTPS): Always check for the lock icon or “https://” at the beginning of the URL to ensure the website is secure and encrypted.

The Hanoi Police’s Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention recommends the following guidelines to protect your personal data:

Thoroughly Check Before Clicking: Always scrutinize the source of emails, messages, and links before opening or clicking. If anything looks suspicious, delete it immediately.

Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Create complex passwords with a mix of uppercase, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Use different passwords for important accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible.

Keep Your Software Up to Date: Ensure your operating system, web browser, and applications are updated to the latest versions to patch security vulnerabilities.

Install Reputable Antivirus Software and Firewalls: These are your first line of defense against online threats.

Limit Sharing Personal Information: Think carefully before posting any information on social media. Tighten your privacy settings for all your accounts.

Back Up Your Data Regularly: In case of data loss or ransomware encryption, having a backup will allow you to recover your data.

Protecting personal data is protecting yourself in the digital world. Every citizen needs to be vigilant, acquire knowledge, and protect themselves and those around them. Be a wise and cautious Internet user to avoid falling victim to sophisticated scams.

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