How to Protect Your Digital Presence from Cloning and Other Cyber Threats

In the latest episodes, we have delved into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI), a central theme of our channel. However, today we slightly deviate to address a crucial aspect that affects all of us navigating cyberspace: the security of our digital presence. In an era where many of us spend up to 90% of our time online, interacting with applications or browsing the web, it is vital to recognize that we inhabit an Internet full of dangers.

One of the most alarming risks is the possibility of our digital identity being cloned. This can include everything from the duplication of our personal data and bank accounts to the creation, through AI, of a physical clone identical to us. This threat, although it sounds like science fiction, is a tangible and ongoing reality.

Therefore, it is essential to expand our understanding of technology and AI, and assume an active role in protecting our personal data. The security of our personal information largely depends on ourselves and the trust we place in the applications that collect our data.

Identification of Private Data

First, it is crucial to differentiate which data are considered private. Private data are those that directly identify a person, such as email, personal identification number (ID card, passport, DNI) and phone number. These are requested by almost all applications to verify our identity, using various security schemes like biometrics or tokens.

However, our data are exposed and often wander aimlessly on the Internet, making us vulnerable to calls or messages from unknown sources and to the theft of our personal accounts or social networks.

Tips for Greater Internet Security

Reflect on your security practices

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do you use the same password for more than one account?
  • Are your passwords less than 8 characters long?
  • Do your passwords include easily deducible personal information?

Answering yes to any of these questions indicates a vulnerability in your digital security. If you’ve answered yes to more than one, it is urgent that you take measures to protect your information.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Using the same password for several accounts or predictable passwords based on personal information are common mistakes that make it easier for cybercriminals. Even simple patterns like “abc123” are surprisingly common and dangerous.

Attractive online advertisements that lead to the creation of accounts on unknown sites can be traps set by cybercriminals to collect data and access other legitimate accounts. This type of practice contributes to large-scale information theft, which is then sold on the black market.

Proactive Measures for Security

  1. Unique and Secure Passwords: Create a unique and complex password for each account, combining upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters, with a preferable length of more than 8 characters. Change these passwords regularly.
  2. Separate Accounts and Information: When creating accounts on little-known sites, use information that is not linked to your main personal accounts.
  3. Protect Your Personal Information: Be cautious when sharing your phone number, email, or personal information on unknown applications and avoid making credit card payments on unreliable sites.

Internet security depends on you and whom you trust with your information. Prevention and adopting safe practices are your best defenses in the vast and sometimes dangerous digital world.

Conclusion

As we navigate through the era of technology and artificial intelligence, it is crucial to stay informed and aware of the necessary security measures to protect our digital presence. By adopting these strategies, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to a safer cyberspace for everyone. Remember, strength on the Internet comes from the security measures we take. Make sure you are prepared and protected to avoid future headaches.