During a segment on KATV’s Little Rock ARC for Data Privacy Week, Chris Wright, co-founder of Sullivan Wright Technologies, discussed the everyday habits that can help individuals better protect their personal information online.

While many people feel their data is already scattered across countless websites, apps, and online services, Chris said there are meaningful steps that consumers can take to reduce risk and improve privacy. Key recommendations to practice cyber hygiene include:

• Limit unnecessary account creation. Many people sign up for online services, apps, and promotions without considering how their information will be used. Reducing the number of accounts created can help limit the exposure of personal data.
• Keep systems updated. Regular software and operating system updates are essential because they often address known security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals actively exploit.
• Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication. Multifactor authentication provides an additional layer of security, while strong passwords help prevent unauthorized access to accounts.
• Consider using a password manager. Password managers make it easier to create and maintain unique passwords across multiple platforms without having to remember each one individually.
• Use passphrases instead of simple passwords. Long strings of words are often easier to remember and more difficult for attackers to crack than shorter, more predictable passwords.
• Think before you click. One of the most effective ways to avoid scams is to pause before responding to emails, texts, links, or online requests. A healthy degree of skepticism can help prevent phishing attacks and fraud.
• Avoid oversharing personal information. Details such as birthdays, past addresses, and security-question answers can be collected and used by bad actors to gain access to accounts through social engineering or credential-based attacks.

Chris was quick to point out that protecting personal data does not require perfection, but it does require awareness. Small changes in digital habits can significantly reduce cybersecurity and privacy risks over time.