We all just click "I Agree" without reading those massive Terms of Service documents. I get it, they’re boring! But they hide important clues about what a company can do with your data.
Here’s what I do to protect myself:
1.Skim for the Big Three: I don't read every word, but I do a quick search (Ctrl+F) for three key terms: "data," "privacy," and "termination." This tells me what they collect, what they do with it, and how I can get my data back if I leave.
2· Check the Privacy Settings Immediately: The second I sign up, I go into the account's privacy and security settings. I turn off anything that shares my data for advertising or makes my profile public. I assume the default settings are designed to benefit the company, not me.
3· Use a Unique Password: This is the biggest one. I never use the same password for an online service that I use for my email. If that service gets hacked (in a data breach), I don't want the hackers to have the key to my entire digital life.
4· Enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication): If a site offers 2FA, I turn it on. It’s like needing your password (something you know) and a code from your phone (something you have) to get in. Even if someone steals my password, they can't get in without my phone.
In short, my strategy is: be skeptical, lock down the settings immediately, and use unique, strong passwords with 2FA everywhere.
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