Русский 
In today’s digital world, we interact with various platforms and services every day—from instant messengers and social networks to banking apps and web browsers. Each of these systems collects and processes our data, ranging from our names and contact details to our personal habits and real-time location.
Therefore, it is essential to proactively manage your privacy settings to protect your personal information and enhance your overall digital resilience.
Why is Privacy Management Important?
When you lose control over what data platforms collect and how they use it, you lose influence over your own digital life. This lack of control can lead to:
- Unauthorized access to personal information;
- Aggressive targeted advertising based on your private interests;
- Increased risks of fraud, identity theft, and data leaks.
Privacy control is not just about convenience—it is a fundamental aspect of your personal security.
Practical Steps to Manage Your Privacy
1. Perform Regular Privacy Audits
Most digital services allow you to:
- Choose who can see your information;
- Limit third-party access to your data;
- Customize the notifications and promotional offers you receive.
Make it a habit to review these settings across your social media accounts, email providers, browsers, and mobile applications.
2. Share Only What is Necessary
Be selective about the information you make public. Whenever possible, restrict access to:
- Date of birth;
- Real-time location;
- Contact lists;
- Private photos and media.
Before sharing, ask yourself: “Does this platform or person really need to see this information?”
3. Review App Permissions on Your Phone
Many mobile apps request access to your camera, microphone, geolocation, and contacts. If an app doesn’t need these features to function correctly—disable access. This reduces the risk of data harvesting and prevents malicious use of your device’s functions.
4. Configure Browsers and Search Engines
Browsers and search engines often track your search history, location, and online behavior. Review your settings to limit data collection where possible and ensure that automatic security updates are enabled to protect against the latest threats.
5. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA/2FA)
If a service offers two-step verification, always activate it. This adds a critical layer of security, preventing attackers from accessing your account even if they manage to steal your password.
Digital Resilience = Control Over Your Data
Managing your privacy settings is not a one-time task; it is an ongoing process. As new features and services emerge, you should regularly update your preferences.
Mindful data management helps to:
- Protect personal information;
- Minimize the risk of digital fraud;
- Maintain control over your online profile;
- Strengthen the digital resilience of society as a whole.
Source of adapted material: National Cybersecurity Alliance — Manage Your Privacy Settings