Why Privacy Matters

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects our everyday devices – computers, gaming systems, smart assistants, home robots, TVs, tablets, smartphones, and wearables – through the exchange of data over the internet. Although IoT makes life more convenient, it also means these devices can track and collect personal information such as:

• Activities, behaviors and interests 
• Contacts, photos and videos 
• Location, health details and financial data

Your data can be stored indefinitely and used in ways you may not expect. Even simple details – like favorite restaurants or shopping habits – can reveal socioeconomic status, preferences and more.

Companies often sell this data to build detailed profiles about you, including:

• Habits, interests and preferences 
• Buying patterns 
• Health information

Understanding how this data is collected, used and shared is critical to protecting your privacy.

Managing Your Data Privacy

• Value your data: Information, such as your purchase history, location, family, contacts list or where you shop has monetary value. Be thoughtful about who is allowed access to it. Read privacy policies, notices and user agreements, and make sure you agree with how your information will be used.
• Review privacy settings: Regularly check and adjust settings on devices, apps, and browsers. Remember that privacy settings don’t always prevent your information from being shared. (Learn how to update settings on popular devices and online services.)
• Share with care: Think before posting online. Consider who might see it and how it could be perceived. 
• Shop securely: Always use secure websites (look for https in the URL) to protect banking and personal details. 
• Apply the Golden Rule: Post about others as you’d want them to post about you. 
• Keep devices clean: Update software and delete unused apps to help protect against data loss. 

Protecting Your Data

Data privacy and security go hand in hand. Follow these steps:

• Use strong, unique passwords: Avoid reusing passwords. Once cybercriminals have compromised a password, they can easily bounce it around sites to gain access to other accounts. Long and unique passwords make it much harder for them.
• Use password managers: They generate unique, secure passwords and can automatically store them for you. 
• Enable multifactor authentication (MFA): It adds an extra layer of protection, even if your password is compromised.