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'Data Privacy Day' Reminder To Review Your Online Presence

By Ian Bush

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There seems to be a day dedicated to everything. Well, this is "data privacy day."  It's intended to get you thinking about how you can better protect your personal information online.

We stay connected, informed and entertained through social networks, mobile apps, texts and videos, but they certainly can have their downsides.

"About 45 percent of people feel they have little or no control over how personal information is gathered online as they browse the web, share photos, use apps and the like."

And Microsoft chief privacy officer Brendon Lynch says fewer than half the people they surveyed think they have a good grasp of how to protect themselves online.

"Ultimately, it's about being aware of what information is being shared through whatever means, learning about what privacy options are available to you, and taking advantage of those."

Such as:

  • Steering clear of sites like online banking or shopping cart check-outs when you're on public or unsecured Wi-Fi.
  • Knowing who can see your Facebook shares.
  • Not texting or emailing photos and messages that would do you damage if forwarded to a wider audience.
  • Double-checking privacy and location data settings on your mobile apps.

Microsoft has a website it says will help manage online privacy.

For more tips, click here.

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