Are You Sharing Too Much Data? Protect Your Online Privacy
In today’s digital-first world, convenience often comes at a cost: your privacy. Popular apps like Duolingo and countless other free platforms collect user data in ways many people don’t realize. From harmless questions about your favorite color to tracking your activity across platforms, this information can create a digital profile that makes you vulnerable to cyber threats.
At Western Rockies IT, we help businesses across Edmonton and Alberta strengthen their cybersecurity posture by educating teams, protecting networks, and reducing risks from phishing and identity theft. Here’s what you need to know about online data collection and how to protect yourself.
Understanding Data Collection: The Duolingo Example
Free apps often rely on advertising revenue, which is fueled by data collection. When you sign up, you may provide details like your age, location, or personal preferences. On their own, these pieces of information may seem trivial—but when combined with other data points, they create a detailed profile of your habits, identity, and online behavior.
While companies may claim this data is used to “improve user experience,” the bigger risk lies in how it might be shared with third parties—or misused if it falls into the wrong hands.
The Risks: From Harmless Data to Major Security Threats
The problem isn’t the individual detail—it’s the profile that emerges.
Hackers can use seemingly harmless data to reset passwords or trick systems into verifying their identity.
Compiled information can enable phishing attacks, identity theft, or even attempts to infiltrate your work accounts.
Businesses face the added risk of employees unknowingly exposing sensitive company data by oversharing online.
How to Protect Yourself: Online Privacy Tips
To reduce risks, follow these best practices:
Be Selective with Information – Only share data that is absolutely necessary.
Review Privacy Policies – Know what’s collected, how it’s used, and if it’s shared.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords – Avoid reusing passwords; instead, use passphrases or a password manager.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Add a second layer of security on all business and personal accounts.
Update Regularly – Keep apps and devices patched against vulnerabilities.
Educate Yourself & Your Team – Awareness of phishing tactics and online scams is the best defense.
Why This Matters for Businesses
For individuals, poor privacy habits may lead to compromised accounts. But for businesses, one careless password can open the door to a data breach affecting clients, financial records, and operations.
At Western Rockies IT, we specialize in cybersecurity solutions, managed IT services, and phishing prevention training for businesses across Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Red Deer, and the wider Alberta region. By combining proactive security tools with employee awareness, we help companies stay one step ahead of cyber threats.
📞 Contact Western Rockies IT today to learn how our cybersecurity and IT support services can protect your business from data breaches and phishing attacks.
✉️ Info@WesternRockiesIT.com
📞 587.523.2252 (Option 1)
Western Rockies IT
Real support. Local experts. Cybersecurity that keeps your business safe.