What is data harvesting and how can you protect yourself?

You have probably noticed the popups that keep emerging on your device as you are using certain applications or visiting some sites on the web. In most cases, these popups are ‘free’ services that claim to bring you varied benefits. It’s easy to fall into the trap. 

The trick behind these ‘free’ services is that they have a hidden price which in most cases is paid up using your customer data. Unfortunately, this data harvesting may happen without your consent or approval. 

This article explains data harvesting, the dangers and how to keep your data safe. 

What is data harvesting?

Data harvesting is the process of collecting information from internet sites. Information may be collected using different methods. The most common method is the use of scripts and bots which automatically gather user data in the background. Data may also be harvested by saving images in what is commonly known as ‘screenshots’. 

Data harvesting targets personal information and may, therefore, focus on details such as your gender, age, and geographical location among others. The collected information may be used for various purposes. Research has revealed that the majority of free applications share their user data with third parties and it is later used for advertising purposes.

This explains why you search for an item online and the next minute, there are several sponsored ads dealing with the very product appearing on your social media timeline. 

It doesn’t come as a surprise that applications have access to our user data; I mean it is a requirement for them to function as desired. 

That said, the thought of having the data shared with third parties and without your consent can be disturbing. You can’t help but wonder how much information is shared out there without your knowledge and the potential consequences should the data fall into the wrong hands. 

Some applications will alert you in the privacy policy agreement before sharing your consumer data, unfortunately, many of us do not bother to read the user agreements. We rush to click on the ‘accept’ button in a bid to get done with it as fast as possible. 

Other data harvesters will not even let you know that they are collecting and sharing your information. You, therefore, have a responsibility. Here are tips on how you can raise your guard.

How to secure yourself from customer data harvesting

Be cautious when submitting information

Whenever you are signing up to a site or an application, never share more information that it feels comfortable. Your judgment is key; if it doesn’t feel right, then do not submit the information. If the sign-up process is a very important one, you can alter some details. 

It is also important to go through the terms and condition exhaustively, only submit your details when you are comfortable about how the data will be used. 

Use temporary email addresses

Using temporary email addresses whenever you are visiting new sites or trying out new applications is also an ideal way to protect your contact lists and email addresses. This also helps by lowering the number of junk emails that may be sent to your official inbox while you are trying out the applications. 

Use a VPN to secure your user data

Using a secure VPN is another way to protect you from customer data harvesting. VPNs make all data sharing processes over the internet private through a process known as tunnelling. The data is further secured through encryption which makes information unreadable by third parties. 

With a VPN security layer, your online data and activities are ‘masked’ from any spy and that includes your internet service provider. All data exchanges can only be read by the VPN client and the intended recipient. 

Even if third parties succeed in intercepting the information, then the data encryption technology makes it difficult for them to make much from the data because it is unreadable. 

Tighten your privacy settings

Make sure you maximize the privacy settings on all the sites and applications that you are using. Remember to always read the access requests before approving of them. Understand in detail all the access permissions you are granting to an app and opt-out of all options that sound like an intrusion on your privacy.

You should also re-adjust the settings on your internet browser to block malicious scripts such as third-party cookies and suspicious popups.

Limit who can see your information on social media and do not share more than is necessary. For instance, if your geographical location is not an important requirement during the sign-up process, then do not disclose it.

Avoid free services like a plague

While they might always sound like budget-friendly alternatives, many applications and software that promise ‘free’ services end up siphoning your data.

The publishers of these free services may be selling off your locational and behavioural data to advertisers. Many do this to sustain their operations. Unfortunately, the data may be shared without your knowledge. 

Paid services have clear privacy policies and legal agreements in place. It is better if you to spend a few dollars on a service that guarantees your privacy than opt for a free one that exposes everything including sensitive information. Imagine what would happen if your internet banking data falls into the wrong hands.

Conclusion

Extreme vigilance is required for you to remain in control of your customer data and information. Do not just ‘agree’ to user agreements or terms and conditions whose contents you have not read through. 

You may permit a company to do whatever they deem fit with your data. For services that are essential to you, strengthen your guard using security measures such as antivirus and installing a VPN on all your devices. 

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