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Protecting Your Online Identity

Learning how to stay safe on the world wide web

By Michael Barbieri, PhDPublished 2 years ago 4 min read
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Every day, there is a news story about someone’s online identity being stolen. It has become so common that many people have started to shrug it off as simply another risk of doing business online. However, this is not something that should be taken lightly. Your online identity is important, and you need to take steps to protect it from cybercriminals.

Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a secure VPN service that helps protect your online identity. VPNs encrypt your browsing and hide your IP address, making it difficult for hackers to steal your information. It offers a variety of features, including a strict no-logs policy, that help keep your data safe and secure. Free trials are available. However, they have limited usage. Adequate online data protection requires a powerful Proton VPN.

Use a Strong Password

Ideally, your passwords should be long and complex. Do not use the same password for multiple accounts. Whenever using a shared computer or public Wi-Fi, enable two-factor authentication on all of your accounts. The authentication process requires additional verification, such as a security code. The security code is sent to your phone to enable you to log in. Also, use a password manager to create and manage strong passwords. The password manager program stores all passwords in one place, making it easy to access them when you need them.

Be Careful What You Post Online

Be careful about what you post online. Never share personal information such as your address, phone number, or social security number. Do not post pictures of yourself or your family. Also, be careful about your information in public chat rooms and forums. Cybercriminals can use this information to steal your identity.

Use Antivirus Software

Make sure you have up-to-date antivirus software installed on your computer. The software protects your computer from malware and other infections that can steal your information. The software should be updated frequently to ensure that files are safe from the latest threats.

Be Vigilant

Be vigilant about the emails (and potential spam) you open and the websites you visit. Do not click on links or download attachments from unfamiliar email addresses. Check the website address before entering any personal information. Many fake websites look very similar to the real thing. Take a close look at the web address before typing in any information.

About Michael Barbieri PhD

Dr. Michael Barbieri is an experienced private investigator who has led a significant number of successful missions, resulting in solving cold case murders, kidnappings, domestic investigations, and more. Through his national and international investigative agency, he has been able to work with federal law agencies around the world, performing investigations for numerous national and international governmental agencies. His tenacious work ethic has made him one of the best private investigators in the world, and he has recently been inducted into the Marquis Who's Who in America. Alongside that acknowledgment, Michael Barbieri PhD received a recommendation from the United States Department of State and recognition from President George H.W. Bush.

Currently, Michael Barbieri PhD is working as a Senior Consultant with Global Intelligence Consultants, Inc. He's been there for a total of thirty-two years, showcasing his experience in the field. In particular, Barbieri specializes in Emergency Management, Background Checks, Criminal Investigations, Counterterrorism, Criminal Law, Firearms, Law Enforcement, Asset Tracing, and Forensic Analysis, Cybercrime, Undercover Work, Expert Witness, and Skip Tracing. Though those are not his only skills, Michael Barbieri PhD has worked in Computer Forensics, Surveillance, Intelligence and Counterintelligence, Litigation Support, Security Training, Corporate Security, Asset Protection, Security Operations and Management, Personal Security, and Risk Assessment.

Dr. Michael Barbieri is licensed as a private investigator by the State of Missouri Board of Private Investigators and Fire Investigators. He is also a Certified Executive Protection Expert, certified in 2010 after having undergone the Secret Service training program. He holds his Bachelor of Arts in Urban Affairs and Psychology from St. Louis University and earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from Pacific Western University, where he was Board Certified by the Board of Education for the State of California. Dr. Michael Barbieri is also a graduate of the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Police Academy.

When Michael Barbieri PhD isn't wrapped up in his busy work schedule, he enjoys traveling. In truth, his career encouraged this love of travel, as it helped him explore the world as he followed jobs from one place to another.

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About the Creator

Michael Barbieri, PhD

Michael Barbieri, PhD is an experienced private investigator who has led a significant number of successful missions, resulting in solving cold case murders, kidnappings, domestic investigations, and more.

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