The media keeps reporting new data scandals. This makes it all the more important to consider what data you reveal about yourself.
On the occasion of Safer Internet Day on February 11th, the Brandenburg Consumer Center (VZB) is giving tips on how to handle personal data safely and giving away webcam stickers in the state's advice centers.
Data economy is the top priority
In principle, consumers should disclose as little data about themselves as possible. Why? “The more personal information you reveal about yourself, the more transparent you become. In the worst case, the data can be hacked and misused by third parties,” says Michèle Scherer, Digital World Consultant at VZB. For example, if you shop online, you should make sure to only provide the data necessary for the purchase. “We recommend consumers to object to the use of data for advertising or not to give their consent,” says Scherer. It is also important to look at the small print. When you visit a site, for example, you should pay attention to which cookies are set. The consumer advice center has put together what that is and how it works here .
Strong passwords are key
Consumers should always ensure that the data they store online is secure. This means, for example, securing each user account with its own, individual, long and complex password. If you receive emails from unknown senders that encourage you to reveal personal information or open attachments, you should be particularly careful and it is best to banish the emails to the electronic trash immediately. Spam or phishing attacks are often hidden behind such emails. “Be careful and never pass on passwords and account information to third parties,” warns Scherer. Consumers should also ensure that sensitive data is only transmitted in encrypted form. But what can consumers do to remember different passwords for different services? “Password managers can help manage secure passwords,” said the consumer advocate. Stiftung Warentest recently tested 14 of these managers.
Request information and use rights
“Continually check which data you have provided and where,” advises Scherer. Consumers have a right to be informed about data processing by a provider. “In addition, upon request, the provider must provide specific information about which of your personal data it processes,” Scherer continued. This way you can get an overview and then assert further rights, such as requesting the deletion or correction of the data. Consumers also have the opportunity to object to data processing at any time and free of charge. There are corresponding sample letters on the VZB website. Consumers can get here on how to request information about personal data or how to object to data processing.
Source: Consumer advice center
Article image: Shutterstock / By Suttipun
If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:
📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.
Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!
* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

