AG Pam Bondi Recognizes Data Privacy Day, Encourages Floridians to Protect Personal Information

On Monday, Florida Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi marked the international Data Privacy Day by encouraging people to protect their personal information and control their digital footprints.

By protecting personal information, Floridians can help safeguard themselves from identification theft and fraud, Bondi said in a press release issued by her office.

The AG's office issued the following tips to help Floridiansprotect their personal information:

--Protect your passwords -- they should be at least 10-12 characters and should contain a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using your name, birth date, or common terms, and refrain from using the same password across multiple accounts.

--Keep your browser up-to-date. Out-of-date browsers can leave your computer vulnerable to attack.

--Use privacy settings on your browser.

--Install reputable security software, such as anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, as well as a firewall.

--Download and install software only from websites you know and trust.

--Do not click on attachments in emails unless it is from someone you know and trust.

--Use a pop-up blocker, and do not click on links within pop-ups.

--Back-up data regularly. This will keep your data safe in case your computer crashes.

--Read privacy policies of websites you visit to learn what personal data is being collected, who it is collected by, and how it is being used.