Myth 1. Emails are always secure

 

Fewer than half -- 46% -- of people said they know email is not always encrypted. Encryption ensures only the sender and recipient¹ are able to access the emails.

 

Although many email providers, such as Google and Yahoo, encrypt emails, it's not universal. Some companies alert users if communications are unencrypted -- for instance Gmail displays warning icons² when you send or receive an email from an insecure source.

 

If you're concerned, switch to Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or another provider that encrypts by default.

 

Myth 2. "Private browsing³" is always private

 

Surfing the web in private (or incognito) mode prevents the browser⁴ -- like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari⁵ -- from collecting data about your activities. But it doesn't prevent an internet service provider, like Comcast, from monitoring your activity.

 

Just 39% of those surveyed knew broadband companies could see your online activity even when you're in private browsing mode.

 

Myth 3. Turning off GPS means no one can track me

 

Almost half of people surveyed either didn't know or were unsure whether disabling GPS prevents all tracking. Your phone's built-in location service is just one way data can be collected.

 

As Pew Research notes, your phone also connects to cell towers and Wi-Fi networks, and connection to these technologies allows tracking too.

 

Myth 4. My password is enough to protect me

 

Strong passwords are good, but security experts also recommend using two-factor authentication⁶ for account security. This means you must have a second login, like a security code sent to your phone, to sign into accounts. It prevents hackers⁷ from getting into your account, even if they know the password.

 

Just 10% of adults can identify one example of two-factor authentication.

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