Anonymity

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— is a state in which a person's identity is not disclosed or cannot be identified. In the context of the internet, anonymity allows users to interact, communicate, and share information without the risk of revealing their identity or personal data. This can be important for protecting privacy, freedom of expression, and security. Anonymity can be achieved through various technologies, such as VPNs, anonymous browsers, and other tools that hide the user's identifying information.

Where it is used: Social networks, forums, chats, dating apps.

What to do: 1. Use pseudonyms and avoid disclosing personal information. 2. If you accidentally reveal your identity, consider changing your privacy settings or deleting your account.

Privacy settings

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— these are settings and options that allow users to control how their personal data is collected, stored, and used by various services and applications.

Where it is used: Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.), messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).

What to do: 1. Check and adjust your privacy settings to restrict access to your profile. 2. If you notice that your settings have been changed or someone has accessed your profile, immediately change your password and check your active sessions.

Secure passwords

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— these are passwords that are difficult to guess or crack, which helps protect your account

Where it is used: All online accounts (email, social networks, banking applications).

What to do: 1. Use unique and complex passwords for each account. 2. If you suspect that your password has been compromised, change it immediately and enable two-factor authentication.

Two-factor authentication

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— is a security enhancement method that requires users to provide two different forms of identification before gaining access to an account or system. This process typically involves two of the following factors:
Something you know: This could be your password or PIN.
Something you have: This could be a mobile phone to which an SMS with a code is sent, or an authentication app that generates temporary codes.
Something you are: This could be biometric data, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition.

Where it is used: Social networks, email, banking applications.

What to do: 1. Enable two-factor authentication on all available platforms. 2. If you haven't enabled this feature and notice suspicious activity, change your password and check your security settings.

Be cautious when communicating

Where it is used: Chats, forums, dating apps.

What to do: 1. Do not share personal information until you are sure that the person you are talking to is trustworthy. 2. If you have already shared information and feel uncomfortable, stop communicating and, if necessary, block the user.

Phishing and fraud

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— is a method of fraud in which attackers attempt to obtain confidential information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data, by posing as trusted sources. Phishing is usually carried out via emails, messages in instant messengers, or fake websites that look like legitimate ones.

Where it is used: Email, instant messaging, social networks.

What to do: 1. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click on any links or open any attachments. 2. If you accidentally click on a phishing link, immediately change your passwords and check your accounts for suspicious activity.

Using a VPN

Where it is used: General Internet access, public Wi-Fi networks.

What to do: 1. Use a VPN to protect your internet traffic, especially in public places. 2. If you did not use a VPN and suspect that your information may have been compromised, check your accounts for suspicious activity.

Report of abuse

Where it is used: Social networks, forums, dating apps.

What to do: 1. If you encounter harassment, report it immediately on the platform. 2. If the situation threatens your safety, seek emergency assistance from LGBTQ+ organizations (Vyhod, Sfera, Center T).

Community support

Where it is used: LGBTQ+ communities, support groups, online forums.

What to do: 1. Connect with other queer people, share experiences, and get support. 2. If you feel isolated or vulnerable, reach out to friends or specialized organizations for help.

Internet safety rules

There are many wonderful things in our world, and many people who cannot tolerate queers, which is very unfortunate. I have decided to remind you of the rules for staying safe online, with full disclosure of details (+ definitions).