Cybersecurity for writers: protecting your data while conducting online research
Even searching the internet for research purposes can be dangerous. Click here to find out about cybersecurity for writers.
In 2024, almost every writer will utilise the internet to conduct their research. Gone are the days of travelling to the nearest library and blowing the dust off textbooks, with the internet at our disposal, it has become far easier to simply surf the web and immediately get the answers you need.
But that is not to say it has become safer. On the contrary, conducting online research can easily put your cybersecurity at risk, with a number of threats hiding beneath the surface. We are going to unveil those threats now, helping you to be aware of what is out there and what to do to protect your data.
The threat of data brokers
One of the most substantial threats is the ‘data broker’ – an online entity that is working to take your personal data and sell it to third parties. According to the latest research, the size of this market is set to grow to $471 billion by 2032, with a staggering CAGR of 7.50%.
Why is this bad news? Because data brokers collect, store, and sell sensitive information about you as an individual – often without your explicit consent. This can include anything from details of your browsing history, your location, your purchasing habits, even your name, address, phone number, and financial information.
Even worse is that these data brokers often scrape information from seemingly harmless online activities, like signing up for newsletters, creating an online account, or simply accepting cookie policies.
For writers, this is particularly concerning. When researching online, you may unknowingly leave a trail of personal information that could be used against you. Your browsing history, location, and even financial information can end up in the hands of advertisers, corporations, or, worse, malicious actors. These threats extend beyond personal data; they can also impact the intellectual property you’re researching—leaving you vulnerable to corporate espionage or plagiarism.
How writers can protect their data
Many writers are unaware, however, that it is possible to remove personal information from Google. There are services out there that can make this process easy, such as managing data removal requests across a wide range of data brokers on your behalf. By identifying the brokers and websites hosting your information, your information can gradually disappear, meaning the digital footprint you have left behind already can be cleansed.
Moving forward, you can also use more privacy-focused browsers such as Brave or Firefox, both of which have privacy extensions and work to limit data collection. You can also strengthen your online anonymity by using a VPN or being more mindful about the type of personal information you provide online – even on reputable websites.
When it comes to malicious actors – hackers and cybercriminals other than data brokers – you can also adopt stronger cybersecurity habits, using a password manager to create a store complex, unique passwords, and enabling 2FA wherever possible. It is also important to be vigilant about phishing attempts, verifying the source of any communication asking for personal or financial details while avoiding any links or download attachments sent your way.
Why cybersecurity is especially crucial for writers
Writers often work with sensitive data, be it private interviews, unpublished manuscripts, or proprietary research. A data breach can have far-reaching consequences—not only for your privacy but also for your professional credibility. For journalists, it may mean losing the trust of your sources. For content creators or authors, a compromised device could result in stolen or plagiarized work.
Furthermore, with the rise of AI-generated content and digital plagiarism, maintaining the integrity of your research is more critical than ever. By securing your online activities, you ensure that your intellectual property remains yours—and only yours.
Whether you are a fiction writer, a non-fiction writer, a journalist or a content writer, by doing all of this, you can continue your online research with a shield around your data – ensuring you’re the only one doing the research, not a data broker or a hacker.