Digital Pages, Real Threats: Make Your E-Book Experience Safe
E-books are a popular medium for reading because of the convenience, accessibility, and an eco-friendly alternative to traditional books. More and more people, especially children and students, choose electronic ones every day. That is why it is important to consider the aspects of digital safety. While e-books provide vast libraries of content, they also present some challenges and risks that need to be addressed.
We are going to explore the importance of digital safety while reading e-books and provide practical tips for protecting yourself and your loved ones in the digital reading environment, e.g., with the help of apps like Number Tracker.
“In a world where everything is connected, security is not an option, it’s a priority”
Protect Personal Information
One of the primary things to do when using e-books, especially through online platforms, is the protection of personal information. Many e-book platforms require users to create accounts. You need to put into the website your personal details, e.g., names, email addresses, and sometimes payment information. This data can be vulnerable to breaches if proper security measures are not in place.
Tips for Protecting Personal Information:
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Ensure that the password you use for your e-book accounts is strong and not used for other accounts. You may use a password manager to keep track of your credentials securely.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If the e-book platform offers 2FA, enable it.
Limit Sharing of Personal Data: Only provide the necessary information when creating an account. Avoid sharing sensitive details like your home address unless absolutely required.
Avoid Phishing and Scams
Phishing attacks and online scams are very common nowadays. E-book platforms are no exception. Users may receive emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate e-book providers that ask them to click on links or provide personal information. These can lead to malicious websites that steal personal data or install malware on your device.
Tips for Avoiding Phishing and Scams:
Verify the Source: Before clicking on any links or providing information, ensure that the message is from a legitimate source. Check the sender’s email address for any inconsistencies.
Be Cautious of Deals That Are Too Good to Be True: If you receive an offer for a free or heavily discounted e-book from an unknown source, it could be a scam.
Install Security Software: Use antivirus and anti-malware software like the Number Tracker app to protect your devices from malicious attacks.
Monitor Content and Age-Appropriate Material
With e-books, especially for children, it is important to monitor the content that is being accessed. You should ensure it is age-appropriate and safe. E-book platforms often provide access to different genres, some of which may not be suitable for younger readers, e.g., young adults or erotic ones.
Tips for Monitoring Content:
Use Parental Controls: Many e-book platforms offer parental control settings that allow you to restrict access to certain types of content.
Review E-Book Summaries and Ratings: Check the summary and user ratings to ensure it is suitable for their age and maturity level.
Discuss Safe Reading Practices: Have conversations with your children about what they are reading and encourage them to talk to you if they come across something that makes them uncomfortable.
Secure Devices
The devices used for reading e-books, e.g., tablets, e-readers or smartphones, need to be secured to prevent unauthorized access and protect stored data. Unsecured devices can be targets for hackers who may attempt to steal personal information or access sensitive content.
Tips for Securing Devices:
Update Software Regularly: Ensure that your device’s operating system and apps are up to date to protect against security vulnerabilities.
Use Screen Locks: Enable a PIN, password, or biometric lock on your device to prevent unauthorized access.
Backup Important Data: Regularly back up your e-book library and personal data to protect against data loss in case of a security breach or device failure.
Use Special Apps: You will find more detailed information about it below.
More about Apps for Digital Safety
We can recommend the Number Tracker app. You can get real-time location tracking, which allows parents to keep an eye on their children’s movements and ensure they are in safe locations. Users also can set up virtual boundaries around specific areas, e.g., home, school, parks, etc. If a child leaves or enters these designated zones, the app sends instant notifications, allowing for quick responses in case of unexpected movements.
In addition to its robust location tracking features, the Number Tracker app provides digital safety functionalities that protect users' personal information from data breaches and identity theft. If something in this regard happens, users immediately get notifications and detailed instructions on what to do next to protect their digital data.
Number Tracker employs end-to-end encryption to secure all data transmitted between the app and its servers. This means that personal information, e.g., location data, is encrypted and only accessible to authorized users.
There are many other apps of this type, too. You may choose any of them. We just showed you by this example how you can be protected in a digital world from digital crimes by digital tools. It may sound like a paradox but it is a reality we live in.
Digital Rights Management (DRM)
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a technology used by e-book publishers to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution of e-books. DRM is intended to protect intellectual property and can also restrict how you use the e-books you purchase.
Know Your Rights: Understand the DRM restrictions on e-books you purchase. Some DRM-protected e-books may limit how many devices you can download the book to or prevent you from sharing the book with others.
Use Legitimate Platforms: Purchase e-books from legitimate platforms that clearly explain DRM restrictions.
Consider DRM-Free Options: Some publishers and platforms offer DRM-free e-books. So you can have more flexibility in how you use and share your digital content.
Tips for Healthy Digital Reading
If you've read this article to the end, here's our bonus - some tips on safe reading from E-Library:
Take Regular Breaks: The 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
Use Blue Light Filters: Many devices offer blue light filters or night mode settings to reduce eye strain and minimize the impact on sleep.
Set Time Limits: Especially for children, set limits on how long they can spend reading on digital devices for a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.
E-books are really convenient and accessible. But do not forget to think about your digital safety and personal information protection. You should do everything to avoid online threats and ensure a secure and positive reading experience.
