Data privacy is a major issue in today’s digital age. Data breaches, hacks, and surveillance are an ever-present reality for all of us. However, the extensive sage of the internet, now coupled with possibly catastrophic consequences, makes the LGBTQ community extremely vulnerable to the possibility of a data breach. In this article we are going to outline mobile technologies that allow for better LGBT online safety.
It is of the utmost importance to give serious thought to how compromised internet privacy can disproportionately impact underserved communities. This is particularly true of the LGBT community. For lesbians, gays, and bisexuals, finding a partner is still tricky because of the discrimination they face. The only alternative is to go to the internet and join online dating sites designed specifically for LGBTQs.
Women meeting women on these sites can become victims of data breaches and identity theft if they don’t choose carefully. Not all dating sites are created equal. It makes great sense to understand how to choose a secure dating website. One that is made for women meeting women.
Why Are Privacy and Online Safety so Important for Lesbians?
Lesbians are more vulnerable to online threats than heterosexuals. They have always been early adopters of new technologies. They’ve always been looking for a way to share their innermost desires with the world. And the internet fits the bill perfectly.
However, in the past, lesbians have been targeted for their sexuality and gender identity. This has led to a lot of hate speech, cyberbullying and even murder.
Protecting one’s privacy is of the utmost importance for many lesbians who are still deciding with whom they will divulge their sexual orientation. A violation of someone’s right to privacy that results in the exposure of their sexual orientation could have dire consequences, including the loss of work, familial connections and friendships, and even the risk of bodily danger or death.
Popular Apps and Sites to Connect with LGBT People
While the internet has been a great source of information for a long time, it has also become an excellent tool for cybercrime. The recent attacks on the banking industry, healthcare, and government institutions have made us all realize the potential of this technology. And the issues LGBT people face while looking for information or hoping to have a romantic fling make people a bit skeptical about this mode of communication. Thankfully, there are many apps and sites to foster connections among LGBT individuals.
Pick the Best Dating Sites
You can find many informative resources on the internet where you can learn how to accept and explore your sexuality. A simple step would be to use a VPN to hide your IP address while accessing these sites. But it may not be enough when you’re actually looking to build relationships with real people through online dating sites.
Understand that w4w dating sites are now quite advanced, unlike free dating platforms. Premium services, however, are a lot safer, especially for members of the LGBT community. Still, you need to ensure that the lesbian dating site you select makes security its top priority. Don’t just settle for sites that use SSL encryption. Opt instead for those that use advanced software solutions for strong security.
A good idea is to put your money on dating sites that rely on two-factor identification. These sites don’t just rely on your username and password. They also send you a one-time code every time you sign in to your account. Similarly, many lesbian dating sites use 3D face verification, which keeps identity thieves and scammers at bay.
Make Use of Mobile Apps
If you usually access the internet through your smartphone, be sure to take advantage of various mobile apps that improve your security. Here are some options to consider:
- ReThink: It’s an award-winning app for Android and iOS that allows LGBT users to react in real-time and have a second chance to review every message they send through any app, which immediately replaces their anxiety with pleasure and peace of mind.
- Norton Mobile Security: An antivirus app is a must for lesbians using their phones to access the internet. This subscription-based security package includes malware eradication and prevention and offers performance tools, phishing prevention, email spam filtration, and a personal firewall.
- Wire: A messaging encryption program can protect your messages from hackers, cell carriers, and ISPs. Wire offers encrypted file sharing, videoconferencing, and group conversations, making it a perfect choice for someone concerned about their privacy.
- Signal: Signal encrypts communications in transit, conceals them from the carrier and internet service providers, and keeps them safe even if the encryption key is taken.
Conclusion
LGBT people who aren’t yet comfortable expressing their sexuality in public frequently turn to the internet as a first step toward finding both knowledge and support. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you need to do your homework and ensure you pick the safest dating site and improve your security by using the best mobile apps.
