Digital Security Bali–Let’s be real. Between posting that perfect sunset from Canggu, updating your LinkedIn after a productive co-working session, and making everyone back home jealous with a foodie story from a Warung, our digital lives are as vibrant as our real ones here in Bali.
But here’s the plot twist nobody wants: that idyllic digital paradise can have a few digital snakes. While you’re sharing your bliss, someone might be trying to sneak a peek at your private data. Scary? A little. Complicated? Not at all!
The good news is, you don’t need to be a tech wizard to build a fortress around your online life. It’s simpler than choosing which smoothie bowl to order for breakfast. So, let’s turn those privacy settings from a vague worry into your strongest asset.
Here are 7 essential settings to audit on your social media right now. Consider this your digital detox for safety.
1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Your Digital Bouncer
What it is: Imagine a nightclub with a VIP list. Your password gets you to the door, but 2FA is the massive, friendly (but firm) bouncer who checks your ID one more time. It’s a second step, usually a code sent to your phone, that confirms it’s really you.
Why it’s a Bali-life essential: If a hacker halfway across the world gets your password, they’re still stopped at the door. This is the single most effective thing you can do to protect any account.
How to enable it:
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Instagram: Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
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Facebook: Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login > Use two-factor authentication.
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WhatsApp: Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
2. Audit Those Third-Party App Permissions
What it is: Remember that fun quiz (“Which Balinese spirit animal are you?”) or that handy app that asked to “Login with Facebook”? Yeah, they often get permission to access your profile, friend list, and even your posts.
Why it’s a Bali-life essential: Many of these apps are like that one person who overstays their welcome at your villa—they’re still lurking, potentially collecting data or even posting spam on your behalf.
How to kick them out:
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Facebook: Settings & Privacy > Settings > Apps and Websites. Check “Active” and remove anything shady or unused.
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Instagram: Settings > Security > Apps and Websites. Revoke access for anything suspicious.
3. Lock Down Your Post Privacy (The “Who Actually Sees This?” Setting)
What it is: The control you have over who sees your present and past posts.
Why it’s a Bali-life essential: Your vacation photos are for your friends and family, not for every single digital nomad, tourist, or random account out there. This is the easiest way to prevent your personal info from falling into the wrong hands.
How to set it:
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On both Facebook and Instagram, set your default future post audience to “Friends” or “Followers.” You can also do a privacy audit on old posts and limit their audience in bulk. It’s like cleaning your digital closet!
4. Hide Your Personal Info from Public View
What it is: Your birthdate, phone number, and email address displayed on your public profile.
Why it’s a Bali-life essential: This is gold for phishing scammers. Knowing your full birthdate and hometown helps them guess passwords or craft convincing fake emails. Your private info should be for your bank and your bestie, not the public.
How to fix it: Go to your Edit Profile page on each platform and change the visibility of these sensitive fields to “Only Me” or “Friends.”
5. Take Control of Photo Tags
What it is: The ability to review tags before they appear on your profile. Let’s say a friend tags you in a, well, less-than-flattering photo from that night in Finns.
Why it’s a Bali-life essential: It protects your digital reputation. You get to be the curator of your own online gallery, ensuring it only shows the content you’re proud of.
How to enable it:
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Facebook: Settings > Profile and Tagging. Turn ON “Review tags people add to your posts before the tags appear?” and “Review posts you’re tagged in before the post appears on your profile?”
6. Turn Off Location Services on Your Photos
What it is: That little map pin that shows the exact GPS coordinates of where your photo was taken.
Why it’s a Bali-life essential: While it’s fun to tag “Uluwatu,” broadcasting your exact home address or your daily routine is a serious safety risk. Protect your physical privacy as much as your digital one.
How to stop it: Before you post, deselect “Add Location” (Instagram) or “Tag Location.” Even better, go into your phone’s settings and revoke location access for your social media and camera apps altogether.
7. Check Your Active Logins (The “Who’s Already In?” Check)
What it is: A list of all the devices and locations where your account is currently logged in.
Why it’s a Bali-life essential: If you see a login from a device you don’t own or a country you’ve never visited, it’s a giant red flag that someone has access to your account.
How to check:
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Instagram: Settings > Security > Login Activity. Log out of any suspicious devices.
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WhatsApp: Settings > Linked Devices. Review and log out of any unknown devices.
Your Digital Security Bali Action Plan
Think of your digital security Bali strategy not as a one-time task, but like maintaining your scooter—a little regular check-up prevents a major breakdown later.
Invest 15 minutes today to run through these seven steps. It’s less time than it takes to get a coffee at Revolver, and it will save you from a world of stress. So go on, secure your accounts, and then get back to enjoying the island—both online and off—with total peace of mind.
