Don't let your spicy stories leak online

The Ashley Madison scandal reached its peak when hackers posted users' personal data online on the darknet. Two suicides allegedly followed the incident. We can laugh endlessly at those who cheat on their partners, but no one has lost the inalienable human right to privacy.

Whether you're an employee hiding an extramarital affair, a respectable citizen who's logged into a dating site, or even a free-thinking wife buying a new toy for your partner, you'd rather keep it private. Here are 6 simple steps on how to avoid being discovered the next time you're in the mood for some online fun:

1. Never use your primary or corporate email address. If your data is leaked, you might surprise your colleagues. Especially if you have an official position, they will definitely browse through the leaked data online and find out - just like they did with Ashley Madison customers.
2. If possible, pay with cash or use gift cards (purchased with cash in advance) to ensure that the seller doesn't record your name and address and to maintain anonymity. At the very least, you can use a disposable virtual card to protect your main card account from hackers.
3. Logging into a website with your Facebook profile and/or Instagram accounts is not a good idea. Mainly because of burglars and scammers. People often post status updates when they go on vacation, check in at the airport, or post photos of recently acquired items, including jewelry and gadgets. This is the perfect way to invite burglars to your home or ask a scammer to meet you.
4. If you need super privacy, don't use your real last name online. Stick to a first name or choose a pseudonym. Having your full name and photo makes it easy for anyone to find you on Facebook or LinkedIn. Keep your Facebook profile private.
5. Don't trust people on a dating site. A sexy blonde can easily turn out to be a bored bearded man or even a robot.
6. Many companies will try to get your personal data from your browser, including your search history, location, and other private things. And they won't ask for your permission.

Unfortunately, the majority of dating sites, intimate shops, and other racy online resources have very poor security. If they can't provide security, we have to worry about our own – or regret our frivolity later.