Training Online? Here Are Tips to Protect Your Data and Photos

SadaNews - Many people are turning to more flexible digital solutions, most notably online personal training. Platforms like "Instagram" and "TikTok" have contributed to this trend; workout videos and nutritional advice are no longer exclusive to gyms, but are available around the clock to everyone, led by influencers and trainers who have built their fame through visual and live content.

However, many users overlook an important aspect of this experience: data security and privacy. While training programs focus on achieving physical goals, personal information can be exposed to risks that are just as harmful as any muscle injury, and perhaps even more so.

Rise of Digital Trainers

According to estimates, the online personal training market is expected to grow by 29.6 percent annually until 2033, a rate that reflects increased confidence in this type of service. However, subscribing to these programs often requires sharing sensitive information, from payment details to health data, including "before and after" photos that document physical progress. Often, this data is sent without clear contracts or guarantees about how it will be used and protected.

Where Are Your Data?

Digital trainers rely on a toolkit of third-party services to manage their programs, including scheduling apps, payment systems, and communication services. However, not all of these tools are designed with high security standards. If one of these systems is compromised or does not comply with data protection regulations, data including photos, location, and credit card details may become vulnerable.

The danger may not be apparent to the user, as clients rarely realize the number of overlapping platforms used to process their training experience. In this complicated system, any vulnerability, such as using a repeated password or an outdated app, can become a weakness exploited by hackers.

Your Photos Could Be Misused

It is common for trainers to request photos of the trainee before and after the program to track physical transformation. However, these photos, which are sometimes sensitive or private, are often sent via unencrypted apps or without a clear agreement on how they will be stored or used. If devices or platforms are hacked, photos could be leaked or used in violations like harassment, identity theft, or impersonation. Experts recommend putting a written agreement in place regarding how to handle these photos and ensuring they are sent through secure channels, without identifiers like names or geographic locations.

Impersonation of the Trainer

The high popularity of certain trainers on social media may make them targets for hackers. If one of their accounts is compromised, hackers can impersonate the trainer themselves and start sending fraudulent messages to clients, requesting personal information or money transfers for "special programs" or "exclusive consultations." This type of fraud seems very realistic because it originates from a known account, increasing the likelihood of victims falling into the trap.

How to Protect Yourself?

Anna Larkina, a privacy expert at "Kaspersky," clarifies: "These risks are real, but they do not necessarily mean abandoning online training. Just as you warm up your muscles before a workout, you need to protect your data before engaging in any digital program."

To ensure a safe and effective training experience, "Kaspersky" recommends following a set of precautionary measures:

- Verify the trainer's identity and check their certifications, reviews, and official account verification.

- Avoid suspicious links and do not click on unknown links received via messages or email.

- Look for secure connections and ensure the website you are using starts with "HTTPS."

- Share the minimum amount of data and do not provide more information than necessary, and be cautious when sending photos or documents.

- Use reliable security software like "Kaspersky Premium" that provides comprehensive protection against malicious sites, phishing attempts, and data theft.

Remember that online personal training can be an effective way to improve your health and fitness, but it also requires you to be aware and take precautions to avoid digital threats that may come your way as you run towards your goals.