5 simple steps to protect your personal information online

Protecting your personal information online starts with controlling what you share, securing your devices and reviewing your privacy settings. Protecting your information online and on your mobile phone is really no different than protecting your house and vehicles. Security can be as simple as locking the doors, or as elaborate as monitoring and alarm systems.

The first step is a mindset that identifies the exposure, risk and management of your information whenever it’s requested.

1. Stop giving away your personal information

Step one is easy. Stop giving it away. A common and effective way to get people’s information is to simply ask for it, whether buying at a retail cashier, joining an online group or through a phishing email (a fraudulent message designed to steal information). Because we are polite or in a hurry to get to the objective, we often just give it up.

Be suspicious of unsolicited e-mails that have a “sense of urgency” and warn that your accounts will be closed or your access limited if you don’t reply.

You can say no – especially if it’s hard to see how the service or transaction requires the information. I don’t need to share my full address to buy a pair of pants. And don’t share or provide your confidential information using email or over the phone (unless you initiated the call).

2. Check your mobile app permissions

Mobile apps also have implications for personal data. Many force you to accept certain permissions (access to contacts, photos, GPS location, etc.) to download the app. In many cases, the permissions have nothing to do with the app’s functionality.

It’s a good idea to go to the permissions settings for each app after you’ve downloaded it and opt out of any you’re uncomfortable with. Do this with new apps and for any you already have.

3. Review your security and privacy settings

Read more