{"id":7178,"date":"2022-08-26T12:13:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-26T16:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/?p=7178"},"modified":"2024-10-11T16:39:36","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T20:39:36","slug":"personal-information-you-shouldnt-give-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/personal-information-you-shouldnt-give-out\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Protect Your Personal Information Online"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block uk-card-default uk-padding\" style=\"font-size:16px\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h4>Table of Contents<\/h4><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#how-your-information-ends-up-online-in-the-first-place\">How your information ends up online in the first place<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-risks-of-sharing-personal-information-online\">The risks of sharing personal information online<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#examples-of-personal-information-you-should-never-give-out\">Examples of personal information you should never give out\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-you-can-do-to-keep-personal-information-private-right-now\">What you can do to keep personal information private right now<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#protecting-your-privacy-one-personal-detail-at-a-time\">Protecting your privacy one personal detail at a time<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The dangers of sharing your personal information online are often underestimated.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, sharing various personal details online is so commonplace at this point, it\u2019s almost impossible to bear in mind that it makes you more vulnerable to multiple different online security threats, including <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/report-spam-calls-phone-scams\/\">spam<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/being-cyberstalked-prevent-cyberstalking\/\">cyberstalking<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-doxxing\/\">doxxing<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/online-blackmail-guide\/\">online blackmail<\/a>, even <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-identity-theft\/\">identity theft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to learn the risks of sharing your personal information online, the personal information you should never give out, and how to better protect your information on the web.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-your-information-ends-up-online-in-the-first-place\">How your information ends up online in the first place<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You often are your own worst enemy when it comes to sharing private information online.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the bad news is, even if you\u2019ve never willingly shared your details yourself, it\u2019s likely there\u2019s still a lot of information about you on the Internet that\u2019s readily available. That data comes from sources that you may not be aware of including utility providers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reason for this is the work of <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/what-are-data-brokers\/\">data brokers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Data brokers collect and amass consumers\u2019 personal data from various online sources, like public records, social media, browsing histories, and they sell it off to reap big profits. Often, it\u2019s to third-party marketers, but it can also simply be to the highest bidders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Technically, data broker transactions aren\u2019t illegal. After all, they collect information that\u2019s available to the public, and simply bundle it together into a detailed profile. This is the main reason why your personal information ends up compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With hundreds of operating data brokers, this means there are also hundreds of listings of your, and everyone else\u2019s, personal private information.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below is an example of a data broker site called Whitepages and the diverse array of details they\u2019re able to collect about consumers like you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They have phone numbers, current and previous addresses, even your criminal records, all readily available for anyone willing to look, and pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-risks-of-sharing-personal-information-online\">The risks of sharing personal information online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The dangers of sharing personal information online are numerous. Bottom line: the more information of yours available on the Internet, the more vulnerable you are to threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-identity-theft\">1. Identity theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If enough of your information is compromised online, you can become a target for <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-identity-theft\/\">identity theft<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Personal data can be used to make online purchases, apply for credit cards or loans, even claim unemployment benefits. Untangling the web identity theft can weave when you become a victim is incredibly stressful, and it may take a long time to get your life back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-online-spam-and-scams\">2. Online spam and scams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many different methods to <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-avoid-phishing-scams\/\">online scams<\/a>, like spam texts or <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-stop-spam-calls-robocalls\/\">robocalls<\/a>, that pose as banking institutions or government agencies. The more information that is available about you on the Internet, the more sophisticated these frauds targeting you can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-doxxing\">3. Doxxing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/how-to-prevent-doxxing\/\">Doxxing<\/a> (or doxing) is when your identity, or sensitive personal information, is exposed without your permission.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This became known as a revenge tactic hackers took to reveal identities of rivals, but has been regularly used of late to harass, intimidate, or punish innocent victims. Public figures, reporters, and gamers are often targets, but anyone with compromised information is at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-cyberstalking\">3. Cyberstalking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cyberstalking is a crime that involves the use of technology to harass or stalk someone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal of most cyberstalkers is to annoy, embarrass, or threaten victims. Common forms include false accusation, data manipulation, online blackmail, online threats, or monitoring a target\u2019s online and offline activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-online-blackmail\">4. Online blackmail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The threat of having your sensitive private information exposed online can also make you a victim of online blackmail (often referred to as online extortion).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is when someone has threatened to reveal damaging private information about you online in exchange for payment or some other benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"examples-of-personal-information-you-should-never-give-out\">Examples of personal information you should never give out&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As we\u2019ve stated, the more information available about you online, the more vulnerable you are to the aforementioned dangers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, some information can be more sensitive than others. After all, a criminal can do a lot more damage with your social security number than they can with your marital status. Below are some examples of the most sensitive information you should never give out online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"addresses-and-locations\">Addresses and locations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your address is published online it doesn\u2019t just result in <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-stop-junk-mail\/\">junk mail<\/a>. It can also make you a target for privacy threats like <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/being-cyberstalked-prevent-cyberstalking\/\">stalking<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-doxxing\/\">doxxing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"phone-numbers\">Phone numbers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A phone number published online will make you a target for <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-stop-spam-calls-robocalls\/\">relentless telemarketing and deceptive robocalls<\/a>. This is reason enough to keep your number private, but there\u2019s more risk as well. You could also become the victim of a sophisticated <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-avoid-phishing-scams\/\">phishing scam<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"social-security-or-id-numbers\">Social Security or ID numbers&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a general rule, never share your social security number (SSN) or ID number online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While legitimate online platforms might require you to confirm your identity using your SSN or ID number, in these cases you should always double-check to make sure the website is legitimate and you\u2019re not the unwitting target of a phishing scam.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your SSN or IDN ends up in the wrong hands, it can easily lead to identity theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"financial-details\">Financial details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For obvious reasons, you should never give out financial details online, but this doesn\u2019t just refer to credit card or bank account numbers. Never give out passwords or login details, and make sure never to allow any automatic authorizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-you-can-do-to-keep-personal-information-private-right-now\">What you can do to keep personal information private right now<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply keeping personal information private is the first important step towards minimizing the risk of your data being compromised.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking the actions below will help effectively <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-your-phone-number-from-the-internet\/\">delete your personal information<\/a> from the Internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-remove-yourself-from-data-broker-sites\">1. Remove yourself from data-broker sites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned, <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/what-are-data-brokers\/\">data brokers<\/a> are one of the main reasons your personal information gets compromised in the first place. Therefore, removing yourself from each and every one of their databases is an essential step to reinforcing your Internet privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To do this, you can go through the process on your own using these <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/opt-out-guides\/\">free DIY opt-out guides<\/a>, or you can <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/privacy-protection-plans\/\">sign up for our service<\/a> at DeleteMe and we can do it for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While these opt-out processes aren\u2019t impossible to do on your own, they are time consuming.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With over 500 sites in the U.S. alone, many of which are notorious for relisting profiles after they\u2019ve been removed, constantly monitoring them to ensure your personal information remains safe and secure can be a task that might be too big for just you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-use-strong-passwords\">2. Use strong passwords<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An easy step toward better online security is being smart about passwords.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Passwords should be changed regularly,and you should never use the same password across different devices or sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unique passwords (at least 12 characters with a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols) for each account is a great way to keep your information safe.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We also recommend using a password manager to generate strong passwords and keep them all safely in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-use-a-vpn-and-a-private-browser\">3. Use a VPN and a private browser<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A virtual private network (VPN) reroutes your IP address and disguises and encrypts your browsing traffic while you surf the web. It\u2019s a great way to prevent anyone from tracking your browsing history, and especially important when using free WiFi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are plenty of free VPNs you can choose from, but always make sure to carefully read privacy policies and customer reviews so you can be confident the VPN provider doesn\u2019t sell your information in exchange for free software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, we recommend privacy focused browsers like <a href=\"https:\/\/duckduckgo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DuckDuckGo<\/a> to prevent third-party tracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-secure-your-social-media-profiles\">4. Secure your social media profiles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you haven\u2019t already, set all your <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-keep-your-personal-information-private-when-using-social-media\/\">social media<\/a> profiles to \u201cprivate,\u201d and always use a nickname.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Delete any content that may reveal too much private information about yourself, and it\u2019s also a good idea to delete any old accounts you\u2019re no longer using.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also disable location tracking for all social media apps on all your devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-verify-all-your-apps\">5. Verify all your apps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many apps (especially free ones) make money by selling user data.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Always make sure to review the app terms of use and check privacy settings with all apps and your phone. Disable the tracking feature to prevent apps tracking you, and, additionally, delete apps you no longer use or need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After you\u2019ve deleted an app, contact an app admin directly and ask for all your information to be removed from their databases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-be-careful-shopping-online\">6. Be careful shopping online<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whenever possible, avoid giving out personal information such as phone number, full name, or email address when making online purchases.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid creating accounts for various e-commerce sites and delete accounts you might already have. This information is often sold to data brokers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you make an online purchase and have to provide an email, we recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/dnt.abine.com\/#feature\/masking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">masked email<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"protecting-your-privacy-one-personal-detail-at-a-time\">Protecting your privacy one personal detail at a time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to protect your privacy and reinforce your security, the first line of defense is to never share personal information online and <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-personal-information-from-internet\/\">remove as much existing information as possible<\/a>.<br>Information like your address, phone number, social security or ID number, and financial details should always be kept safe and secure at all times in order to avoid various threats like <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/report-spam-calls-phone-scams\/\">spam<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/being-cyberstalked-prevent-cyberstalking\/\">cyberstalking<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/doxxing\/how-to-prevent-doxxing\/\">doxxing<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-identity-theft\/\">identity theft<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The dangers of sharing your personal information online are often underestimated.&nbsp; In fact, sharing various personal details online is so commonplace at this point, it\u2019s almost impossible to bear in mind that it makes you more vulnerable to multiple different online security threats, including spam, cyberstalking, doxxing, online blackmail, even identity theft. Read on to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":7179,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7178","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-data-privacy"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7178","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7178"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7178\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joindeleteme.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}