The pandemic shifted many of our daily activities online – shopping, banking, even ordering groceries. While this convenience is great, it’s crucial to be mindful of the information you’re sharing with online businesses.
Think Before You Click “Submit”:
- Scrutinize Data Requests: When making an online purchase, pay close attention to the information being requested.
- Do you really need to provide your date of birth, social security number, or home address for this transaction?
- If a website asks for more information than seems necessary, consider canceling the purchase and finding an alternative vendor.
- Stick to the Essentials:
- Only provide the absolutely necessary information during checkout.
- Avoid filling in optional fields unless you’re comfortable sharing that data.
- Avoid Saving Payment Information:
- Resist the urge to save your payment information on websites.
- If a website automatically saves your card details, delete them after each purchase.
Why Data Minimization Matters:
- Reduced Risk of Data Breaches: The less data you share online, the lower your risk of being affected by a data breach.
- Targeted Advertising: Companies use your data to target you with ads. By limiting the information you share, you can reduce the amount of targeted advertising you receive.
- Protecting Your Privacy: Your personal information is valuable. By being mindful of what you share, you can protect your privacy and reduce the risk of identity theft.
Every piece of information you share online has the potential to be misused. Be mindful of what data you provide to online businesses and take steps to protect your privacy.
