Archives - Personal Information


When using a public forum like Reddit, don’t disclose identifying information

Public forums like Reddit offer a place to talk about prescient topics and share stories. If you decide to share a story or leave a comment, be sure not to include any information that could give away your identity.

Working in public? Close your laptop

This may seem simple, but it can be easy to forget: When you’re out in public getting some work done on your laptop, whether it’s in your favorite coffee shop or at the park, close your laptop when you’re not using it. You don’t want to run the risk of someone catching a glimpse of […]

Carefully consider granting application permissions

Mobile apps often ask for numerous permissions, including access to your camera, contacts list and geolocation. Think hard before permitting them, since some applications only want these abilities for data harvesting purposes. For example, it’s not usually vital to give Facebook access to your location, or to let Instagram listen in on your microphone.

If you’re signing into a smart TV, do it around people you trust

If you’re planning on having a movie night, consider signing into your smart TV ahead of time. If you have to do it with others around, make sure they’re people you can trust with your credentials. Otherwise, have everyone leave the room so your credentials remain private. Your sign-in information can be a direct line […]

Limit personal information you distribute online

Don’t over share on social networking websites. Be very careful with personally identifying information like Social Security numbers, account numbers, and passwords – as well as specific information about yourself, such as your full name, address, birthday, and even vacation plans. The e-commerce boom precipitated a new cybersecurity threat known as e-skimming, which involves the […]

Consider using biometrics instead of a password

Every fingerprint is unique, meaning they make for a great way to secure your devices. A lot of smartphones come standard with a fingerprint scanner, and many more apps utilize it to keep your account safe. Biometrics are stronger than passwords and allow you to unlock your device and login to apps quicker. When some […]