Before selling a smart device, consider factory resetting after backing up any media you’d like to keep. A factory reset can usually be performed through the settings menu of any smart device. This assures that all of your personal data and accounts are deleted and can’t be accessed. Be sure to boot up the device […]

Any organization that isn’t your employer, the IRS or your bank probably doesn’t need to know your social security number. However, sometimes other organizations will ask for it. They may need it or they might not, and you should ask questions before agreeing to give it to them. These questions, as recommended by the Federal […]

If your bank or another institution with which you have an account calls you, there’s no reason they should have to ask you for personal information like your account number. They should already have that on file and easily accessible if they were planning to contact you. If this happens, it’s likely a scam. Hang […]

Social networks are enormous, highly searchable data storehouses. Given that, it’s typically a bad idea to post any personally identifiable information on them because you don’t know who might see it. Don’t ever share your address, birthday or Social Security number in any online public forum, whether Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or a message board.

Strava is a fitness app that tracks users’ runs or bike rides, with a social media twist. Users can connect with their friends through the app to see other athletes’ bike or run paths. Unless your privacy settings are updated to your liking, it’s possible that anyone can see where you are running or biking. […]

Pipl is a website that finds public identity information. When you search for yourself on this website, Pipl’s identity resolution engine service collects whatever online information about you it can find and shows you what other people can see. Keep in mind there are several other sites that do this, too, and Pipl alone might […]