People like to keep precious, expensive things locked in vaults and safes. But what do you do when the commodity you want to guard can’t be picked up and squirreled away? For something we can’t physically touch, our data is incredibly valuable. From social media interactions to online purchases, so many day-to-day tasks are carried out online with the help of our personal data – but how well do you understand how it’s collected, and the steps you can take to protect it? If you’re looking to define what is personal data and what needs to be done to secure it, we’re here to provide you with a comprehensive guide to safe-guarding your personal information online.
What is Personal Data? Our Comprehensive Overview
Personal data, also known as personal information or personally identifiable information (PII), refers to any unique information that can be used to identify you. This means anything from your name and email address to your Social Security number, or even any biometric data saved on your devices.
Personal data can be categorized into several types:
- Basic personal information: Your name, address, phone number, and email address all come under this category. While this information alone may not seem highly sensitive, used in combination with other data it can identify you uniquely and provide access to accounts and information.
- Sensitive personal information: This is data that can have a more significant impact on your security if it’s exposed. It may be connected to your finances, personal health, or information that can be used to gain access to your personal accounts.
- Behavioral data: This type of data includes information about your online activities, such as browsing history and social media interactions, and is often collected by businesses and retailers to create detailed profiles for targeted marketing.
- Geographical data: Information about your geographical location, derived from your device’s GPS, IP address, or any nearby Wi-Fi networks.
Examples of Sensitive Personal Information
Here are some more examples of sensitive personal information that could lead to significant harm or identity theft if misused:
- Social Security Number (SSN): Perhaps the most critical piece of personal information, your SSN is used for tax, credit, and general identity purposes. Exposure can lead to deeply distressing cases of identity theft.
- Financial information: This includes any information associated with your bank details or financial transaction history. Unauthorized access can result in major financial loss and fraud.
- Medical records: Health information is very sensitive data, and therefore protected by national laws such as HIPAA. Unauthorized access can lead to privacy violations and misuse of medical data.
- Login credentials: Usernames and passwords for online accounts are essential for maintaining the security of your overall digital presence. If these are stolen, or compromised in a data leak, these credentials can allow unauthorized access to various services and even play a part in further cybercrime committed against friends and family.
- Biometric data: Fingerprints, facial recognition data, and other biometric identifiers are increasingly used for security purposes, because for the most part they are incredibly secure. However, they can be susceptible to misuse if not adequately protected.
- Personal communications: Emails, text messages, and other forms of personal communication often contain sensitive information that can be exploited and used for blackmail if intercepted.
How Personal Data is Collected and Used
Almost everything you interact with online is out to collect your personal data in some way. You may not even realize it is happening. Websites and apps gather data through forms, cookies, and tracking technology – this includes your IP address, browsing behavior, and any personal information you provide.
Social media platforms collect vast amounts of data based on your activity, such as your posts and profile information. E-commerce sites gather data related to your purchases, payment methods, and shipping details. Online surveys, contests, and promotions also often require you to provide personal information such as your email, which can then be used for further marketing purposes. And, obviously, government databases and public records are vast sources of personal data, including property records and voter registrations.
Collected data is used for all sorts of purposes, some benign and some potentially harmful. Companies use personal data to tailor ads and recommendations to your preferences – this is why it feels as though our phones always know exactly what we want to see next. However, some companies may sell the data they have collected to third parties, often for advertising and market research.
Understanding the ways in which data is collected and used helps you make informed decisions about what information you choose to share online. Your information is being collected and studied on a daily basis, regardless of what is considered personal data in real life. You probably wouldn’t let someone watch you over your shoulder every time you use a smart device, and yet this is essentially what happens every day.
Tips for Protecting Your Personal Data Online
Protecting your personal data requires a proactive approach. Here are some quintessential tips to help you stay safe online:
- Strong passwords: Create strong passwords that combine letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, or using easily-guessed information (such as the names of pets). Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on all accounts that support it. This means that your accounts will require a second form of verification – such as entering a code sent by text – before letting someone in.
- Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Phishing scams are designed to trick you into revealing personal information. Be cautious of emails, messages, or websites that ask for sensitive information, and always verify the source before providing any data.
- Use Secure Connections: Ensure that websites you visit use HTTPS, indicating a secure connection. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, and consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet connection.
- Limit Sharing on Social Media: Be mindful of what you share on social media. Avoid posting sensitive information, and adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts and profile.
- Regularly Update Software: Keep your operating system, apps, and antivirus software up to date to protect against security vulnerabilities.
- Review Privacy Policies: Before using a new service or app, review its privacy policy to understand how your data will be collected, used, and shared.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your financial statements, credit reports, and online accounts for any suspicious activity.
Steps to Take If Your Personal Data is Compromised
Despite your best efforts to stay safe online, data breaches and identity theft can still occur. Hundreds of millions of people were impacted by data breaches last year through no fault of their own.
If your personal data is compromised, you need to be prepared to take immediate action to mitigate the damage. Start by changing the passwords of any affected accounts, ensuring the new passwords are strong and unique. Set up alerts for suspicious activity on your financial accounts and online services, which can help you detect unauthorized transactions quickly. If your financial information is compromised, contact your bank straight away to report the issue and potentially freeze your accounts.
Keep a close eye on your credit reports for any unusual activity, and consider placing a fraud alert request to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. If you suspect identity theft has occurred, report it to your local authorities and relevant organizations and collate the evidence that has raised your suspicions.
Ensure your devices are free from malware by running a full antivirus scan on a regular basis. If the breach involves sensitive data from your workplace or other organizations, inform them promptly so they can take appropriate action.
Keep it personal with iolo
Protecting your personal data is a continuous effort – you need to make sure that your security measures are as up to date as possible. By furthering your understanding of what is personal data, recognizing the ways it’s collected and used, and implementing strong security practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to data breaches and identity theft. Consider a program such as our System Mechanic® Ultimate Defense™, which offers a comprehensive solution for protecting your sensitive data, securing your passwords, and blocking malware from infiltrating your devices.
