We all know that we should be careful with our personal information, but sometimes it’s easy to forget. After all, when we’re not actively using our credit cards or social media accounts, it’s easy to think that they’re safe. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Criminals are becoming more and more sophisticated in their attempts to steal personal information, so it’s important for everyone to be more aware of the dangers. Here are some of the ways that criminals attempt to steal your personal information, as well as some tips on how you can protect yourself.

Many people do not realize the extent to which their personal information can be used by criminals. Even a simple name and address can be used by those with ill intentions to commit crimes and cause problems for the individual concerned. And even if you are aware of the dangers, there may still be things you’re doing that could put your information at risk.

Here are some of the most significant risks, and what you can do to keep your information secure from them.

Phishing

One of the most common ways that criminals try to steal your personal information is through phishing scams. These scams involve an email, text message, social media post, or other online message that appears to come from a legitimate company. The message typically contains links or attachments which when clicked on will download malicious software, or will take you to a website that looks legitimate but is actually controlled by criminals, who then harvest your personal information.

Be vigilant when checking messages and emails, and never click on any links or attachments unless you are absolutely certain they are legitimate. Always think twice if you receive an email or text message you weren’t expecting.

Social Media

Another way criminals can steal personal information is by accessing your social media accounts. To do this, they may use a ‘credential stuffing’ attack, where they use a large number of usernames and passwords stolen from other websites in an attempt to gain access to your accounts.

Once they’ve managed to get access to your accounts, they can use the information stored there to target you with more phishing attacks or other scams. To protect yourself, it’s important to make sure all of your accounts have strong passwords, and that you regularly update them.

Sending Information Insecurely

Another risk to personal information is sending it insecurely. This can happen when you’re sending emails or other messages over an unsecured internet connection, or even when you’re sharing files online. To protect your information, it’s important to always use an encrypted connection and encrypt any files you’re sending or receiving. And if you need to send a document to someone but they don’t require all the information on it, consider redacting parts of the document so they only receive the information they need. And if you’re unsure exactly what does redacted mean, read up on it, as it can be a great way to protect yourself.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

If you’re accessing the internet in a public place, such as a cafe or library, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with using public Wi-Fi networks. As these are open networks, they can be easily accessed by criminals who may then be able to access your personal information.

Whenever possible, try to use a private and secure connection when accessing the internet in public places. If you have a cell phone plan with plenty of mobile data, you could also connect via your personal hotspot. If you do need to use a public Wi-Fi network, make sure you are using a VPN (virtual private network) to keep your information safe from criminals.

Throwing Information in the Garbage

If you have sensitive information that needs to be disposed of, never throw it away without shredding it first. Criminals can easily go through your trash and steal documents that contain your personal information.

Investing in a good paper shredder is always a good idea, as it’s an investment in security. Make sure to shred all documents before disposing of them, and never put them in the regular garbage. If you have a log fire in your home, paper documents can make great kindling, as an alternative way to dispose of this kind of information!

Stored Credit Card Details From Online Shopping

Also be aware of where you store your credit card details when shopping online. Many websites now offer the option to store your credit card details for future transactions, but it’s important to think about whether this is really necessary.

Storing your credit card details in a secure manner can help protect you from having your information stolen, but if it’s not necessary to store them, then it’s best to just pay with your card every time you shop. If you do decide to store your credit card details, make sure the website has a secure payment system and that it is encrypted with SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption. Also remember that you can’t totally rely on the information security systems of the companies you shop online with and they could always get hacked, so it might just be better not to store your details with them.

Educate Yourself

Finally, it’s important to make sure you are always aware of the latest news and developments in the world of personal information security. Technology is constantly evolving, and criminals are always looking for new ways to exploit it. Reading online news sources and staying up to date with the latest security tips and advice can help you protect yourself, your family, and your personal information.

Conclusion

Personal information security is an important issue, and everyone needs to be aware of the potential risks associated with sharing information online. By taking the necessary precautions and educating yourself, you can help protect yourself from having your personal information stolen or misused. With these tips, you can help keep yourself, your family, and your personal information safe.