Stopping the Info Train Online
If you are one of the 2.8 billion people who use Facebook, this Blog’s for you. Surely, you have heard about the various security breaches that the social network has experienced in recent years. With so many users, it’s easy to see why hackers and other fraudsters target the site. The fact is, there is a wealth of information that many people willingly put online – Facebook is no exception – and even more is stored behind the scenes. Combining both creates a clearer picture for fraudsters to use for their scams.
In one recent leak, personal information for over 533 million Facebook users was released. This included phone numbers, Facebook IDs, name, gender, location, date of birth, email address, and relationship status. That is a whole LOT of information floating in cyberspace. The problem is, once it is out there, you have no control. That doesn’t mean that you can’t act to protect yourself – even if it is a few steps behind the hackers.
To check if your information has been included in a data compromise, there is a third-party website that you can use – for free. Haveibeenpwned (HIBP) can check whether your password, email address(es), or domain have been exposed in data breaches.
*NEVER trust another third-party site that claims to do the same thing. HIBP employs strict security measures to ensure that your information is safe*
What if I find that my information was part of the data breach?
Unfortunately, this is a reality that many people face at one time or another. Here are some tips that may help you keep your personal data secure.
Don’t reuse passwords - Yes, I know it is convenient and easier for you to remember.
Create a strong password - For more in-depth information about creating strong passwords, you can read my post about it. Better yet, if biometrics are available, set them up and use that in lieu of a password.
Stop the “info-train” – Think before you post any information on a social network. Optional fields, like the ones that claim relationship status, location, employer, etc., are just that – optional. The less information you put out for the world to see, the less there is for a hacker to steal. What may seem like an innocent detail can really be one more piece of the puzzle that fraudsters use to imitate you. Since we are on the subject of limiting information, remember not to post things on your page that can compromise your personal safety. For instance, maybe wait to post vacation details until AFTER you’ve returned from your trip. Posts like that can let other people know that you aren’t around to protect your home.
Place a freeze on your credit report – To be on the safe side, you can place a freeze that prohibits a credit inquiry from occurring. It can easily be lifted for any legitimate credit inquiries.
Sign up for purchase alerts to monitor your credit and debit card use – Catch financial fraud early by staying on top of your account. Purchase Alerts are FREE, and I consider them your first defense against unauthorized use of your money.
Do you have more safety tips to share? I want to hear from you! Leave a comment below, or email me.
Krista Kyte is a personal finance blogger and personal banker with over 18 years of experience in the financial industry. Krista is passionate about helping our members understand their financial situations. She writes tips that will help consumers reach and maintain financial security, and start living the life they’ve always wanted.
