Data breaches happen all the time, and they can impact even the largest corporations that you do business with. In fact, you have likely already read headlines about data breaches at companies where you’ve been a customer.
It can be scary to think that your personal information could be stolen and distributed without your consent, especially if it wasn’t even your fault! But there are steps that you can take to reduce the risk of your personal details getting into the wrong hands, and we’ve compiled some information below to help you learn more about this important topic.
Begin by Figuring Out Where Your Personal Info Can Be Found
Before you can reduce your risk of having your personal information stolen, you need to figure out if there are any websites that are currently showcasing that information for all to see. One of the top culprits in this area is people search sites. These are websites that serve as databases where people can type in your name and find information about you, such as your age, contact details, and other background information. This can be unnerving, but the good news is that you can have your information removed as long as you request it.
There are many people search websites out there, so go to Google, type in your full name, and see which of these sites appears in the results. If, for example, your data is found on FastPeopleSearch, go to the FastPeopleSearch opt out page to find out how you can have your information taken down.
Another website that is commonly used to find information on people is Radaris, so you’ll likely need to go to the Radaris opt out page as well to request that your information be taken down.
And let’s not forget that SearchPeopleFree is yet another one of these people search sites that you should tackle, so go to the SearchPeopleFree opt out page too.
Tighten Up Your Privacy Settings
If your privacy settings aren’t strong, you might be at a greater risk of having your personal details stolen. Therefore, when it comes to any accounts that you have opened, from your bank accounts to your online shopping accounts and your social media accounts, be sure to go through the settings carefully.
Look for options that allow you to limit the way your data is used and shared, and turn on as many privacy settings and security settings as possible to help ensure your information will remain safe.
Take Steps to Protect Your Devices
Finally, when it comes to your computers and devices at home and at work, if you are not taking steps to properly protect them from hackers, viruses, malware, etc., you might be putting your personal information at risk.
Investing in high-quality software that is designed to keep your personal information safe is worthwhile, so check out the options that are available and then decide on the one that’s right for you. From firewalls and VPNs to antivirus software that scans your system on a regular basis, you can gain greater peace of mind by implementing the right tools.
Ultimately, if you want to reduce the risk of losing your personal information, you need to be proactive about keeping your devices and accounts as secure as possible, and you also need to figure out where your information is hosted so you can request its removal.
The post How To Reduce the Risk of Losing Your Personal Information appeared first on The Fashionable Housewife.