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PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION: A PRACTICAL GUIDE







Protecting your identity takes more than a complicated password. Every time you shop, browse social media, or share a photo, you leave behind bits of personal data. In the wrong hands, those details can be used to impersonate you, access your accounts, or commit fraud (Cambridge University Press).

Know What Identity Thieves Want

Every login, “like,” shipping address, and online form adds to your digital footprint. Details such as your full name, address, birthday, and Social Security number are especially valuable to criminals (Cambridge University Press). Even information that seems harmless—like your pet’s name, hometown, or high school—can help someone guess a password or answer a security question.

Build Habits That Keep You Safer

Think before you share. The less personal information you post publicly, especially on social media or unfamiliar websites, the less material identity thieves have to work with (Taylor & Francis). Before posting, ask yourself whether you’d be comfortable with the information reaching a stranger.

Use strong, unique passwords. Never reuse the same password across multiple accounts. If one site is breached, criminals may try those credentials elsewhere. A password manager can create and store unique passwords so you don’t have to remember them all (ALA Journals).

Turn on two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, requires another form of verification in addition to your password. This makes it much harder for someone to access your account, even if your password has been exposed.

Keep your devices and apps updated. Software updates often fix known security flaws. Delaying updates for your phone, computer, browser, or apps can leave an easy opening for attackers (ALA Journals).

Watch for phishing attempts. Be cautious with emails, texts, and direct messages that ask for sensitive information or urge you to act immediately. Verify the sender independently before clicking a link, opening an attachment, or sharing personal details.

Consider using a VPN. A virtual private network encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, giving you extra privacy from hackers, advertisers, and internet providers. It can be particularly helpful when using public Wi-Fi. A VPN won’t make you completely anonymous, but it can add a useful layer of protection when paired with good security habits. Choose a reputable provider with strong encryption and a clear no-logs policy (Consumer Reports).

Reduce Unwanted Calls

Register your personal phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. Registration is free and can reduce legitimate telemarketing calls, though it won’t stop every unwanted call. Political calls, charitable solicitations, surveys, and certain calls from organizations you already do business with may still be permitted.

The registry also won’t stop scammers who ignore the law. Never share account numbers, passwords, verification codes, or your Social Security number with an unexpected caller. If a call seems suspicious, hang up and contact the organization through a verified phone number. You can also report unwanted calls through donotcall.gov.

Freeze Your Credit and Protect Your Social Security Number

Freeze your credit. A credit freeze prevents most creditors from accessing your credit report, making it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. You’ll need to lift the freeze when applying for a loan or credit card, but the added protection is often worth the minor inconvenience (Quarterly Journal of Economics).

Lock your Social Security number when appropriate. Your SSN can give criminals access to some of the most sensitive parts of your identity. The federal government’s E-Verify system offers a Self Lock feature at myE-Verify.gov, which can help prevent someone from using your SSN for employment verification. This is not a universal lock against every form of identity theft, so you should still protect the number carefully. Never send your SSN through unsecured email or text messages, and shred documents containing it before disposal (Communications of the ACM).

Remove Personal Information From the Internet

Opt out of people-search websites. Data brokers and people-search sites collect information from public records and other sources, then make it available or sell it. Websites such as Whitepages, Spokeo, and MyLife provide opt-out procedures, although completing them can take time (Krebs on Security).

Use a privacy-removal service if needed. Services such as Incogni, DeleteMe, and OneRep submit removal requests to data brokers on your behalf. Some also monitor brokers and repeat requests when your information reappears. These services usually charge a subscription fee, but they can save hours of manual work (Incogni, DeleteMe, OneRep).

Search for your own information. Search your name, phone number, email address, and home address to see what strangers can find. If a website displays sensitive information, use its contact or privacy page to request removal. Google also provides a process for requesting the removal of certain personal details from search results (Google Support). Keep in mind that removing a result from Google does not necessarily remove the information from the original website.

Tighten your social media settings. Make profiles private where possible, restrict who can locate or contact you, and remove old posts that reveal personal details. Review your connections regularly and revoke access for apps you no longer use.

Make Privacy Part of Your Routine

The strongest approach is to treat privacy as an everyday practice, not a one-time project. Review app permissions, check account security settings, monitor your credit reports, and periodically search for your personal information online (Google Books).

No system can eliminate every risk. Still, strong passwords, two-factor authentication, software updates, credit freezes, careful sharing, and regular privacy checks can make you a much harder target. Treat your digital identity like your wallet: protect it, inspect it often, and don’t leave it exposed.

For more information, see Information Technology, Privacy, and the Protection of Personal Data and Privacy and Security Online: Best Practices for Cybersecurity.

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