How to Protect Your Personal Information Online

Your personal information — name, address, phone number, birthdate, and Social Security number — is valuable to criminals. Identity theft affects over 15 million Americans every year, according to the FTC. But you can make yourself a much harder target with a few practical steps.

Step 1: Use strong, unique passwords for every account

If you use the same password everywhere, one data breach exposes all your accounts. Use a password manager (like the free Bitwarden at bitwarden.com) to create and remember strong, unique passwords. Your device also has built-in password management: iPhone has iCloud Keychain, and Google Chrome has Google Password Manager.

Step 2: Turn on two-factor authentication on important accounts

Two-factor authentication (2FA) means that even if someone knows your password, they still can't log in without a code sent to your phone. Enable it on: - Your email account - Your bank's website - Amazon and other shopping accounts - Social media

Step 3: Be careful what you share on social media

Scammers collect information from public Facebook, Instagram, and other profiles. Avoid posting: - Your home address - Your birthdate (at least the full date with year) - When you'll be away from home (announcing vacations) - Photos that show your house number or street signs

Step 4: Shred paper documents before throwing them away

Bills, bank statements, credit card offers, and medical documents contain enough information for identity theft. Use a cross-cut shredder (available for $20–$40) before throwing away any document with your name, address, account numbers, or Social Security number.

Step 5: Check your credit report every year

By law, you're entitled to a free credit report from all three major bureaus once per year. Go to annualcreditreport.com (the only official government-authorized free credit report site). Review it for any accounts or activity you don't recognize.

Step 6: Use secure WiFi when banking or shopping

Don't check your bank account or shop online when connected to public WiFi (at a coffee shop, library, or airport). Anyone on the same network can potentially see your traffic. Use your phone's cellular data instead when on public networks.

Step 7: Don't overshare with websites and apps

When a website or app asks for information, only fill in what's required (marked with an asterisk). You're not required to give a website your birthdate, phone number, or address unless it's genuinely needed for the service.

Step 8: Freeze your credit

A credit freeze (also called a "security freeze") prevents anyone — including identity thieves — from opening new credit cards or loans in your name. It's free, it's permanent until you lift it. And it doesn't affect your current credit cards or score. Contact each of the three credit bureaus: - Equifax: equifax.com - Experian: experian.com - TransUnion: transunion.com