Privacy

Everything you put online enters into the public domain regardless or our privacy settings or intentions. You don't even have to post said information online. Im not just talking about photos from last weekend your friend posted. There are probably hundreds of databases with our names, addresses, phone numbers and other pertinent information that is exposed to the Internet. Signup for a rewards card? Insurance quote? All this information is kept securely in servers behind firewalls, some of which are less secure than others. The sad truth is that it means that anyone who really wants to access the data can.

So, what doesn't that mean for you? Well it simply means you need to become digitally conscious of where your information is and what if any large security breaches affect you. Many of them that affect consumers make the news so pay attention. You can take preventive steps such as using a separate email and password for less reputable and secure sites. But best protection of all is to check your credit annually and sign up for an identity monitoring service. Im not saying you have to stay up late at night worrying about being a digital detective, but you should have some concern. Google your name every now and then. If there is information you don't want around that your didn't authorize call up the host. Bug them, threaten them with legal action until they take it down. All and all be responsible and be in control!