People don’t often realize how much information they give away online or via smartphones.  And that this information can easily be collected and used against them.

Think of all the personal information you may share on social media – the names of your loved ones and pets, your hobbies and interests, where you shop and hang out, even the dates when you’re away on holiday (posting the beach or ski photos every day can only mean one thing!)…

Do you use LinkedIn?  All your business information, job details, work history, possibly even which prospects you are currently working with…?

How can I make my information more private?

You can make a start by changing who you share with.  Make sure that your privacy settings on social media are restricted to friends only.  Even after that, be careful that you are not posting everything on social media.  Only make the minimum available (your name) on internet profiles such as Facebook and LinkedIn and don’t post your address, date of birth or telephone number.

If anything you share on social media is not something you’d shout out in the street, or tell to a stranger, then you need to think twice about whether you want everyone to know it.

I’m worried about my information

If you have any reason to suspect that your personal information has been compromised or mis-used, you can get in touch with Action Fraud, the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre.

Action Fraud also share information about the latest frauds and scams, to keep you updated and aware.

If you want to know anything about how to protect your computer or network, give us a call any time in the datamills office, on 0114 287 0510.  You might benefit from our free half hour assessment of your system.