How to Protect Your Personal Information Online

1. Keep Your Devices Up to Date

When you get a notification that it's time to update the software on your device or one of your apps, it can be tempting to press "delay." But it's a better idea to install updates as soon as they're available.

Device and software updates often include patches that fix security issues. By putting them off, you're leaving yourself open to hackers who take advantage of these vulnerabilities. Fortunately, you can stay defensive by regularly checking for available updates and installing them when prompted to.

2. Browse the Web Safely

Be cautious about connecting your computer or phone to an unsecured, public network. Browsing the web on a public Wi-Fi network in a coffee shop, hotel or airport lounge may not seem risky. Unfortunately, depending on how the network is encrypted, data you transmit through the network could be intercepted by hackers. So, for instance, if you log in to your bank account on an unsecured network, your sensitive financial information could be exposed.

To reduce the threat, avoid logging in to your accounts or transmitting any sensitive information when you're connected to a public network. If you do need to use public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to establish a safe connection and make it more difficult for a hacker to intercept your information.

3. Set Strong Passwords

One of the most important ways to keep your information safe online is to practice good password hygiene. That means setting unique, hard-to-guess passwords for each of your accounts. Here are some tips for setting strong passwords:

• Create passwords that are at least 15 characters long.
• Use a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters in your passwords.
• Consider using a passphrase consisting of three or more random words, substituting numbers and symbols throughout for added security.
• Use multifactor authentication whenever it's available to add an additional barrier against hackers aiming to get into your accounts.

4. Consider a Password Manager

Creating strong, hard-to-guess passwords can make it tricky to keep track of your different account credentials. A secure password manager can help you generate and safely organize your passwords.

You might also find that the password manager included on your phone (such as Google Password Manager) is adequate for creating and storing strong passwords. There are also downloadable password managers, such as 1Password (a top choice among cybersecurity experts) and Bitwarden (a free option that offers all the core features you need).

Learn more: Should I Use a Password Manager?

5. Don't Fall for Phishing Attempts

Phishing is a type of social engineering in which a criminal tricks you into sharing your sensitive information. Scammers devise elaborate phishing traps and constantly set new targets—sometimes at random in mass attacks, and other times in highly sophisticated, targeted schemes.

For example, you may receive a phishing email imploring you to click a link right away to track a package that is at risk of being diverted to the wrong location. In reality, clicking the link will prompt you to enter sensitive information, such as your Social Security number or credit card information—or, it could install malware on your device.

The best way to avoid phishing is to become alert and skeptical about the legitimacy of contact you receive from unknown sources. That means double-checking the sender on an email or text message, avoiding clicking unknown links and keeping an eye out for other red flags of phishing attempts.

Learn more: The Latest Scams You Need to Be Aware Of

6. Be Mindful of What You Share Online

Always think carefully before posting something online. Information that may seem innocent enough—like your birth year or high school mascot—could actually be sensitive data that hackers can use to bypass your account security or even impersonate you.

For instance, imagine if a friend posts to your page asking you what dates you plan to travel for spring break. If you respond, you've provided any potential bad actors lurking on your page with dates when your home may be more vulnerable to a burglary.

When in doubt, it's always a good idea to simply avoid sharing information online. It's also a good idea to check the privacy settings on your social media accounts to ensure you're only sharing your posts and other activity with those you truly want to see them. Consider setting your profile to private to restrict access to only your friends.

Learn more: Ways to Reduce Your Digital Footprint

7. Close Old Accounts

If you have old accounts you no longer use, such as old email addresses, social media accounts or customer accounts for various businesses, it's a good practice to delete them. Your old accounts may contain sensitive information, such as credit card numbers. By paring down your old accounts, you're reducing the possible points of entry a hacker could target. You're also cutting down the odds that one of your accounts may be impacted in a data breach.

One way to find old accounts is to check the credentials stored in your phone, browser or password manager. Look for any you no longer use and delete them.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Keeping your personal information off the web can help you protect yourself against identity theft and fraud. Beyond that, implementing smart cybersecurity practices—such as updating your devices and avoiding public Wi-Fi—can help you increase your defenses.

If your sensitive data is compromised, one place it may end up is on the dark web. The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where criminals buy and sell illicit goods and information, including stolen personal data. You can get a one-time free dark web scan through Experian to check if your data appears on the dark web. If it does, you can learn more about what to do if your information is found on the dark web.