Archives - Personal Information


Use Facebook Messenger settings to protect your details

Facebook Messenger is a massively popular instant messenger platform, used by millions of people and with loads of great extra features. It’s also used by some for more nefarious purposes, though, so keeping your information safe is important. There are a handful of adjustments you can make to your privacy settings to protect yourself while […]

Avoid duplicating apps on your devices

So much information about our lives is stored in our devices that it can be easy to lose track of it all sometimes. This is especially true if you begin doubling up on apps that essentially do the same thing. If, for example, your phone already has a calendar app installed but you prefer Google […]

Take care filling out online forms

Filling out online forms – like for shipping or payment info – is not only time-consuming, it may be risky. Inputting information over a non-secure (non-HTTPS) connection or on public Wi-Fi or a shared device can expose your private information. Lessen your risk by only using safe connections on devices you own. Payment options like PayPal also […]

Keep your out of office auto-reply vague

Setting up an out of office auto-reply for your email is pretty common practice, especially for work. But be mindful of how much you divulge when you write it. Saying that you’re leaving the country and for how long advertises that your home will be empty. Keep it simple and vague, saying that you’re currently […]

Use a few personal email accounts

It’s a good idea to have a distinct email account just for mailing lists. That way, you lower the risk of getting offers in your inbox that are actually attempts at phishing. Keep one account just for emailing trusted friends, family members and contacts, and another for everything else.

Buy privacy protection when you register a website domain

Normally by default, purchases of new website domains publish your name and mailing address in a publicly searchable database. This may lead to unwanted spam. Luckily, you can typically pay a small annual fee to keep your registration information private.