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Protect Your Personal Online Information

Oct 5, 2024 | Personal Finance

Even if you’ve done everything you know about how to protect your personal information online (like regularly changing the password and not recycling it, not clicking on any suspicious links, and never sharing any personal information), one or more of the companies you’ve shared that information with can be breached. Where does that leave you?

It’s easy to leak your personal information into the wrong hands. But there’s still something you can do to protect your personal information further online.

How To Protect Your Personal Information Online

Go to HIBP

A data breach (especially if it’s one of the larger companies, such as PayPal, Target or Equifax) tends to make the news. The more reputable companies should contact you after the news has gone public, but sometimes that doesn’t happen. One of the simpler ways to determine if your personal information is at risk is to go to HaveIBeenPwned.com (HIBP). Once there, enter your email address (or addresses, if you have more), and you’ll get your answer in a few seconds.

Nevertheless, even if you haven’t been “pwned” yet, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. If a company you do business with has been breached, it’s probably best to assume your information is now on the dark web. You can also sign up for free notifications from HIBP to alert you of any further breaches.

Proceed to learn how to protect your personal information online.

Change your passwords

Man wearing headphones while sitting at a table in front of a laptop

Switch to strong passwords that have several unique characters. In addition, change your security questions. Contact the affected company and find out just how severe and widespread the breach is and if it will likely involve your information.

If your email address is out there for scammers, you’ll want to be even more vigilant about not responding to suspicious things.  Never click on a link asking for personal information unless you’re sure it’s from a trusted source. Even then, consider going to their website instead to protect your personal information online.

Reinforce authentication

Looking for additional ways for how to protect your personal information online? Consider adopting two-factor authentication, especially for sensitive information such as online banking or any other online payment form. It may take a few seconds longer to log into your account, but it’s a lot better than logging into your online banking only to discover the funds have been drained.

Minute Loan Center Protects Your Data

If you’re looking to apply for an online loan but fear for the safety of your personal information, consider Minute Loan Center. We employ bank-level safety protocols that ensure all information you give us is fully protected. We handle your data responsibly and only use it for its intended purpose. If you’ve been wondering how to protect your personal information online when applying for a loan, apply for a Minute Loan Center personal loan. Contact us, and we will help you!

The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional financial advice. You should consult a credit counseling professional concerning the information provided and what should work best in your financial situation. And any action on your part in response to the information provided is at your discretion.

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