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Keeping personal information out of the hands of unauthorized persons is a must for an overall defense plan.
- Know what personal information you should safeguard
- Follow recommendations (below) to protect personal information/identity on the Internet
- Destroy important documents and credit/debit cards by burning or using a cross-cut shredder
(shredder-type comparison)
- Letters/documents, containing personal information, being sent by snail-mail should be placed in a Public Mailbox or your personal mailbox just prior to pickup (not left in the box overnight).
- Break up boxes and put them in garbage bags to throw them away so no one knows what new items you have in your home
- Set out trash for pickup, just prior to pickup, to reduce the chance of "dumpster diving"
- Don't provide any personal information over the phone, in emails, text messages or online with unverified web sites.
- Frequently Backup your computer, tablet or smartphone data to a USB drive for recovery in case the device(s) in case of device failure, theft or destruction. Store the USB drive in a separate and secure location.
- Use strong passwords on all electronics that contain personal information
- Use Two-Factor Authenticaion when available
- Important & Legal Documents and Valuables Storage:
Important documents and valuables should be gathered, organized and protected in one location for easy, but secure, access in a waterproof and fireproof container , easily transportable in case an emergency arises that requires evacuation.
Reference: Preparing an Important Documents Emergency Binder
- Web Search and Smart Phone Data:
Removal Web Browser Data
All data that is captured via a Smart Phone (especially Android) is saved on the web/internet. For example, if you use an Android smart phone, you must have a Google account. If you login to your Google account, from a computer, you can see everything you have, and have accessed, on your Android phone, including your contacts, photos, YouTubes, phone calls you've made, where you have travelled, searches and much more. You can make some changes on your smart phone or computer. From a computer, login to Google.com and click on your account avatar (top right) then click "Manage Your Google Account. From there, you can view how Google has been tracking you and edit how Google tracks you in the future. You can also clear/delete data that has been gathered. Here are some links to help keep your business your business instead of it being plastered all over the internet without your permission:
Search on DuckDuckGo.com
Ways to Keep Google from Collecting Data on Your Android Phone
How to turn off location tracking on your iPhone or iPad
How to stop your smartphone from tracking your every move, sharing data and sending ads
All the Ways Google Tracks You — And How to Stop It
Google is probably tracking you — here's how to limit it
Look at this alternative, non-tracking, Search Engine - DuckDuckGo.com
Purchase a Non-Tracking Smart Phone
More on Tracking Devices & Technology
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