In a hyper-connected world where sharing snippets of our lives has become the norm, it’s sometimes hard to draw the line between personal and public. While the rise of social media and instant messaging offers an avenue for instant communication and a sense of community, it also brings about significant privacy concerns. Knowing what not to share with people—whether online or in person—can help protect your privacy, security, and well-being. Here’s a detailed exploration of the types of information you should keep to yourself.
Personal Identification Information
Your personal identification information (PII) is a goldmine for identity thieves and fraudsters. Here are key pieces of information that you should never, under any circumstances, share:
- Social Security Number (SSN): This is one of the most sensitive pieces of information. With your SSN, someone could potentially commit identity theft, apply for credit in your name, or access your financial accounts.
- Full Birth Date: While it’s tempting to let people know exactly when to wish you a happy birthday, sharing your full birth date (especially the year) can provide clues for someone trying to steal your identity.
- Home Address: Only share your home address with trusted individuals and entities. Posting it online or giving it to someone you don’t fully trust can lead to stalking or theft.
- Phone Numbers: Be cautious with your primary phone number. Scammers often use phone numbers to execute phishing schemes or malicious activities.
Financial Information
Your financial details should be guarded closely to avoid the risk of theft, fraud, or financial mismanagement.
- Bank Account Numbers: Sharing your bank account details can lead to unauthorized withdrawals and other forms of financial fraud.
- Credit Card Information: This includes the card number, CVV, expiration date, and related personal information. Sharing this can give someone the ability to make unauthorized transactions.
- Investment Details: Information about your investments, including accounts, amounts, and strategies, should be kept private for the sake of security and privacy.
Passwords and Access Codes
Never share passwords, PINs, or access codes for any of your accounts. These serve as the primary line of defense against unauthorized access.
- Account Passwords: Always maintain the secrecy of your passwords, using a password manager if necessary to keep track of them securely.
- Two-Factor Authentication Codes: These codes are designed to add an extra layer of security. Never share them with anyone, as they could grant access to your most sensitive accounts.
- Security Questions and Answers: Treat your security questions and answers with the same level of caution as your password. Choose questions and answers that are not easily guessable or publicly available.
- Also, read this: https://infobilli.com/7-essential-apps-every-girl-must-have/
Personal and Professional Secrets
Information that could compromise your personal or professional life should be tightly controlled.
- Work-Related Information: Sharing confidential company information could lead to serious professional repercussions, including job loss and legal consequences.
- Personal Secrets: While sharing personal stories can help build closeness, oversharing can lead to negative judgment, exploitation, or damaged relationships.
- Health Information: Details about your health should be shared cautiously, ideally only with trusted confidants or medical professionals. This includes mental health statuses and medical history.
Travel Plans and Current Location
Revealing your travel plans or current location can be risky for several reasons.
- Vacation Plans: Announcing your vacation plans publicly can alert potential burglars to your absence, making your home an easy target.
- Current Location: Sharing your real-time location, especially if done frequently or with people you don’t fully trust, can lead to stalking or harassment.
Children and Family Information
Information about your children and family members should be handled with extreme care to protect their privacy and safety.
- Children’s School and Routine: Avoid sharing details about your children’s school, daily routines, or extracurricular activities online to protect them from potential danger.
- Family Birthdays and Anniversaries: While sharing joyous moments is tempting, providing too much detail about family events can be exploited by social engineers for fraudulent activities.
Emotional State and Mental Health
While it’s important to seek help when needed, be cautious about how much emotional or mental health information you share publicly.
- Personal Struggles: Sharing deep personal struggles on a public forum might lead to unwanted advice, judgment, or backlash. Seek professional help or confide in trusted friends or family.
- Emotional Reactivity: Sharing angry or highly emotional reactions can have a long-lasting negative impact on your personal and professional reputation.
Final Thoughts
In a digital age where data is often regarded as the new gold, maintaining privacy is more critical than ever. While sharing parts of your life can foster connections and build relationships, indiscriminate sharing can jeopardize your safety, privacy, and well-being. Always pause to carefully consider the potential consequences before sharing sensitive information. Safeguarding your personal data isn’t just about protecting yourself; it’s about maintaining control over your own life narrative.
By being mindful of what you share, you create a safer, more secure environment for yourself and those you care about.
