The protection of sensitive data is a question that concerns us all, and which becomes more and more important in our ever more connected world. Sharing certain information online, whether done in a conscious or inadvertently done way, can have serious consequences on our life. In this article, we remind you of the sensitive data that you should never share online, the risks associated with these practices, and advice to protect your personal information.
Sensitive data never to disclose
Some information is particularly vulnerable and should never be communicated on the Internet, or even relatives, except through ultra-secure channels. Here are the main categories of data not to be shared:
1. Passwords
We all use various and varied passwords, and this is the first line of defense to protect our online accounts. These passwords allow you to have access to all types of accounts, such as your mailbox, your profile on social networks , a shop on which you are used to making your purchases, or the application of your bank.
Share your passwords, even to trusted people, has risks and opens the way for cyber attacks. How to be sure that your password will not be disclosed, that it will be used wisely and that it will be properly protected by a third party? A compromise password can expose a large number of sensitive information.
2. Financial information
Besides passwords, you should never share your financial information online, even when a person asks for help, promises you a gain or scares you with an alleged security risk. There is a good chance that it is an extortion attempt. Thus, you will have to keep all of your financial information for you, namely your credit card numbers, your banking identifiers, or your safety codes.
These data are a privileged target for cybercriminals, since they allow them to access your bank accounts and sometimes important sums of money. Disclosing them, even accidentally, can lead to strong financial losses.
3. Your identity documents
Your identity information must also remain private. Indeed, the information contained in documents such as your identity card, passport or driving license can be used to usurp your identity. This can have serious consequences, such as the creation of false accounts in your name or the realization of illegal transactions.
4. Other sensitive information
In addition to these different data, there is also information that may seem harmless to you, and which can nevertheless put you in danger when they fall into bad hands. This is the case of data such as your social security number , your date of birth or your full address. This information can be combined to build a profile to access other accounts or make fraud. They can even be used to discover your address and commit a burglary!
5. Compromising photos or information
Many of us use social networks on a daily basis, and this may include risks, in particular concerning the data shared on these often weakly secure spaces. You may not find dangerous to share your vacation photos, intimate photos, your plane ticket or other online data. But in some cases, this sharing can lead to privacy damage, even cases of harassment or blackmail.
The best ways to protect your sensitive data online
Here's how to protect your sensitive information in a few simple gestures:
- The importance of choosing strong and unique passwords: you will have to choose complex passwords that include capital and lower case letters, figures and special characters. Each password must be unique to the account it protects. To more easily store your passwords, you can use a password manager such as Nordpass .
- Activate two factors authentication: This technique makes it possible to secure access to your accounts by an additional code. It is very practical and strengthens password safety.
- Be vigilant in the face of phishing attempts: phishing attacks are among the most common dangers online, you will therefore have to remain vigilant. A cybercriminal can pretend to be a confidence to try to steal your personal information. Always check the authenticity of these requests.
