TOP 3 WAYS PRIVACY AFFECTS YOU
It doesn’t matter if you’re a cybersecurity wiz or someone’s grandma… YES!! That includes even the young grandmas. You don’t need an advanced degree in Cybersecurity to protect yourself over the Internet.
YOU JUST NEED EFFORT.
1. TAXES
Too many people are apathetic towards protecting their personal information. Numerous stories about people having their identity stolen and the thief filled out a tax return in their name. Yet, they never thought it could happen to them. This is a pain in the butt. Not only do you need to clear up your tax return but you also need to deal with any other credit cards, loans, or purchases that are done using your credit.
Freeze your credit… and your kid’s too.
- Adult Credit: Call each one of the three credit bureaus to request a freeze.
Equifax 800.349.9960
TransUnion 888.909.8872
Experian 888.397.3742
Store your password someplace safe for when you thaw your credit. Please don’t lose this or use a horrible password. - Child’s Credit: To freeze your child’s credit you’ll need to access the website of all three credit bureaus and print the child freeze request form. Mail the request (make sure to make a copy). Nerdwallet has a comprehensive process. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/child-identity-theft
Even if you don’t have any money in the bank you still have a huge target on your back. I guarantee they don’t care how poor you are. They don’t care how much you owe to the government. They don’t care if you have medical payments. AND… they won’t care if you’re going through hard times. Put in the effort to protect yourself.
Want to learn more. Listen to Jack Rhysider’s Podcast Darknet Diaries.
Darknet Diaries Episode 26: IRS
Jack Rhysider, the creator of the Podcast Darknet Diaries is an amazing storyteller. He also creates content that is easy to digest for all listeners. Whether you’re an IT Security Pro or an avid Joe learner, you will find all his Podcasts entertaining.
2. YOUR DATA IS NOT PROTECTED
Facebook recognizes 2.7 billion active users. The earth has more than 7.5 billion people. That means more than 1 out of every 3 people in the world trusted Facebook with their information. Cambridge Analytica is a great example of how Facebook took advantage of their users and allowed our data to be used to make money.
Let’s bring this closer to home. Do you remember the Equifax Data Breach in 2017? It was reported this event exposed the personal information of 147 million people. The Census reported 325 million people lived in the United States in 2017. Doing the math on the Equifax Breach… about 45% of the people in the United States were affected.
To get a full understanding listen to the Podcast Breach below. Their second season covers the Equifax Breach. If you it tickles your fancy try season one and you can learn about the 500 million people affected by the Yahoo breach.
Breach Six-Part Series on the Equifax Breach
The second season of Breach introduces the Equifax security event that affected more than 100 million people. The 2 hosts, Bob Sullivan and Alia Tavakolian, do a phenomenal job walking the listener through the event.
3. SAFETY
In 2018 14.4 million people in the United States were victims of identity fraud. On average 6 million car accidents are reported every year. 3.7 million homes are broken into every year.
Why do we put so much effort into protecting ourselves when it comes to car accidents or home break-ins? It’s a safety concern. But what if I told you your privacy, or lack of privacy, can be a safety concern. Listen to Bob Sullivan’s podcast below to learn more.
So, Bob No Place To Hide: Life Or Death
Bob Sullivan is a talented writer and podcaster who tackles the dangers of weak privacy. Here’s a hint… better accountability is needed.
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