Your sensitive information can end up online in more ways than you might think. Getting a handle on these pathways is the first step toward stronger online privacy. Here's how your personal data can appear online:
- Voluntary sharing: Most internet users share a ton of personal information voluntarily. This may happen on social media, personal sites, and blogs.
- Companies sharing data: You may unknowingly give companies permission to share your data when you sign up for discounts, giveaways, or loyalty programs that exchange your personal details for benefits.
- Online tracking: Simply using the internet can leak a lot of your personal information online. Most browsers, search engines, and websites you visit track your online activity and collect personal information.
- Data breaches: If a company that holds your personal information—like a bank, hospital, or employer—experiences a cyberattack or security vulnerability, your information may be leaked or sold..
- Phishing: You may unknowingly share personal information through phishing attacks. Even answering a scam call or opening a scam email can expose your personal information.
- Doxxing: Someone who wishes you harm may intentionally publish your personal information online.
- Data brokers: These companies buy and scrape your personal information from the web, then sell or publish it, spreading your data far and wide.
If you have any additional questions, please contact our Customer Support team.