Protect personal data; avoid sharing unnecessary information

Many people worry about data breaches and the safety of their personal information. A lot of personal data, like Social Security numbers, is already on the dark web due to past hacks. Experts say it is still important to protect your identity by being cautious about sharing your information. For instance, stores and restaurants often ask for personal details that they may not need. A doctor can provide treatment without your Social Security number. Personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer advises questioning why information is needed before giving it out. Each time you share your data, you increase your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft. Recent large-scale data breaches have highlighted the risks. For example, a Florida company had nearly 2.9 billion records stolen, while the Equifax breach in 2017 affected about 150 million Americans. This shows how widespread and serious these issues can be. To protect your data, experts recommend prioritizing what you share. Some information, like your Social Security number, cannot be easily changed. If you lose it, the consequences can be serious. Always think about who is asking for your data and whether it is necessary. When filling out forms, don't automatically provide personal information. Palmer shares that she leaves the Social Security number field blank on medical forms without issue. It's important to only give information when absolutely necessary. Be cautious of unsolicited requests for your data, such as calls or texts. If you receive a request unexpectedly, it's best to verify it by contacting the organization directly. Security experts warn against clicking links in suspicious messages. Other tips for staying safe include using multifactor authentication when available and utilizing password managers to create and manage complex passwords. These practices can help keep your accounts secure against identity thieves and hackers.