Privacy & Data Security: What You Need to Know

What is personal data?

Personal data includes your name, email, phone number, address, birth date, and anything that identifies you. It also includes what you do online — sites you visit, things you buy, and what you search for.

What to share and what not to

• Be cautious with: Social Security number, Medicare number, full bank account numbers, passwords, one-time codes.
• Generally okay for trusted sites: Name, email, phone (when you choose to sign up).
• Rule of thumb: If a site or person asks for something that feels too personal, pause and ask why they need it.

Simple steps to stay more secure

1. Use a strong, unique password for each important account. A password manager can help.
2. Turn on two-factor authentication for email, banking, and other sensitive accounts.
3. Only download apps from the App Store or Google Play.
4. Check privacy settings on social media and apps — limit who can see your info.
5. Don’t click links in unexpected emails or texts. Go to the site yourself by typing the address.