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Protecting personal information

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Protecting personal information

Personal information is any information that identifies an individual. Personal information includes full name, address, date of birth, phone numbers, email addresses, usernames and passwords, bank details, student identity card details or passport details.

Online, personal information is used by many businesses to verify a user’s identity. While personal information can be safely disclosed to many legitimate businesses, if not managed carefully, it can be accessed and misused by criminals. It can also be used by marketers who may send spam through email or SMS.

Disclosing personal information online can also impact on a user's ‘digital reputation’. A Digital reputation is the opinion that others hold about people based on what they do and say online.

Tips to protect personal information

Digital reputation

Identity theft

Information and resources

Cybersmart Online Helpline