Protect your personal information
It is important to remain vigilant of the information you share online.
Sensitive information and data such as passports, drivers licences and banking details are at risk of being exposed to cybercriminals if there is a data breach. If this occurs, you may become a victim of identify theft, fraudulent activity, or scams.
Personally identifiable information is any piece of information or data that can help to confirm who you are or how to find you. It can include everyday information about you, including:
- full name
- parents' names
- date of birth
- home address
- location check-ins
- event RSVPs
- email address
- photos
- usernames, passwords or passphrases
- bank account details.
Your credentials, also known as Evidence of Identity documents can include:
- drivers licence
- passport
- birth certificate
- proof of age card
- Australian visa or citizenship certificate
- Medicare card
- student ID.
Nearly every social media platform, website or app asks you for some personally identifiable information. But this data can be stolen or misused by scammers, identity thieves or doxers. That's why it is important to keep it private and secure. If you have to share it, make sure it's only used by trusted services with your consent.
To safeguard your privacy and protect yourself from potential harm you should:
- limit information shared online and consider how secure a site is before you divulge anything personal
- confirm how a site might use and share your information, how it is stored, and what options you have to request it to be removed in the future.
- check your privacy settings on all online accounts and review for changes periodically
- be wary of requests for personal information or identification documents.
- secure your devices with strong, unique passphrases and use a password manager
- set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all important websites, platforms and apps
- close any unused services and accounts and request all associated data is removed as appropriate. Ensure that information does not become 'orphaned', meaning check that your data isn’t being left somewhere forgotten or ignored as it is no longer actively used or managed by anyone
- do not leave devices unattended.
If you think your personally identifiable information has been misused or stolen, support and information is available. Learn what to do if your account or device has been compromised.