In today’s digital-first world, protecting your personal information online isn’t just a precaution—it’s a necessity for safeguarding your financial future. Every click, login, and online transaction leaves a digital trail, and cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities.

To reduce your risk, it’s important to stay informed about emerging scams, fortify your cybersecurity measures, and think twice before sharing sensitive information online. By being proactive and adopting smart security habits, you can confidently navigate the digital landscape while keeping your personal data—and your financial well-being—secure.

Here are six key steps you can take to safeguard your personal data and reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud.

#1: Strengthen Your Defenses with Strong Passwords & Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

The first line of defense against identity theft and fraud is using strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. A strong password should be long (at least 12 characters) and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols—steering clear of easily guessed information like birthdates or common words.

To keep your credentials secure, update your passwords regularly and consider using a password manager to generate and store them safely. Additionally, wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This extra security layer requires a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone or an authentication app, making it far more difficult for hackers to gain access.

#2: Secure Your Home Network & Keep Software Up to Date

Your home network is the foundation of your digital security. Without proper safeguards, cybercriminals—or even nearby users—could intercept your online activity and steal sensitive data.

Here’s how to secure your Wi-Fi network:

Change the default router credentials. The default username and password on your router are easy targets for hackers. Replace them with a strong, unique login.
Enable encryption. Encryption scrambles your data, making it unreadable to unauthorized users. Check your router settings and select WPA3 encryption if available. If not, WPA2 is still a secure option.
Turn off remote access. Disable remote management features on your router unless absolutely necessary to reduce potential entry points for hackers.

Outdated software is one of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to exploit security vulnerabilities. Many software updates include critical security patches that protect against newly discovered threats. Regular updates help protect your personal information by addressing security flaws and improving overall system performance.

#3: Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi to Protect Your Data

Public Wi-Fi networks, commonly found in cafes, airports, and hotels, often come with significant security risks. Even networks that require a password can be vulnerable, as the password is typically shared with many users, making it easier for hackers to gain access.

Additionally, most public networks lack strong encryption, which means cybercriminals can intercept your online activity and steal sensitive information. Here’s how to protect your data when using public Wi-Fi:

Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities. Online banking, shopping, or logging into financial accounts should always be done on a secure, private network.
Use your mobile data connection when possible. Cellular networks provide stronger security compared to public Wi-Fi, reducing the risk of data interception.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). If you must use public Wi-Fi, a VPN adds an extra layer of protection by encrypting your internet traffic, making it much harder for hackers to monitor your activity or steal your data.
Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections. Many devices are set to connect to available networks automatically, which can expose you to unsecured or malicious networks. Disable this feature in your device settings.

By staying cautious and taking proactive security measures, you can minimize your exposure to cyber threats when using public Wi-Fi.

#4: Stay Vigilant Against Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are one of the most widespread and dangerous forms of cybercrime. According to Comcast’s Business Cybersecurity Threat Report, 80-95% of data breaches are initiated by a phishing attack. Meanwhile, SlashNext reports that malicious phishing messages have surged an astounding 4,151% since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022.

Phishing scams involve attackers impersonating legitimate organizations—such as banks, government agencies, or popular online services—to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security details. These cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, using multiple channels to carry out phishing attacks, including:

Fraudulent emails (traditional phishing) designed to look like official communications from trusted entities.
Fake text messages (smishing) claiming to be from banks, delivery services, or other organizations.
Phone calls (vishing) from scammers impersonating customer service representatives or government officials.
Social media scams attempting to steal personal information.

Here’s how to protect personal data from phishing attacks:

Avoid clicking suspicious links. If an email, text, or message seems unexpected or too good to be true, verify its authenticity before clicking any links.
Never share sensitive information over email or text. Legitimate organizations will never ask for passwords or personal details via these channels.
Use security tools. Spam filters, anti-malware software, and firewalls can help block phishing attempts before they reach you.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain access to your accounts.
Keep software up to date. Regular updates and security patches protect against vulnerabilities that phishing scammers often exploit.

As phishing tactics evolve, staying informed and exercising caution can help you avoid becoming a target.

#5: Be Mindful of What You Share on Social Media

Social media makes it easy to connect with others, but sharing too much personal information can put your privacy and security at risk. Details like your full name, date of birth, home address, phone number, or even your location can be used by cybercriminals to steal your identity, hack your accounts, or impersonate you online.

Here’s how to protect your personal data when using social media:

Review and update your privacy settings. Most platforms allow you to control who can see your posts, profile details, and friend lists. Adjust these settings to limit access to your information.
Be selective about what you share. Before posting personal details, consider whether you’d be comfortable with a stranger seeing that information. Avoid sharing travel plans, financial updates, or identifying details.
Think twice before accepting friend requests. Scammers often create fake profiles to gather personal data or launch phishing attacks. If you don’t know someone personally, verify their identity before adding them.

By adjusting your privacy settings and being mindful of what you post, you can protect your personal data and reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud.

#6: Monitor Your Credit Report Regularly

According to a recent AARP report, identity fraud cost American adults $43 billion in 2023. If a cybercriminal gains access to your personal information, they can open fraudulent accounts, take out loans in your name, or damage your credit score, potentially leading to significant financial and legal complications. By reviewing your credit score and report frequently, you can catch suspicious activity early and take action before the damage escalates.

You’re entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—through AnnualCreditReport.com. Additionally, many banks, credit card issuers, and financial institutions offer free credit monitoring services, which can provide real-time alerts for unusual activity.

Warning signs of fraudulent activity may include:

A sudden drop in your credit score without an obvious reason.
Unfamiliar accounts, loans, or credit inquiries on your credit report.
Bills or collection notices for debts you don’t recognize.

If you notice unfamiliar accounts, transactions, or other signs of identity theft on your credit report, be sure to take the following steps:

Report the suspicious activity to your financial institution and the credit bureaus.
Place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file to prevent further unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.
File an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at gov to create a recovery plan.
Consider filing a police report if the fraud involves significant financial loss or criminal activity.

TrueNorth Wealth Is Here to Help

In an increasingly digital world, protecting your personal information requires vigilance, awareness, and proactive security measures. By implementing these safeguards, you can significantly reduce your risk of identity theft and financial fraud.

At TrueNorth Wealth, our team of fiduciary CFP® professionals is dedicated to helping you build and protect your wealth with personalized financial strategies. From risk management to long-term financial planning, we provide expert guidance to strengthen your financial future—no matter what challenges arise.

TrueNorth Wealth is among the top Wealth Management firms in Utah and Idaho, with offices in Salt Lake City, Logan, St. George, and Boise. At TrueNorth Wealth, we focus on helping our clients build long-term wealth while maximizing the enjoyment they receive from their money. We do this by pairing our clients with a dedicated CFP® professional backed by an incredible team.

For our team at TrueNorth, it’s about so much more than money. It’s about serving families all across Utah and helping them achieve freedom and flexibility in their lives. To learn more or schedule a no-cost consultation, visit our website at TrueNorth Wealth or call (801) 316-1875.