Menu

4 ways to protect your personal information online

Protecting your personal information is crucial when it comes to your online presence. Hackers are getting creative, learn how to protect your information.

A person typing on a laptop.

Gone phishing

One of the most popular methods hackers use to gain access to personal information is through the phishing approach. Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails appearing to be from a reputable company to try and gather personal information. Phishing schemes are commonly done through email. You may receive what you believe to be a credible email, coming from a credible source, but as soon as you click the “informational” attachment or link, you have given the computer authority to download malicious software onto your device without even knowing it. Luckily, with the awareness and proper precautions this can be avoided easily.

What are some precautions to keep in mind?

Beware of online requests for personal information. Do not click suspicious links and do not enter any of your information unless you are 100% aware that your information will be secure and that it is coming from a credible source.

Acknowledge and check where it is coming from. Hackers are sneaky, and it can be hard to tell what is legitimate and what is not. A simple way to double check links is to hover over the URL, but do not click on it. This will bring up a window providing the web address or where it would lead to if clicked on. If the link looks suspicious, it most likely is.

Watch for errors. Legitimate emails go through an extensive review process prior to being sent. There should be no spelling or grammatical errors. If you see any, that is a red flag that the message is not legitimate, and you should immediately delete the email.

Emails that promote urgency. This is a common approach hackers take. By insisting urgency the receiver may feel the need to provide information without fully being aware if the source is legitimate or not. Credible sources typically do not say “act now.” It is important to delete these types of emails.

Keep these tips in mind as you are active online to keep your personal information safe.

Find an agent

Our independent agency partners will help you compare coverages and share industry insights as you shop for the right insurance policy for your needs.

Related articles

How to talk to employees about cybersecurity

As a small business owner, your employees are the first line of defense in preventing a cyberattack. It’s important to talk to your employees about cybersecurity and what to do if something happens.

Create a cyberattack response plan for your small business

Cyberattacks can be devastating for a small business owner. It’s important to create a Cyber Incident Response Plan ready in case your business should fall victim to a data breach.

How to deal with ransomware when data is held hostage

Educate yourself on the complexities of ransomware, and the importance of selecting a cyber insurance carrier that provides the coverages you may need.

Coverages may not be available in all states. Coverages described are subject to all the terms and conditions of the policy, including deductibles, exclusions, and limits of liability. Not all agents are authorized to write all types of insurance. Policies may be underwritten by SECURA Insurance Company or SECURA Supreme Insurance Company, affiliated companies referred to collectively as SECURA Insurance Companies. Please read the policy carefully. Any claim example is for educational and informational purposes only. The information in this document will not be used to determine the coverage of an actual claim presented. All claims are adjusted based on the relevant facts, conditions and coverages at the time of loss. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to your coverage form. Coverage is also subject to applicable deductibles and limits of coverage.

The information provided by SECURA on its Website (the Site) is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however SECURA makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site. The information contained on the Website is to the best of our knowledge true and accurate at the time of publication, however it is generally to be used solely for informational purposes. The materials on this website are not guaranteed to be correct, complete or up to date. You should not act or rely only on information on this website.

The Site may contain (or you may be sent through the Site links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness by SECURA. SECURA DOES NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THE SITE OR ANY WEBISTE OR FEATURE LINKED IN ANY BANNER OR OTHER ADVERTISING. SECURA WILL NOT BE A PARTY TO OR IN ANY WAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN YOU AND THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL SECURA HAVE ANY LIAIBLITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SITE OR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE. YOUR USE OF THE SITE AND YOUR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION ON THE SITE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

SECURA would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time or accurate.

SECURA and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss of damage as a result of your reliance on the information contained within this website.