Maintaining Your Data Privacy

We are encouraging all helpers to be more aware of their personal data and to be careful when sharing that data. Here's what you need to know.

Is your password easy to guess?

Don't Share Passwords

Remember your password is your own. Don't share your email password with anyone. It can increase your risk and make you vulnerable to cyber attacks. What if they save your password and can log in anytime after that? They can read your email, which may be attached to your social media accounts and your banking accounts. This would allow them to change your passwords in those accounts. Once it leaves you and goes to someone else, you lose control of your password. They can share it with others, or it can be found when their own data is compromised.

Use 2-factor authentication

All of us have had the experience by now of someone impersonating the account of another person. How did that happen? One way criminals takeover social media accounts is to simply login. They may have guessed your password. You can prevent identity theft by setting up 2-factor authentication. This will require an OTP to be sent to your phone number, or using an authorization app like One Auth or Google Authenticator. This makes it very hard for someone to take over your account, and protects you.

Don't Share Employer's Information

Often, in our Facebook group, I see helpers sharing their recommendation letters, but they don't bother to block out the employer's contact information. These Facebook groups have thousands of members - you don't want to share your employer's contact info with thousands of people. Make sure you block out their names and numbers. Likewise, don't share your work permit online (that work permit number is private data) and the old cards had employer's information on them. You definitely don't want to share those.

Stay Vigilant and Have Strong Passwords

Everyone should make sure they are using strong passwords for the web sites they visit. Follow these rules to help make your passwords harder to crack:

1. Use at least 8 letters/numbers/symbols in your passwords

2. Don't share passwords between sites

3. Never use your banking password on any other site - have a bank password that is unique to that site only. That way if your gaming site gets hacked, they can't use that password to steal your money.

Here's an interesting video about protecting your passwords, with some excellent advice.

We hope this helps you understand a little more about data privacy.