Online activity tracking is only increasing, which means it’s easier for tech companies and “bad actors” to access that data. Whether it’s social media sites, search engines, or internet service providers (ISPs), the more data they receive, the more they stand to profit.
Those dog toy ads you’re seeing as soon as you get a puppy? It’s likely you searched online for something like “puppy training,” and that data was passed from one company to another.
Tech companies are after your data because it’s a major source of income. Third parties purchase this data to better understand their targeted demographics.
How can I protect my data?
In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, here are six ways to safeguard your information.
1. Don’t provide personal information on your social media profile. People who need your email address, birthdate, and phone number already have them. The more information you share online, the easier it is for someone to steal it.
2. Be very careful who you share your Social Security number with — even the last four digits. Only share your number with your bank, a credit bureau, a company that needs to do a background check, or other entities that report to the Internal Revenue Service.
3. Watch out for phishing. Bad actors will use various tactics to make you give up your personal information. Be cautious about any message asking you for personal or account details. Often these messages will have a sense of urgency that’s meant for you to react before thinking.
4. Lock down your hardware. Set up your phone or PC to require a password to unlock. Devices are stolen just as much to re-sell the equipment as they are for the data they hold. Also, make sure you’ve installed anti-malware apps.
5. Use multifactor authentication. It’s a default setting for many online accounts — including myCalPERS — but make sure all your online accounts require you to enter a code that has been texted or emailed to you. Multi-factor authentication ensures that if your password is stolen, a criminal won’t be able to access your account without the code.
6. Be picky about the security questions you choose. Common questions like “What is your mother’s maiden name?” or “In what city were you born?” are meant to keep your account safe from intruders, but they don’t offer much security. The answer to these questions can be found in many online locations. Select questions only you would know how to answer, such as “What was the name of your first crush?” or, better yet, create a fib — only you need to know the answer you are giving.
CalPERS is committed to keeping your data private and secure, including using sophisticated cybersecurity systems and following industry best practices. Our Privacy Policy webpage has more information on what sorts of data we obtain, how we collect it, and how it’s used.
You can find other tips and information about myCalPERS on our website.