7 Places Where Your Personal Information Could Be Stored – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

You might not realize just how many places your personal information could end up. Think about all the businesses and organizations you interact with—doctor’s offices, banks, schools and more. While you may trust that those handling your data will keep it safe, the reality is that your personal information can easily end up in the wrong hands.

In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission received over 2.6 million reports of identity theft and fraud from consumers, highlighting how widespread data misuse can be. Your personal data can end up in more places than you think. Here are seven places to keep an eye on.

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Plans starting at $11.99 per month

Credit bureaus monitored

Equifax, TransUnion, Experian

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1. Online

Every time you sign up for a new service, make an online purchase or engage on social media, you leave a digital footprint. This footprint leaves a trail of personal details like your name, email address, phone number and even payment information.

2. Retailers

Both online and brick-and-mortar retailers collect your personal data through loyalty programs, purchase histories and online accounts. This information can include your name, address, phone number, email and credit card details.

While this data can help retailers improve customer experience and tailor their marketing efforts, it can also pose a risk. For example, American luxury retailer Neiman Marcus was a recent victim of a data breach in May 2024, exposing 64,000 customers’ names, contact information, birth dates and gift card numbers. Incidents like these show the importance of monitoring your accounts and being cautious with your data.

3. Doctor’s Office

Your doctor’s office holds a wealth of personal information. Beyond your medical history, they often have your Social Security number, insurance details, home address and emergency contact information.

Between 2009 and 2023, 5,887 healthcare data breaches involving 500 or more records were reported to the Office for Civil Rights. While healthcare providers are required to protect this information under laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), breaches can and do happen, putting your data at risk.

4. Government Agencies

Government agencies, like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), store key information about you. This can include your driver’s license number, home address and vehicle registration details. Your voter registration, tax records and other public records are also held by various government bodies. While these records are necessary for administrative purposes, they can also be vulnerable to cyberattacks and leaks, data breaches and human error.

5. Educational Institutions

Schools and universities keep detailed records about you, from elementary school report cards to college transcripts. These records can include your date of birth, Social Security number, grades and even financial information tied to tuition payments and scholarships.

6. Financial Institutions

Banks, credit card companies and credit bureaus store crucial details about your financial life, often including your bank account numbers, transaction history, credit score and loan information. Because of the valuable data they hold, financial institutions are often prime targets for identity thieves.

7. Your Employer

Your current and past employers keep records that include your salary, job performance and even personal details, such as your home address and Social Security number for tax purposes. This information is often shared with third parties for background checks and payroll processing, further expanding where your data lives.

Price

Plans starting at $11.99 per month

Credit bureaus monitored

Equifax, TransUnion, Experian

Identity theft insurance

Up to $1 million

How to Protect Your Personal Information

Here are some practical steps to help safeguard your data:

• Be mindful of what you share online. Limit the personal details you share on social media, and make sure your privacy settings are up-to-date.
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Strengthen your online accounts with robust passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
• Monitor your accounts regularly. Keep an eye on your bank accounts, credit reports and medical records for any unusual or suspicious activity.
• Shred sensitive documents. Securely dispose of documents containing personal information by shredding them.
• Educate yourself about phishing scams. Be cautious of emails or messages asking for your personal details, and always verify the source before sharing any information.
• Stay informed about data breaches. Keep up with the news about data breaches, stay vigilant and closely monitor activity in your financial accounts.
• Invest in identity protection services. Since it’s hard to fully control where your personal information ends up, completely preventing identity theft can be challenging. That’s why having identity protection is important. For instance, LifeLock’s identity theft protection can alert you if you fall victim to identity theft. It can add an extra layer of security by offering credit monitoring, identity theft insurance, recovery assistance and more.

Understanding the many places where your personal information is stored and taking proactive steps to protect it can help you lower the risk of identity theft and other cybercrimes. Stay vigilant and make informed decisions about who you trust with your data so you’re prepared if your information is compromised.