We live in a data-driven world. Whether financial institutions, health care providers or clothing retailers, nearly every industry is on a quest to glean insights into its target audiences (that’s us) to do things better, faster and cheaper.
As consumers, we are often overwhelmed by these constant requests for information. Over time, we may become immune, divulging our data without a second thought. Unfortunately, this can expose us to unsolicited advertising and significant security risks.
That’s why it’s crucial to share our data strategically and smartly. To help us stay on track, the cybersecurity experts at Sullivan Wright Technologies posed four questions we should ask ourselves before we press submit.
1. Have I heard of them? It sounds straightforward, but we should consider, “Am I familiar with this brand, or have my friends or colleagues bought products from this store?” In other words, is this a well-known, reputable entity? Malicious platforms are designed to look credible, which is what likely got us there in the first place.
2. What’s their end goal? As the expression goes, “If you’re not paying for it, you’re not the customer. You’re the product.” If we give our personal information to use a service for free or to obtain a one-time discount, we should wonder, “What’s the trade-out?” Chances are the provider is selling our data or using it to improve their marketing.
3. Do I want their follow-up? Spam overload is real. The more data we provide to a platform, the more outreach we should expect. We can unsubscribe from emails and texts, but we can’t ever get our information back. Without legitimate, long-term value, the constant pings may not be worth it.
4. Is this the correct account? Our professional accounts and devices are designed for just that: work. Online shopping, music streaming, food delivery — these purchases and sign-ups should always be kept separate.
When sharing your data, go with the “less is more” mindset. And remember: The amount of information we provide is our choice and within our control.
