The popularity of blogging has skyrocketed over the past decade and it’s easy to why: blogs are powerful tools that have a multitude of uses and purposes.
You might use a personal blog as a journal to document your daily activities. Or, you can project your views and ideas onto the world on an opinion blog. Perhaps you cover subject-specific topics like beauty, travel, lifestyle or music. These sites tend to be more successful, as they target larger audiences and help others with advice.
Also, more businesses are employing blogs to serve as newsletters and to communicate new releases, special events and updates with their buyers.
Regardless of your site’s purpose, it’s absolutely essential to protect your personal details online. With the rise of the internet came an increase in online scammers and cybercrime, both of which are equal opportunity offenders.
Whether you’re planning a new blog or already have one, here are three ways to protect your personal information and stay safe on the web.
Protect Your Personal Information on Your Blog
Never Publish Personal Information
You should never publish personal information that could be used by fraudsters to steal your identity. Once it’s stolen, they could make purchases, take out loans and commit all types of crimes in your name.
To avoid this at all costs, never post your home address, bank details, credit card information, car registration number or sensitive information that is usually requested for security passwords (for example, your mother’s maiden name or first pet’s name).
Be wary with pictures that you post, too. Ensure that credit cards or other identification with visible numbers aren’t in the background. And blur your license plate numbers in images.
Set Up a Business Address
If you’re going to be receiving correspondence for your blog, you should have a business address.
Consider investing in a virtual PO Box. Physical PO Boxes can be expensive. In addition to visiting the post office to pick up mail and packages, you may have to pay extra for mail delivery. A virtual PO Box simply scans documents received and emails them to you. Check out these PO Box reviews.
Keep Your Social Networks Private
Once someone gets your full name from your blog, it’s easy to find you on social networks. To secure your safety, make your accounts private or only connect with people you know in real life. Be cautious about sharing certain aspects of your personal life with people you don’t know .
Above are just three ways you can protect your personal information on your blog. Your online safety is as important as your personal safety and you must protect yourself in every way you can.
What About You?
What measures do you take to protect your personal information on your blog and social networks?
Let us know in the comment box below.
Image credits: wikimedia.org, Jisc