What kinds of information or symbols should you never send by email, text, or phone?
Hackers have a lot of ways to get your personal information and passwords, install malware, or take over your devices. They usually take advantage of your mistakes. They might just need to give over some data or information. We'll talk about this subject to make sure you know what you should never do.
You could accidentally share this information through email, a messaging app like WhatsApp, or a phone call. They use various techniques, and artificial intelligence has become an effective weapon they can use to create messages or calls that seem very real, even if they are fraudulent.
This article aims to protect you from falling victim to cybercriminals. It is crucial that you do not share any of the information we will present to you. They might contact you, for example, impersonating your bank, informing you of an unauthorized payment, and requesting specific information. This information is precisely what they need to steal your money, make transfers, and so on.
Passwords
Your password is undoubtedly the most important thing you should never share. Never give this type of information to anyone, even if it's a message from a friend or family member asking for access to an account they want to share (like a streaming platform such as Netflix). In this case, it's best to make sure you're actually communicating with that person (for example, by making a phone call instead of sending WhatsApp messages), and always share your password securely.
Just like with passwords, you should do the same with personal identification codes (PINs) for accessing your bank account, making payments, or any other code you use daily. Never share them with anyone.
Two-step verification codes
Two-step verification codes should also be mentioned. This is a code you must enter, in addition to your password, to access your bank account, social media accounts, and many other platforms. It may be a code you receive via SMS and is usually valid for a few minutes.
If hackers steal your master password, they may contact you to obtain a two-step verification code. For example, they might impersonate your bank, telling you they need to verify your identity as the account holder and requesting a security code you will receive. This code is precisely what the hackers need.
Bank card numbers
Bank card numbers or account numbers are another type of information you should protect as much as possible. Don't fall into the trap. Never disclose this type of information to any third party, as they might use it to defraud you, or even if there's no intent to defraud, the information could be leaked.
If you need to verify something, for example, with a hotel you have booked, you should give the last four digits of your bank card at most, and only if you know there is a legitimate reason to ask for it and that you are communicating in a secure environment.
- Sensitive or confidential information
This includes any sensitive or confidential information. This might include your medical history, information about a problem you've had and contacted your insurance company about, your home address, etc.
Avoid sharing any information that could compromise your privacy. Be wary of emails that ask you to fill out a form and request excessive information.
In short