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Weird calls and data leak got me on edge

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Tags: Browser, Google, Security

I recently started getting strange calls. Unknown number calls, no one talks and after a few seconds the call ends. My data has been leaked along with many others who used RentoMojo recently. I think this is related. It was a true hassle to deal with all the spam letters and calls, and change of all the passwords, but that is not the point.

I started digging into the subject, of what info about me and who can have it. And I found myself on Whitepages too. I’ve looked deeper into who has data about me and how to delete once and for all. Because I’m really pissed some company f***s up and I have to deal with it. So I share with you steps on how to protect what’s yours.

Delete any online accounts you aren’t using. Self explanatory. The less accounts, the less opportunities to have your data leaked.

Delete any apps you don’t need. Again self explanatory. Apps often have your full profiles, credit cards. There are many cases where they got hacked.

Opt out of Data Brokers and People Search Sites. Write emails to the companies and request deletion of your data. If you think “that won’t be easy”, you’re right. You can avoid dealing with it, by paying to services like Incogni or PrivacyBee to do it on your behalf.

Optimize Google privacy settings. Go into google settings and check what profile they created on you and delete what’s too personal. By the way this helps to avoid targeted ads too.

Optimize your phone settings and restrict permissions. Simply put, allow only necessary permissions. E.g. The sudoku app doesn’t need permission for your contact list.

Take care of browser privacy settings and clear browsing history once in a while.

Make your social media accounts private if you can. Do you really want Susan from your school to be able to look at your photos? Maybe it’s time to cut those ties.

Do you agree with these steps? Do you have smth to add? Maybe you had a similar situation? Drop them in the comments.

Topic

Never forget

In reply to Weird calls and data leak got me on edge

Even if you “Opt out” from those sites it can take weeks or months, if ever, to take effect. Never forget that the “Do Not Call” directories are better than nothing but largely ineffective with international callers/spammers.

Weird calls and data leak got me on edge

In reply to Weird calls and data leak got me on edge

Block and Report Call: If you’re receiving weird or suspicious calls, consider blocking the numbers involved. Most smartphones have built-in features that allow you to block calls from specific numbers. Additionally, report the calls to your local authorities or your phone service provider, providing them with any relevant information or details you have.

Strengthen Your Device Security: Ensure that your devices (smartphones, computers, tablets) have up-to-date security software installed. This includes antivirus programs, firewalls, and anti-malware tools. Regularly update your operating system and applications to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Review App Permissions: Check the permissions granted to the apps installed on your devices. Some apps may have access to more data and features than they actually need. Disable unnecessary permissions or uninstall apps that you no longer use.

Be Cautious with Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as your social security number, credit card details, or passwords, with unknown or untrusted sources. Be cautious while interacting with unsolicited calls, emails, or messages asking for personal information.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification step, such as a temporary code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.

Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your financial and online accounts for any suspicious activity. Set up alerts and notifications for unusual transactions or login attempts. If you notice any unauthorized activity, report it to the respective service provider immediately.

Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams, phishing techniques, and data breaches. Be cautious when sharing personal information online and familiarize yourself with common signs of fraudulent activity.

Consider Professional Help: If you believe your personal information has been compromised or you’re unable to address the issues on your own, consider reaching out to a professional, such as a cybersecurity expert or an identity theft protection service, for guidance and assistance.

Reply To: Weird calls and data leak got me on edge

In reply to Weird calls and data leak got me on edge

If you start receiving frequent calls from unfamiliar numbers or email newsletters, you can rest assured that a data leak has occurred, which is unfortunately a common problem these days. I want my information to be private and for me to decide what I want to share with people and what stays with me. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way now. There is hope for the online service https://wiki.onerep.com , in order to first of all find all the leaks and what information there is about me on the sites of 199 data brokers, and then effectively and quickly get rid of the Internet.

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