How Small Businesses Can Avoid Becoming a Prime Target for Data Brokers
Image via DALL-E
Now, every small business out there knows they need to be compliant regarding privacy policies and data. But you have to keep in mind (and many don’t know this) that, when it comes to small business owners, protecting your information is just as important as protecting your customers’ data. Yes, you read that right!
Believe it or not, data brokers don’t just go after big corporations – they love getting details about Small Businesses, too. So, whether it’s your personal information or data on your team, keeping these details private is essential. With that all said, here are some steps to ensure your business doesn’t become a goldmine for data brokers.
Limit What You Share Online
Alright, so first things first, you’ll need to think twice about what you’re putting out there. Many registrations for websites, directories, or domain names ask for personal emails, phone numbers, or addresses, which can quickly end up in data brokers’ hands. So many people make that mistake! So, instead, keep personal details off public profiles and set up separate business contacts whenever possible. It’s a simple change that keeps your private info private.
Use Virtual Numbers for Verification
Many sites ask for phone verification, but giving out your personal or business number can invite unwanted attention. Seriously, as in, all day, every day, you can expect spam calls. Who wants to deal with something like that? It makes your phone number useless, and you’ll need a new one, which is a significant headache. So, it might help to look into using virtual phone numbers, especially if you need to use verification.
But why do this? These virtual numbers can help keep your information safe from data brokers, reduce the chance of unwanted calls and spam, and give you peace of mind.
Be Careful with Social Media
Social media is powerful for marketing and a data broker’s playground. Just think about it: public posts, comments, and “about” sections can give data brokers the necessary information to track and sell your data.
It’s best to keep social media profiles focused on the business without too many personal details. Encouraging your employees to do the same on their professional accounts adds another layer of protection for your team and keeps your business looking professional.
Check Privacy Settings on All Platforms
Think about this one for a second: From payment systems to website hosts, many platforms collect data as part of their service. Double-check privacy settings and ensure you’re only sharing what’s necessary. Most platforms have options to limit public visibility and restrict data sharing. That’s right, and many people don’t seem to know that either!
So, if there’s an option to keep your business details private or restrict who can access them, go for it. Seriously, do whatever you can to prevent that data from getting into the wrong hands.
Keep Tabs on Who’s Collecting Your Data
So, these piggybacks are based on what’s being said above. But it’s a good habit to know who’s collecting your data, like third-party apps or website cookies. If a service or platform seems to ask for more than it needs, look into how they’re using that data. Limit what you share wherever possible, especially if it doesn’t seem essential to running your business. There are services you can use to help remove your data, too.
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Originally Published on https://www.breakfastleadership.com/
