Better Business Bureau advises caution when posting private information online

The Better Business Bureau wants to remind the public to be careful what information they post online.

Reports say that information previously data mined from Facebook accounts was posted on a hacking forum for free.

Information released included phone numbers, Facebook IDs, full names, locations, birthdates, bios, and some email addresses.

The data came from a 2019 breach, which was fixed at that time, according to Facebook.

If you’d like information on getting a free weekly credit report, click here.

The BBB offers these tips for securing your privacy:

• Manage your privacy settings. Check the privacy and security settings on web services and apps and set them to your comfort level for information sharing. Each device, application or browser used will have different features to limit how and with whom you share information.
• Protect your personal information. Personal information, such as purchase history, IP address, or location, has tremendous value to businesses – just like money. Make informed decisions about whether or not to share data with certain businesses by considering the amount of personal information they are asking for, and weighing it against the benefits you may receive in return.
• Think before you give apps the OK. Many apps ask for access to personal information, such as geographic location, contacts list and photo album, before using their services. Be thoughtful about who gets that information, and wary of apps requiring access to information that is not required or relevant for the services they are offering.
• Lock down your logins. For your online accounts, use the strongest authentication tools available. Your user names and passwords are not enough; consider two-factor authentication for key accounts like email, banking, and social media, especially for access on mobile devices.
• Report. If you believe you have been involved in ID theft, report what happened to BBB, the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.