Private & Personal
Information
January 2021
Objectives
1. Learn about what type of information
is safe and not safe to share online.
2. Learn about the consequences of
stealing / leaking private information.
3. Reflect on the topic.
Main Concepts
● Personal information: Information that can help identify who
you are online, such as names, age, place you live, family
members, etc.
● Private information: Information such as your email,
passwords, bank accounts, etc. Personal photos or videos
that are sensitive or explicit are also considered private.
My Information Online
If you have signed up on a website or created an online profile,
you have shared some of your information with the developers
of such websites.
Perhaps you were asked to give your full name, age, or even
your address. Most of this information remains confidential and
is not publicly shared online. However, in instances like massive
hacking or security breaches, this information can fall into a
stranger’s hands.
What information should I share?
Even though you might not be a famous or influential person,
your personal data is always valuable for online criminals. So, at
the moment of creating a new account follow these suggestions:
● Don’t give your full name. Use a nickname instead.
● Use a fake date of birth.
● Don’t give your cell phone number unless is strictly
necessary.
Sharing Information Online
It might be a bit redundant to say this, but when you are online,
avoid posting any of this information:
● Real name, age, and city.
● Live location (maps or checking-in).
● Posting photos of minors without their parents’ consent.
● Bank accounts information.
● Phone numbers.
Identity Theft
When someone other than you uses your information to get
benefits or dispose of your money, you are being the victim of
identity theft.
However, at your age, these crimes don’t really apply. What could
happen is the following:
● Use your name / email to subscribe to unwanted websites.
● Fake a school assignment / exam.
● Create a fake profile on social media to embarrass you.
Identity Theft
Even though none of the previous examples are criminal acts,
you might suffer some harsh consequences both at school and
at home. So, don’t let anger win.
You can avoid identity theft by:
● Not opening any of the SPAM email you receive.
● Not sharing your emails and passwords with anybody.
● Using and updating the antivirus software on your devices
(cell phones and computer).
● Changing your passwords every now and then.
Activity 1
Instructions: Write an ‘X’ in the correct column.
Information Personal Private
School you attend.
Your ID
Favorite singer
Hotel your staying at
on vacation
Street address
Your pet’s name
Your salary
Favorite coffee shop
Activity 2
Instructions: Write an ‘X’ in the correct column.
Information Post Depends Don’t Post
School you attend.
Your ID
Favorite singer
Hotel your staying at on vacation
Street address
Your pet’s name
Your salary
Favorite coffee shop
Activity 3
Instructions: Write an ‘X’ in the correct column.
Do you think your parents do this? Yes, for sure. I’m not sure. Of course they
don’t.
Use their real information.
Post their location online.
Have an antivirus installed.
Post pictures of you or your siblings.
Shop online.
Have their city, job, and schools they
attended on their profile.
Download illegal software.
Have strong passwords.
