Data can be misused, leaked, or sold. Many problems start with how you share your personal information. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself and avoid common mistakes online.
When you share your name, ID number, phone number, or email on apps or forms, it creates a digital footprint. Thinking carefully before you share this information can help you prevent fraud or identity theft.
Even things like tweets, photos you’re tagged in, or check-ins can be used to track or impersonate you. This practice is called Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT).
But digital threats don’t only come from hackers. Sometimes they come from everyday actions, like when an app asks to know your location or when a boda rider takes a photo of your ID. These are real risks that you should be aware of.
A lot of data breaches happen because of bad digital habits, such as:
- Clicking on fake job or loan offers
- Sharing your one-time passwords (OTPs) with others
- Using public Wi-Fi to log into your M-Pesa or bank apps
It’s often small actions that can lead to bigger problems. Here are some simple ways to stay safe:
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for important transactions
- Limit what you post online
- Don’t give apps permission they don’t need
- Always check links before clicking on them
- Keep your OTPs private at all times
Your privacy is your responsibility. How you use your phone every day really matters.
Here is a conversation between @ItsMainaKageni and @Olez about data privacy and how to protect yourself online.
Here is an interview between @ItsMainaKageni and @Olez talking about data privacy and how to protect yourself in the digital world. pic.twitter.com/kTeuiKg7ud
— Moe (@moneyacademyKE) July 5, 2025
