TECH TOOLBELT
FEBRUARY 2026
Love Your Data: Protecting Personal Information Online
February Theme: Safer Internet Day — Tuesday, February 10
We wouldn’t leave a jobsite unlocked or hand out keys to anyone who asked—and the same common sense applies online. Every day, scammers look for easy targets through fake emails, social media oversharing, and insecure financial transactions. In recognition of Safer Internet Day, February is a reminder to take personal responsibility for protecting your data, your money, and your identity by spotting scams early and keeping private information private.
Avoid Phishing Scams
Phishing is still the most common way criminals get access to personal information.
- Be skeptical of urgent messages: Emails or texts demanding immediate action are a red flag.
- Check the sender carefully: Misspellings, odd addresses, or generic greetings usually mean trouble.
- Don’t click first—think first: Hover over links and avoid opening unexpected attachments.
- When in doubt, verify: Contact the company or person directly using a known phone number or website.
Protect personal information on Social media
What you share online can be used against you.
- Limit what you post: Birthdays, addresses, travel plans, family details don’t need to be public.
- Review privacy settings: Make sure posts are visible only to people you trust.
- Be cautious with quizzes and games: Many are designed to collect personal data
- Think before you post: Once it’s online, you don’t control where it goes
Practice Safe Online Banking
Financial accounts deserve extra protection:
- Use secure networks only: Avoid banking on public Wi-Fi
- Enable two-factor authentication: An extra step adds real protection
- Monitor accounts regularly: Catch suspicious activity early.
- Log out when finished: Especially on shared or public devices.
Quick Builder’s “Love Your Data” Checklist
- Question unexpected emails, texts or calls
- Lock down social media privacy settings
- Avoid sharing personal or financial details publicly
- Use secure connections for online banking
Bottom line: Protecting your data isn’t about fear—it’s about discipline and awareness. The same habits that keep our jobsites safe apply online: pay attention, follow proven practices, and don’t take shortcuts. If you love your data, guard it like the valuable asset it is.
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