Protect Your
Digital Identity

What Your Digital Identity May Include

Data Attributes
Information traditionally used to identify oneself now available online

  • Username and passwords for online accounts
  • Place/date of birth
  • Home address
  • Family members
  • Social Security number
  • Driver’s license or passport numbers
  • Eye color
  • Credit card numbers
  • Medical history
  • Make/model of your car

Online Actions/Activities
Information voluntarily shared online or by one’s online activities

  • Social media profile information
  • Online searches
  • Online purchases and bank transactions
  • Posts/photos shared on social media channels
  • Group affiliations
  • Apps downloaded

Third-Party Data
Information available online due to third parties

  • Degrees and diplomas
  • Credit scores
  • Employment history
  • Criminal record

Tips To Help Protect Your Data Online

Use multifactor authentication whenever available, including for your email account. This means use more than one method to verify who you are (password + one-time passcode; password + fingerprint). Your email account is often utilized for recovery of compromised accounts, so it is imperative that you protect it against cyber criminals. Other tips to protect your digital identity include:

Avoid public Wi-Fi. Consider using a VPN to encrypt.

Create strong passwords and a unique password for every account.

Don’t post personal information on social media or public sites.

Don’t geotag photos/videos.

Monitor your credit report and financial accounts for unexpected activity.

Install and update security patches and software.

Avoid public charging stations.

Update your operating systems, browsers and apps.

Read Terms and Conditions before downloading apps or joining social media channels. Search for key phrases in the text like “marketing,” “control,” “waive” or “opt-out.” Some of these phrases can lead to key insights on how the company plans to collect and use your information or can identify ways that you can update your personal privacy settings to limit what information is shared.

  1. A supported mobile device is needed to use Mobile Banking. Standard message and data rates may apply.

  2. Google Pay and Google Play™ and Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

  3. Apple, and iPod, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc. App Store is a servicemark of Apple Inc.

These articles are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal, tax, accounting or financial advice. PNC urges its customers to do independent research and to consult with security, financial and legal professionals before making any financial decisions. This site may provide reference to internet sites as a convenience to our readers. While PNC endeavors to provide resources that are reputable and safe, we cannot be held responsible for the information, products or services obtained on such sites and will not be liable for any damages arising from your access to such sites. The content, accuracy, opinions expressed and links provided by these resources are not investigated, verified, monitored or endorsed by PNC.

Read a summary of privacy rights for California residents which outlines the types of information we collect, and how and why we use that information.