Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Blog Identification Security

This is a follow up to Doug's Post titled Bloggers Anonymous.
It is clear that there is no real anonymity when blogging. However while recognising this fact it is important not to allow information that could be used to steal your identity be made available for the public to find.
Specific items that I would never reveal on a blog site (or any website) include:
Date of Birth
Mother's maiden name
Father's or mother's place of birth.
My place of birth.
Credit card or banking details
Full name if possible
Passport or drivers licence number
Maiden name (for a woman)

Obviously some of this information may be readily available due to the nature of your blog. For example if you blog about your parents or even yourself, then your place of birth and their maiden names may be readily available. However, without being paranoid, try and limit how much you expose - especially in one place.
The more disparate the pieces of information are the less likely identity theft by a stranger will occur. Virtually nothing will stop a determined individual stealing your identity. However at least make it hard for the casual person to access this information. As with sexually transmitted diseases the best way to avoid them is abstinence. In this case abstain from publishing this sort of information.

Links relating to reducing the chance of identity theft:
Bullet Proof Your Business
ABA Creative Web Services
Privacy Notes
Attorney General of Texas
Marketing.Seek
The United States Federal Credit Union

Some more interesting reading regarding online banking security by Jeremy Wagstaff.


Posted by: Jethro | 12:48 AM |