How to keep your personal information safe online

There isn’t a part of our daily lives that isn’t touched by technology. We connect with friends online. We shop online. We learn and play online. We do our banking online. But when we’re doing all of these activities, we rarely stop to think twice about the amount of personal information we’re sharing and how or where it might be used.

The truth is, all of these small pieces of information can add up. Details shared across different platforms can be stored, combined and reused, often without your knowledge. And this has had a dramatic impact on the way scams and fraud occur, making them much harder to recognise due to how personalised they’ve become.

As technology continues to evolve, so does the importance of understanding how to exist safely in an online world. Being mindful of what you disclose online, where you share it and when to pause is now an essential part of protecting your financial wellbeing and maintaining confidence in a digital world.

Why sharing personal information online carries risk

Every time you post a photo, share a milestone or upload a document, you leave behind small digital traces. Over time, these details can be combined to form a surprisingly complete picture of your identity.

Think about your own social media presence. How easy is it for someone to find your birthday? Your pet’s names? Your upcoming holiday plans?

Cybercriminals use this information to guess passwords, answer security questions, impersonate people close to you or imitate businesses you use every day. Once they have enough context, they can access accounts directly or attempt to convince you to transfer money or provide further information. The more accurate their information, the more convincing the approach can feel.

The total numbers are actually quite staggering. In the first half of 2025 alone, the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch service received reports of 108,000 scams. In the same period, Australians suffered financial losses of almost $174 million thanks to scams.

The hidden risks of AI tools

AI tools have exploded in recent years. They’ve become useful very quickly, and the uptake in their usage across different applications reflects this.

What’s easy to overlook is that these tools aren’t private spaces. Anything you type or upload can be saved, sometimes stored overseas, and may be used to improve the tool in the future. Even when providers take security seriously, AI platforms – particularly free platforms – simply aren’t built to handle personal or financial information.

For that reason, documents like statements of advice, account details or other personal information shouldn’t be shared through AI tools. If you’re using AI within a professional setting, it needs to sit within a secure system that meets Australian privacy requirements.

Other online risks to be aware of

Not every online risk looks like a scam. In fact, they often happen when you least expect it.

Things to watch for include:

• Public wi-fi networks, which are convenient but not secure. Logging into banking or financial apps on free wi-fi can expose information without you realising.
• Phishing emails and text messages that create urgency or concern. These often push you to click a link, open an attachment or act quickly before thinking it through.
• Unexpected calls or messages claiming to be from banks, utilities or service providers and asking you to ‘confirm’ details.
• Oversharing in online forums or community groups, where personal details can be seen and reused by people outside the group.
• Outdated devices or software, which can leave known security gaps open.

Taken on their own, these risks are easy to manage. The key is slowing down, questioning anything unexpected and avoiding the urge to act quickly when money or personal information is involved.

Practical steps to protect yourself

Protecting your information does not require complex systems, but it does benefit from consistency. Using long, unique passwords for each service significantly improves security. Enabling multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection that is difficult for scammers to bypass.

If you would like to test the strength of a password before using it, tools such as Bitwarden’s password strength checker can provide insight into how long it might take for a password to be compromised.

Limiting the personal information shared on social media, keeping devices and software up to date and verifying unexpected emails or calls before responding are all simple habits that reduce risk over time. Many people also find password managers helpful for maintaining strong security without added complexity.

Protecting what matters most

At Apt, we believe confidence comes from clarity. Online safety isn’t just about avoiding scams. It’s about using technology in a way that supports clear decisions and avoids unnecessary risk.

If you are ever unsure about an online interaction or would like guidance on using technology more securely, we are here to help. Protecting your personal information is another way we support you in living your best life with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us to speak with an Apt adviser.

General Advice Warning

The information provided in this blog does not constitute financial product advice or a recommendation to purchase a particular product. The information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be used, relied upon, or treated as a substitute for specific professional advice. Apt Wealth Partners Pty Ltd is not a registered Tax Agent. You should consider your individual situation and seek tax advice from a registered tax agent before making any decision based on the content of this document. Apt Wealth Partners (AFSL and ACL 436121 ABN 49 159 583 847) recommends that you obtain professional advice before making any decision in relation to your particular requirements or circumstances.