The key facts

  • A separate phone number is recommended for registrations in stores, delivery services and other services
  • Consent to 'sharing data with partners' is in some cases voluntary
  • When stalked, it is advised to keep messages, screenshots and dates of incidents

A separate number and caution with consents

Lawyer and expert in protecting citizens from scammers and fakes Alexander Vinokurov told Gazeta.Ruhow to reduce the risk of personal data leaks. On his advice, for registrations in stores, delivery services and other everyday services it is useful to use a separate phone number: this reduces the connection between different arrays of personal data. At the same time, as the expert emphasized, an additional SIM card does not guarantee anonymity — services can match information by other signs, and leaks allow attackers to combine data about trips, purchases and accounts. Therefore, in his words, it is important to reduce the amount of data a person transfers without necessity, and to remember that consent to 'sharing data with partners' is in some cases voluntary.

Practical recommendations

Vinokurov recommended reading consent forms carefully and not ticking optional items automatically. Among additional measures are deleting old accounts, restricting profile search by phone number, and checking access to cloud storage. The expert also urged not to publish real-time location, home address and usual routes, and to store passwords in a special manager.

What to do when stalked or threatened

If a person faces stalking, Vinokurov advises, they should keep messages, information about calls, screenshots and dates of incidents in a safe place. If device surveillance is suspected, he recommends consulting a specialist, and if safety is threatened — informing loved ones and contacting law enforcement. Earlier, the outlet notes, owners of smart cars were explained what to do in case of a digital lockout.