In today’s fast-moving digital world, we use our phones for almost everything, from paying bills and shopping to chatting with friends and applying for jobs. But did you know that how you use your phone and the internet could put your personal information at risk?
Details such as your name, ID number, email, phone number, or even your location can leave a digital trail. This can be misused for identity theft, scams, or impersonation. Even your posts, check-ins, and tagged photos can be collected through something called Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT). It sounds technical, but it simply means gathering info from what you’ve already shared online. It’s often the small things that lead to big problems:
Clicking on fake job or loan offers.
Using public Wi-Fi to check your M-Pesa or bank app.
Sharing your one-time passwords (OTPs).
Saying “yes” to every app permission request without thinking.
Once your information is out there, you can't always control how it’s used. That small action, like posting your ID online or clicking a shady link, can cost you your money, reputation, or peace of mind. It’s easier than you think. Just start with a few smart habits:
Limit what you post online.
Don’t use public Wi-Fi for sensitive things.
Deny app permissions that seem unnecessary.
Double-check links before clicking.
Keep your OTPs private, even from friends and family.
Your phone is powerful, but so is the risk that comes with it. Before you share anything online, pause and ask yourself: "Is this safe?" Next time you're online, think twice before you click or share. Your privacy depends on it.
