It’s 2025, and data privacy is no longer a technical issue - it’s a personal one.
We live in a world where convenience often comes at the cost of privacy, and the risks are growing. Every time you check your bank balance, pay a bill online, or even browse a financial website, you share pieces of your identity. These digital footprints are transmitted over the internet and can be vulnerable to interception if not properly secured. When not properly protected, they can leave you vulnerable to serious threats like identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized data use.
>> Stellar Bank takes our customer privacy seriously. To learn more about how we collect, maintain, disclose and dispose of customer information, access our privacy policy here.
Data privacy isn’t just about keeping secrets; it’s about having control over what information is shared and with whom. By staying informed and forming smart habits, you can limit what you share, spot threats early, and keep your information out of the wrong hands.
Here are some tips on how to take charge of your data privacy in 2025.
- Know what you can’t control
When it comes to personal data security, knowledge is power. While you can’t control every aspect of how your data is collected and used, you can make informed decisions that limit your exposure - especially when it comes to the devices, apps, and online services you use every day.
Here are a few types of data that apps and online services commonly request:
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- Location tracking (even when you’re not using the app)
- Photo and media access
- Microphone or camera permissions
- Contact syncing
- Behavioral data such as how often you use the app and what features you interact with
When creating new accounts, always review the privacy and security settings, including options like auto-delete and data retention policies, to ensure your information is managed according to your preferences.
2. Cultivate an online privacy habit
Protecting your data isn’t a one-time action - it’s a mindset. Developing strong privacy habits online can significantly reduce your risk of exposure and help you maintain greater control over your personal information security.
One of the simplest habits you can build is to question every data request. When you install a new app or sign up for a new service, ask yourself: Does this app really need access to this information to function?
When setting up accounts, choose security question answers that only you can answer and that are difficult for others to guess. Treat these answers with the same care as you would a password to prevent unauthorized access.
>> Being aware of the data you share helps keep your accounts secure. Set up custom account alerts to help monitor your account activity in real time.
Building these habits takes only a few extra seconds but makes a long-term difference in protecting your digital footprint. You don’t need to eliminate every app or feature - but you should limit permissions to only what’s essential.
3. Check and Manage Your App and Device Settings
Even if you don’t actively grant permissions, it’s important to assume that many apps and services are collecting data in the background. That’s why regular privacy checkups are essential to maintaining strong personal information security and minimizing unnecessary data exposure.
Your smartphone, tablet, and computer all have settings that control how apps access your data. By periodically reviewing these app data permissions, you can ensure that your privacy choices reflect your current preferences - not the defaults set when you first downloaded an app.
Aim to review your privacy settings at least once a month. Here’s what to look for:
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- Apps with constant access to your location, camera, or microphone
- Apps that can access your contacts or photo library
- Services that are collecting data even when you’re not actively using them
By proactively managing these settings, you’re reducing the amount of personal information apps can collect without your knowledge. Just like you wouldn’t share your financial records with a stranger, you shouldn’t leave sensitive permissions open to every app on your device.
4. Perform Regular “App Audits” on Your Devices
Over time, our phones, tablets, and computers accumulate apps we rarely - if ever - use. What many people don’t realize is that unused apps can still collect and transmit your data in the background. Outdated or neglected apps can also become targets for malware, putting your personal information and device security at risk. That’s why conducting a regular “app audit” is one of the simplest, most effective steps you can take to strengthen your data protection.
How to Conduct an App Audit
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- Scroll through every app on your device Ask yourself: Have I used this app in the last 90 days?
- Check each app’s permissions Revoke access to sensitive data that’s no longer needed.
- Delete apps you don’t trust or use Before deleting, make sure to save any important dataor content from the app to avoid losing valuable information. Remember: removing an app stops it from collecting new data and often revokes lingering permissions.
You wouldn’t leave an old debit card active in a drawer - and unused apps are no different. If you no longer use it, it shouldn’t have access to your device.
Your First Line of Defense: Stay Informed and Take Charge
Taking control of your data and protecting your personal information ensures a safer, more secure online experience for you and your family.
At Stellar Bank, we’re committed to protecting your data with the same care and precision we use to protect your finances. Your trust means everything to us—and we’re here to help you stay secure every step of the way.
For more information and resources on data privacy protection, explore:
