Shopping, socializing, and so much more can be easily done online, which is great. But it’s never been more important to worry about online safety and privacy.

Every day, many websites, apps, and other platforms collect, share, and store personal data, which puts us at risk of a data breach. Now you might even be wondering, “How do I know my personal data is secure and I’m not at risk?” Well, that’s exactly where PrivacyHawk’s Privacy Score feature makes sense.

If you’re not familiar with the term, a Privacy Score is a way to measure how secure your personal data is online. Just like we can check our credit score to evaluate our financial health, a privacy score does the same for our digital health.

In this blog, we will explain what Privacy Score means, its importance, how this feature works, and how you can manage it to maintain your privacy.

If you want to keep your online data safe, start with the PrivacyHawk app. Check your Privacy Score for free and explore our features to help improve it.

What is a Privacy Score?

In simple words, a privacy score is a feature that you can use to find out how much of your personal data is at risk online. 

The PrivacyHawk Privacy Score usually ranges from 300 to 850; the lower the score, the less well-protected your data is. And the higher the score, the better job you’re doing keeping your data safe.

This unique score is generated using PrivacyHawk’s proprietary algorithm, which evaluates actions like opting out of data sharing and removing personal details from vulnerable databases.

The main purpose of this score is to help you keep a watch on your privacy, so you can make smarter choices about your online activities.

How Does the Privacy Score Work?

When it comes to PrivacyHawk’s Privacy Score, it considers different elements of your online behavior to evaluate how well you manage your personal data.

PrivacyHawk's proprietary algorithm begins by analyzing your exposure on data brokers and people search sites to give you an initial Privacy Score. As you engage with our privacy protection tools like 'Protect My Private Info' and 'Advanced Opt-Out', the algorithm updates your score to reflect the reduced risk from minimizing the personal information you share and opting out of unnecessary data collection.

For instance, when you use PrivacyHawk’s tools to remove your personal information from public databases or to prevent companies from acquiring your data, your privacy score increases. The more steps you take to protect your data, the higher your score will be.

Track your privacy score with PrivacyHawk and never again compromise on your online safety! 

Why Should You Care About Your Privacy Score?

You might be wondering, “Why does my privacy score matter?” It’s a fair question because so many people don’t even think about privacy when they’re online.

The truth, however, is that your Privacy Score matters because it shows how vulnerable you are to online risks. The higher the score is, the better you’re protecting your personal information; the lower the score is, the more possible threats to your data like identity theft, fraud, and hacking.

1. Data Protection

Each time you put your personal information online, whether it’s your email address, phone number, or home address, there’s a chance your information could be misused.

A low privacy score means you are sharing too much data online or your personal details are unprotected. On the contrary, a high privacy score means that you've taken all the necessary steps to secure your online data.

Having a higher score on PrivacyHawk will give you peace of mind that your data is safe and that you’ve done what you can to protect it from hackers or scammers.

2. Identity Theft Prevention

Identity theft is a real problem and can cause a lot of damage. Cybercriminals can use your personal information to steal your identity and commit fraud.

A strong Privacy Score signals that your efforts of using PrivacyHawk to remove your information from risky databases effectively reduce these risks.

3. Awareness of Online Exposure

Your privacy score is an indicator of all the risks you’re exposed to. If your score is low, then it means you’re sharing too much personal data online.

Looking at your privacy score, you will learn what risks you are exposed to and what changes are required. By doing so, you can adjust your online habits to better protect yourself from potential dangers.

How to Improve Your Privacy Score

Improving your Privacy Score on PrivacyHawk is a lot easier than you might think. Here are some simple steps you can take:

1. Use PrivacyHawk’s “Advanced Opt-Out” feature to prevent companies from collecting and selling your personal data.

2. Take advantage of the “Protect My Private Info” tool to delete your data from public databases and data brokers.

3. Regularly check your Privacy Score in the PrivacyHawk app to stay updated on your privacy health and see how your actions make a difference.

FAQs

How is my Privacy Score calculated?

Your Privacy Score is calculated based on the steps you take to minimize your data exposure, such as using PrivacyHawk’s tools to opt out of databases and remove information from vulnerable places.

How can I improve my privacy score?

To improve your Privacy Score, just open the PrivacyHawk app. Use tools like "Protect My Private Info" and "Advanced Opt-Out" to delete your info from unsafe places. The app shows you what to do step by step, so it’s super simple!

Is my privacy score the same as my credit score?

Your private score and your credit score are not the same thing. Your privacy score is how proficient you are in securing your personal data online and your credit score reflects your financial health.

Can my privacy score change over time?

Yes! Your score will improve as you reduce your digital footprint and proactively secure your data using PrivacyHawk. Conversely, it may drop if your information becomes more exposed.

Conclusion

Your privacy score is an important tool to understand and improve your online security. The higher the score, the better protected your data, and the lower your chance of identity theft and other online threats. On the other hand, a low score tells you that your personal information may be exposed and you need to take necessary action.

Curious about your digital privacy? Discover your privacy score for free with the PrivacyHawk app right now.