They know where you live.They may know your phone number, your relatives' names and roughly what your house is worth.
By now, most people have at least a vague sense that data brokers collect personal information.What many don't realize is what happens next.Data brokers also analyze that information.
They use algorithms, compare records from different sources and sort people into categories that predict their interests, circumstances and behavior.Those predictions can involve your health, finances, religious beliefs and potential vulnerabilities.WHY CAREFUL PEOPLE STILL END UP ON DATA BROKER SITESData brokers analyze personal information to identify patterns and predict your finances, health and behavior.
(Neil Godwin/Future via Getty Images)Some may be wrong.Others could reveal sensitive details you never intended to share.
And depending on the company and the type of information involved, those profiles may be sold or shared with businesses you have never heard of.Here's a closer look at the labels data brokers assign to you, how they come up with them and what you can do to protect your personal information.Join our upcoming CyberGuy LIVE class: 5 Ways to Travel Smarter and Save MoneyIn this free live online class, Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson will share five practical ways to protect your trip and your wallet this holiday travel season.
You’ll learn how to secure your phone and personal information, find better travel deals, avoid common scams, save money on bookings and use technology to make your travels easier and less stressful.No technical experience is needed.Join us Saturday, October 31, at 11 AM ET / 8 AM PT.
Register free now at CyberGuyLive.com.Data brokers do far more than maintain databases of addresses and phone numbers.Some build detailed profiles designed to help advertisers identify specific audiences.
The Federal Trade Commission documented this practice years ago.Its investigation found that brokers combined information from multiple sour...