Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Public Figures in the Online World
EchoStream Talent Management
November 12, 2024

Below, we outline practical measures public figures can take to safeguard their personal data while managing their public presence effectively.
The tactics, techniques, and procedures noted in this article are drawn from the book "Personal Privacy for Professionals" written by EchoStream Founder Daniel Farber Huang and Theresa Menders.
In today’s hyperconnected world, public figures face an ever-growing challenge: maintaining their privacy while remaining accessible to their audience. The internet blurs the line between personal and professional lives, making it imperative for public figures to adopt robust strategies to protect their personal information. Failing to do so can lead to privacy breaches, identity theft, or even physical threats.
Use Alternate Emails for Different Purposes
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect personal information is by using multiple email addresses for distinct purposes. Public figures should have at least three email accounts:
Public Email: A professional email address used exclusively for public-facing activities, such as press inquiries, fan outreach, and collaborations. This email should be shared on websites, social media profiles, and business cards.
Private Email: A personal email address for family, close friends, and private matters. This email should remain confidential and never be linked to public accounts or platforms.
Administrative Email: An email for sensitive tasks like banking, signing up for services, or managing social media accounts. It’s best to avoid using this email for communication to minimize exposure to phishing attempts.
Each email address should be secured with strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA). Public figures should also periodically review their email settings to ensure they are not inadvertently leaking information through features like auto-forwarding or unmonitored filters.
Separate Social Media Accounts
Social media is a double-edged sword for public figures—it offers unparalleled reach but also creates significant privacy risks. Maintaining separate accounts for personal and professional use can mitigate these risks:
Professional Accounts: These accounts are for engaging with fans, sharing updates, and promoting work. Public figures should carefully curate their content, ensuring no personal details (e.g., location tags, family information) are inadvertently revealed.
Personal Accounts: These accounts should be set to private and limited to a small, trusted circle. Public figures must exercise caution even here, as screenshots or leaks can expose private content.
Using a pseudonym for personal accounts and avoiding links between professional and personal profiles further enhances security. Additionally, enabling features like two-factor authentication and monitoring account activity can help detect unauthorized access.
Employ Separate Telephone Numbers
A public figure’s phone number is a gateway to their private life. It can be used to track location, reset passwords, or target them through social engineering. Using separate numbers for personal and professional use can significantly reduce this risk.
Public Number: This number should be used for professional inquiries, interviews, and other public interactions. Public figures can consider using services like Google Voice or apps that provide virtual numbers, allowing them to screen calls and texts.
Private Number: A personal number should be reserved for trusted individuals. It should never be shared publicly or used to register for online services.
For added security, public figures can regularly update their private number and inform only their inner circle of the change. Burner phones or temporary numbers can also be useful for short-term projects or engagements requiring public interaction.
Avoid Over-Sharing Personal Information Online
In an era of oversharing, public figures must be deliberate about the information they disclose. Even seemingly harmless details, such as vacation photos or casual updates, can reveal private information, including real-time location or personal habits.
Minimize Geotagging: Avoid tagging locations until after leaving the premises to prevent real-time tracking.
Review Photos for Metadata: Ensure photos shared online do not include embedded metadata (e.g., GPS coordinates). Many smartphones allow users to disable location tagging in photos.
Vet Posts Thoroughly: Before posting, consider how the content might be perceived and whether it inadvertently exposes private details.
Strengthen Digital Security
Public figures should treat digital security as a top priority. In addition to using alternate emails, separate social media accounts, and distinct phone numbers, they should implement advanced measures to guard their online presence.
Password Management: Use a password manager to create and store complex, unique passwords for all accounts. Avoid reusing passwords across platforms.
Two-Factor Authentication: Enable 2FA wherever possible, using apps like Authy or Google Authenticator instead of SMS-based codes, which can be intercepted.
Secure Devices: Regularly update operating systems and software to patch vulnerabilities. Install antivirus programs and use firewalls to protect against malware.
Prepare in Advance for a Potential Breach of Privacy
As the stakes of public exposure rise, many public figures turn to privacy consultants or agencies specializing in digital security. These experts can conduct audits of a public figure’s online presence, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend tailored strategies to mitigate risks.
Privacy consultants can also assist with:
Data Scrubbing: Removing personal information from public databases and people-search websites.
Incident Response: Preparing for and responding to data breaches or doxxing attempts.
Education: Training public figures and their teams on best practices for digital security.
Establish Clear Boundaries with Fans and Followers
Finally, public figures should establish clear boundaries with their audience. Engaging with fans is vital, but it’s equally important to protect personal space.
Limit Direct Communication: Use professional channels, such as email or a publicist, for direct communication with fans. Avoid sharing personal contact details.
Use Moderation Tools: Social media platforms often provide tools to filter comments, block users, and report abusive behavior.
Set Expectations: Be transparent about what fans can expect in terms of interaction and access.
Conclusion
Navigating the online world as a public figure is no easy task, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to protect personal information while maintaining a professional presence. By using alternate emails, separating social media accounts, employing distinct phone numbers, and adopting robust digital security measures, public figures can safeguard their privacy and minimize risks. In doing so, they not only protect themselves but also set a valuable example for others navigating the complexities of the digital age.