DONT MAKE IT EASY FOR A CRIMINAL TO STEAL YOUR ID
Right now, we’re all leaving a trail of breadcrumbs online. Imagine how many times you’ve input your name, email, address and phone number during a site signup or online purchase. This plus every time you post, comment, and like also contributes to your digital footprint. Think of it as your online reputation, a record of your activity that can be seen by anyone with an internet connection.
Why should I care?
Your digital footprint is a goldmine for hackers. By piecing basic information together, they’re already halfway to stealing your identity, accessing your accounts, or even blackmailing you. But it’s not just hackers you need to worry about. Potential employers, acquaintances, and dates can Google you and get more than a glimpse into your personal life.
So, how can you clean up your digital footprint and keep it safe?
Step 1: Google Yourself
The first step is to see what’s out there, survey the field. Google your name and see what comes up. If you find anything you don’t want others to see, try to get it removed. This would mean contacting the owner of the page to request removal. The more realistic way is to enlist a service like optery that will do this on your behalf, in bulk. I’ve used this service for a few months and they’ve helped remove personal data like ‘name + address’ and more from random data broker websites that hang my info out to dry on the first page of google.
Step 2: Social Media Privacy Checkup
Next, it’s time to review your social media privacy settings. Make sure you’re only sharing information with people you trust. Most platforms have settings that allow you to control who can see your posts, profile information, and contact details.
Step 3: Old Accounts and Data Breaches
If you’ve ever had an online account that you no longer use, it’s important to close it. Weave this into your spring cleaning. Old accounts can be a security risk, as they may still contain personal information that could be accessed by hackers. You should also check if any of your accounts, emails, or passwords have been involved in a data breach. There are several online tools that can help you do this. Check one email right now.
Keeping your digital footprint clean is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. But by following these steps a few times a year, you can protect yourself from hackers and maintain a positive online reputation.
Leave a Reply