Clean Up Your Digital Debris: Tips to Protect Your Privacy Online

We all know the saying: “what happens on the internet, stays on the internet”. But did you know that what we do and say online can leave a lasting impression -– our digital footprints.

Our digital footprints are collections of data about our activities online, from comment postings to photos shared to emails sent to apps used. Every time we leave an online trace, it creates a part of our digital footprint.

But having this data on the internet can put us at risk in multiple ways – malicious entities can use it to steal our identity or target us with ads and scams. So, how do we clean up our personal digital footprints?

We’ve got some tips to get you started.

1) Review and Monitor Your Privacy Settings

Find out what kind of data is being shared, who can access it and adjust your settings accordingly. Make sure the only people seeing your information are those you trust or have granted permission to.

2) Google Yourself

Take a look at what’s out there about you. You might find an old photo or profile you forgot about that could cause problems, so you can take steps to delete it before it becomes an issue.

3) Exercise Caution when Posting Online

Think twice before sharing information online. Don’t post anything that could be used to identify you, such as your home address or phone number. Also make sure to delete any posts that reflect poorly on you and avoid posting content that might offend others.

4) Delete Old Accounts

If you have inactive accounts, consider deleting them. This removes their data from the internet and makes sure it won’t be accessed by any malicious entities.

5) Monitor What Others Post About You

Keep an eye on what others are posting about you online, whether a friend or relative. If they post something that reflects poorly on you or puts your privacy at risk, ask them to delete it immediately.

By following these steps, you can minimize the amount of personal data on the internet and reduce your risk of becoming a target for cyber criminals. Cleaning up your digital footprint may seem like a daunting task, but it’s an essential part of keeping yourself safe online.

So take some time today to review, reflect and reset your digital presence. You’ll feel more secure in the long run!

At YEO Messaging, our mission is to help people communicate safely and securely online. As part of that mission, we provide a secure messaging platform which uses end-to-end encryption and facial authentication to ensure your messages are only read by the intended recipient, not even we can see what you send.

YEO Messaging – Privacy, Security, Control. You get the message.