In today’s digital age, the internet is a central part of our lives. We use it for everything from social networking and shopping to banking and working. However, with this increased connectivity comes a significant risk to our privacy. Cybercriminals, corporations, and even governments can track and misuse our personal information. This is why protecting your privacy online is crucial.

Why Limiting Your Digital Footprint Matters

Every interaction you have online is tracked and stored somewhere. Unfortunately, not everyone who tracks your digital footprint wants to keep your personal information private or protected. Many big tech platforms have been known to take customer information and sell it to data brokers and even sometimes the dark web. 

Identity thieves aim to steal your personal information by hacking companies or by coming up with clever ways to trick you into revealing your social security number, date of birth, usernames, passwords, and other personal information. Cybercriminals can steal your money and hack your financial accounts by using this private information. Online predators and stalkers can use information they find online about you or through the dark web to harass and stalk you and your loved ones. 

A concerted effort to limit your digital footprint can go a long way in helping you remain out of the surveillance spotlight, keep your personal information private, and avoid online predators. So the question is, how can you limit your digital footprint and secure your online privacy?

7 Steps You Can Take to Secure Your Online Privacy

1 – Limit social media platforms data collection by following these tips:

• • Limit the personal info you enter into the platform.
  • Make your accounts private.
  • Turn on all privacy settings.
  • Disable personalized ads.
  • Limit app access and sharing.
    

2 – Use a private web browser: Consider using a more private web browser such as Brave or Firefox. These browsers provide much more privacy and data protection. They can be downloaded for free by searching for them on your current web browser.

3 – Leverage a virtual private network (VPN): When banking, shopping, web browsing, or using public Wi-Fi networks, use a VPN to secure your connection and data. There are many great VPN solutions available online. The iDefend service also includes a VPN.

4 – Remove your personal information online: When your data is collected from various online places it is often sold to data brokers. These data brokers then sell your data to advertisers,  telemarketers, and other organizations that want to monetize you. Services such as iDefend can  help you remove your data legally from these data traffickers and people search websites.

5 – Limit your mobile device privacy settings in these areas: 

• • Personal info access
  • Location tracking
  • Active device listening
  • App access and tracking
  • Access to contacts
  • Personalized ads
  • Find my device
  • Health and fitness tracking

6 – Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password when signing into online accounts. This is typically  a code sent to your phone, an email, or an authentication app. Enabling 2FA makes it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your accounts.

7 – Be cautious entering and sharing personal information online: Limit the amount of personal information you share online. Avoid posting sensitive details like your home address, phone number, or financial information. The more you put online the more your information will be collected and tracked.

Protecting your privacy online requires a proactive approach and a combination of strategies. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce the risk of your personal information being compromised. Stay vigilant and take the necessary precautions to safeguard your digital life.

Don’t Wait to Secure Your Online Privacy.  iDefend Can Help

Not everyone has the time or expertise to do everything required to keep themselves and their family safe against growing digital risks.  iDefend makes it easier than ever to protect your family’s personal information from data traffickers, scammers, predators and unwanted surveillance. 

Learn more and get protected today with iDefend. Try it risk free and save 30%.