Since the world has gone all digital, it has become crucial to Secure Your Digital Footprint. Today, companies can collect all your data and understand your preferences and likings based on your online activity, then pitch ads based on it. It is your ‘Digital Footprint’ that plays a vital role and has huge importance in the marketing world.
A Digital Footprint is an electronic impression that you leave when you upload something on social media, sign up for a newsletter, share a link with your contacts, or simply purchase something online. While doing so, your data, including your IP address, gets shared online.
While this might all seem harmless and just a tool for brands to market ads and pitch their products, there can be certain malpractices that may be done with your details. Cybercriminals could use the same information to hack your system or even scam you. That’s why protecting your Digital Footprint is essential.
Thankfully, there are certain ways to secure your Digital Footprint and limit the trail of your digital presence. You need to be alert while signing up on suspicious websites and ensure that you have your privacy settings secured.
Here are some more Digital Footprint Safety Tips to safeguard yourself from online threats and unwanted marketing pitches.
Tips To Secure Your Digital Footprint:
Your Online Accounts
Many of us are guilty of creating online accounts and forgetting about them. Whether it’s an old Gmail, Facebook, or any other social media account, we might have signed up for it but forgotten the password, while our details still linger. Search for your name online and look for redundant accounts. It’s best to delete or deactivate them to Protect Your Digital Footprint from getting into the wrong hands.
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Privacy Settings
Every online platform, whether social media or search engine, provides users with privacy setting options. It is advisable to keep your privacy settings tight to reduce third-party access to your data, which is crucial for Safeguarding Your Digital Footprint.
App Downloads and Web Search
When downloading apps, avoid using untrusted sources or weblinks. By doing so, you may unknowingly share your data and web history with scammers. Download legitimate apps from the official app store or webpage. This advice not only helps Protect Your Digital Footprint but also protects your overall data security.
Signing Up On Multiple Sites
With online shopping becoming a necessity, signing up with your email ID has become very common. Almost every online shopping site requires you to fill in contact details, including an email ID. To avoid inbox spam, it’s helpful to create a separate email ID for online shopping, newsletter signups, and more.
Set Up DND On Your Phone Number
To prevent your phone number from being shared with advertisers, credit card sellers, and insurance companies, you can opt-out by activating DND (Do Not Disturb). Simply go into your phone settings or contact your service provider. This will remove your number from lists and stop unwanted calls and messages.
Mobile App Permissions
Every app requires certain permissions to function, but be cautious when granting access to your pictures, contacts, location, and other information. Once allowed, your data is shared with the app owner, who may use it according to their company’s policies.
While it’s common to be careless with your digital presence, it’s highly recommended to Secure Your Digital Footprint to prevent serious issues. Follow these steps and guide your friends and family on how to stay safe online.
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