These tips will reduce your digital footprint, increase your online security, and prevent you from falling for scams or attacks by cybercriminals
More and more people are hearing about “digital footprint”, that is, the trace left when someone uses certain services on the Internet. Accessing social media platforms, communicating via email, using search engines, messaging apps and video conferencing tools, consuming content via streaming services… All of this leaves a trace.
The problem is that when an individual offers information such as login, contact details, location and even browsing history to these sites and apps, it can end up being exposed or stolen by cyber criminals. In other words, there is a big one risk to your security and privacy.
So what do we do? Simply stop using all applications or websites on the Internet? Nowadays, this is very difficult. But, according to Camilo Gutiérrez Amaya, head of ESET’s Latin America Research Laboratory, you can reduce your digital footprint with a few tricks and tips. Check out expert tips.
The fewer apps, the better!
When you enter a new application, you are usually asked for several personal or financial details in order to use it. Therefore, it is better to download only those that are necessary in daily life.
It is also advisable to regularly “clean” the devices to remove any apps that have not been used for a long time and to check the permissions of the apps under maintenance.
Set up fewer online accounts and clean up existing ones
Yes, it is very annoying to have to manually enter your login and password every time you access a website, especially if you use it every day. However, this is a necessary price for greater privacy and security.
Do not share confidential data
Unless absolutely necessary, do not share phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, financial details or other personally identifiable information. Emails and phone numbers can, for example, be used to spam recipients with phishing messages.
Think twice before clicking “share”
When you share something on social media, you often don’t stop to think about how it will stay there forever and that even if you try to remove it, it can be difficult to make it disappear completely.
However, this step is very important, even more so for those who have a job or are looking for one, as employers often search workers’ social networks.
Keep the location secret
One of the most intrusive ways to acquire data is location tracking. This not only puts your digital privacy at risk, but can also harm your physical security. So make sure you block apps that don’t really need them from tracking your location.
Avoid online searches
Often on the Internet you may come across competitions or prize offers that ask you to complete a survey to participate. However, this also helps increase your digital footprint, and in some cases, contests can even be cyber criminal scams.
Disable third-party cookies
Cookies are small files that you download to your PC or device when you visit a website. They are used to profile who is visiting your website and to save their preferences for future visits.
While this can improve the browsing experience, many people prefer not to share this type of information, which can include usernames and passwords.
Therefore, please consider rejecting cookies. You can also opt out of third-party tracking by accessing your browser’s privacy settings.
Limit the number of devices you use
If one of your devices is stolen or lost, the data on it could be exposed. Therefore it is better not to have several devices with your data lying around. This will reduce your digital footprint and the risks it brings.
And you, did you already know these tips to reduce your digital footprint?
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
