Categories: Security

Your Digital Footprint and Why it Matters

Your digital footprint, or the trail that you create by browsing different websites, isn’t invisible. Instead, certain websites store, share or use your data long after you’ve clicked away. Lots of Internet users haven’t done much to protect themselves online, but you don’t have to be one of them. Learn more about digital footprints and why they matter to your security online.

Why does my digital footprint matter?

Since your footprint trails across multiple websites, it can later be hard to remove sensitive information from your footprint If you share too much information, for example, hackers can steal your identity, gain access to your bank accounts, or figure out your account passwords.

What if I don’t like my digital footprint?

The best way to see what information you’re presenting online is search for your name in a common search engine. If there’s something that comes up that you don’t like, you can remove that information or request that the website removes it.

How can I clean up my digital footprint?

First, you want to read the privacy settings of your favorite websites thoroughly. You need to know what you’re sharing with the website and with other users. If you’re not happy with the privacy settings, you should choose to close your account with that website.

Second, be sure you’re only posting things online that you wouldn’t mind others finding. If you post anything online that seedy or undesirable, it might come back to haunt you someday.

Third, change your passwords. While it can be helpful to have the same password for many different sites, this isn’t good practice. Instead, make your password different on each platform you use. This way, if a hacker figures out one of your passwords, he won’t gain access to all of your accounts.

Fourth, don’t give away your personal information too quickly. Consider the reputation of sites before you give them information – and be sure to be wary if a website wants to know too much about you.

Finally, the best ways to keep yourself safe online – and to prevent malware from hurting your phone – is by downloading PSafe Total. PSafe’s Anti-virus feature keeps your phone safe from online invaders by scanning for corrupt files on your phone and SD card 24 hours a day. If anything does manage to get downloaded onto your phone, PSafe removes it safely and quickly.

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The dfndr blog is an informative channel that presents exclusive content on security and privacy in the mobile and business world, with tips to keep users protected. Populated by a select group of expert reporters, the channel has a partnership with dfndr lab's security team. Together they bring you, first-notice news about attacks, scams, internet vulnerabilities, malware and everything affecting cybersecurity.