In the era of advancing digital technologies, protecting your digital footprint is indispensable. A digital footprint, also called digital shadow or an electronic footprint, refers to the trail of data the user leaves while using the Internet. Protecting your digital footprint is vital to prevent the user from identity theft and phishing and helps you secure your online privacy and security. Equip yourself to protect your digital footprint with these enterprising methods.
1. Update Your Software Regularly
Old software acts like a warehouse of digital footprints through which the access of information can be easily acquired. Hackers and cybercriminals can easily gain access to this information by exploiting the vulnerabilities that exist in the system. Regular updates to the software help secure the digital trail and prevent unauthorized information access.
2. Normalize The Use Of Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that encrypts the internet traffic on unprotected networks to secure the online footprint. The usage of VPN helps mask your IP address, making your digital path untraceable. It secures your privacy and prevents the installation of cookies that track your browsing history. It ensures a secure connection that prevents data interception and thus enhances your digital footprint’s security.
3. Enable Strong Passwords
A strong password ensures the protection of your digital footprint. A strong password is formed with a combination of upper-case and lower-case alphabets, numbers, and special characters. The increased complexity of the passwords makes it more difficult to crack. The passwords need to be kept confidential and regularly updated to make it strong and effective.
4. Regular Management Of Cookies And Browser Settings
Cookies are a collection of files of information that a server generates and forwards to the web browser. The browsers store this information for a stipulated period or for the length of the user’s session on a website. This results in easy access to information for hackers. A major solution to solve this is the regular deletion of cookies and secure your browser settings to ensure digital security.
5. Protect Your Wi-fi Network
The Wi-Fi network needs to be secured with a strong password and encrypted strongly. Reduce the use of default router settings. The default settings always make the Wi-Fi vulnerable to attack. Always change the router’s default username and password. Configure the firewall of the router to track the incoming and outgoing traffic to enhance security.
6. Limit Personal Details Shared Online
Data when shared online always widens the digital footprint which could result in securing your data and preventing it from data breach. Limit the information shared online to ensure data prevention. Regularly review the privacy settings and ensure to protection of the data shared online. Privacy on social media helps maintain control over the viewers over a post and secure the digital footprint.
7. Allow Access To Two- Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enable access to 2FA to all social accounts, which ensures two layers of protection and security. The 2FA method requires the user to enter a code sent on the device to access the account. This secures and protects your account, prevents any cyber-attack, prevents any phishing or brute-force access to the account, and strengthens the user’s digital footprint.
8. Ensure Regular Reviewing Your Application Permissions
Regular review of app permissions needs to be done. The permissions need to be updated regularly. Unnecessary permissions that access personal information need to be removed. Careful understanding of privacy terms and site settings is solicited. The account information needs to be maintained confidentially and protected, resulting in a secure digital trail.
9. Protect Your Digital Footprint From Phishing
Beware of messages, unsolicited e-mails, or links. Prevent clicking on any suspicious links. Always have details about the sender and prevent clicking on any link that could compromise your digital footprint. These links or unsolicited e-mails could introduce any malware or act like a cyber breach and prevent any attack. Thus secure your accounts to ensure the protection of your digital footprint.
10. Educate Yourself About Your Digital Footprint
The best way to secure your digital footprint is by gathering knowledge on all the privacy settings and ways to prevent potential breaches. Update yourself with the latest types of breaches and methods to secure your accounts. Read all the application settings and gather information to ensure the safety of your digital footprint.
