Protect Your Privacy

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Written By: Ann Terese Brandt

Are you aware of what your digital footprint reveals about you? It encompasses more than just your online posts; it involves every action you take online—what you search on Google, which websites you visit, and the videos you watch on YouTube. Unlike footprints in the sand, your digital footprint cannot be erased. Here are some straightforward, practical tools you can use to minimize your digital footprint:

  1. Secure your accounts with strong passwords. The first line of defense begins with strong passwords. Be creative when devising new passwords. In fact, a passphrase is even more secure than using just a single word followed by numbers or symbols. Additionally, never use the same password more than once.
  2. Safely and securely browse the internet. Your online activity can be tracked more easily than you might realize. To avoid your device from “listening” to you and displaying advertisements that seem a bit too coincidental, utilize private browsers and search engines that prioritize your privacy and don’t treat your data as fair game.
  3. Use two-factor authentication wherever you can. Two-factor authentication (2FA) enhances security by introducing an extra verification step. This may involve receiving a text message, a phone call, or a notification from an app. If you have the option to enable 2FA, take advantage of it. It’s one of the simplest methods to safeguard your information.
  4. Take app permissions seriously. It’s perfectly acceptable to decline app permissions. If an app requests access to your contacts or location but doesn’t genuinely require either, it’s advisable to reject the request.
  5. Utilize a VPN. A virtual private network (VPN) acts as Harry Potter’s cloak of invisibility for your online activities, particularly when you’re using public Wi-Fi. It encrypts your data, enhancing the privacy of your online actions. If you’re considering using a VPN, it’s essential to conduct thorough research, as not all VPNs offer the same level of protection.

These tips can be helpful in minimizing your digital footprint. Still, the most important thing to remember is that no matter how hard you strive for online privacy, everything is permanent, and nothing is ever really private in the digital world.

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