Every account created, email sent, image posted or location tagged contributes to your digital footprint. This information can be used by marketing companies to send targeted advertisements, but even worse, it can be used by cybercriminals to commit identity theft.
In support of Data Privacy Week, Information Technology Services offers tips for shrinking your digital footprint.
Search yourself online. This can help you realize how much information is already publicly available and give you ideas on how to change that.
Resist the urge to create a new account. You may not need an account for a service you’ll only use once. Consider selecting “Continue as Guest” instead. If a website requires your email to access its content, use a temporary throwaway email account.
Clear your browsing history. Websites, apps and platforms track your movements using “cookies,” or small pieces of data that identify your device. Regularly clear your web browser history and the stored cookies.
Stay current on data security events. Have I Been PWNED is a website you can use to see if your email or phone number has been involved in a major data disclosure incident and, if so, what to do about it.
Keep track of your accounts. In addition to strengthening passwords, a password manager can serve as an inventory of your online accounts. Keeper is an example of a password manager.
Use a data removal tool. It’s difficult to know the exact information that data brokers have on you, but you can use a tool like Incogni to request removals on your behalf.
Learn more about protecting yourself at defendyourdata.wvu.edu.