How to protect your digital footprint

Demographic characteristics, spending habits, 个人数据:我们每个人都会在我们每天访问的网站上留下各种各样的数字面包屑. 如果你在考虑数字足迹定义中包含的内容, 当你在社交媒体上点赞某人的帖子时，你必须考虑公司追踪的所有信息, when you order something online, when you fill out surveys. 由于我们的大部分生活现在都在网上分享，很难控制这种蔓延.

However, it is important to put safeguards in place as much as you can to guard your data and help prevent identity theft. 网络窃贼总是在寻找，他们很容易找到大量的受害者. According to identitytheft.org, in 2021 the Federal Trade Commission received 5.7 million reports for both identity theft and fraud, with more than $5.8 billion in losses for that same year. Here are steps you can take to reduce your digital footprint.

Delete old email accounts

If hackers gain access to an email account you no longer use, they can view contacts, credibly impersonate you, 搜索个人信息，并尝试在其他帐户上使用相同的密码. If you are not regularly using the email address, it may take time for you to notice, leaving even more opportunity for damage.

Limit social media accounts

对许多人来说，完全删除社交媒体账户是不现实的，甚至是不可取的. Instead, 通过将帖子限制为“仅限好友”来减少曝光和与他人分享的数据,“关闭位置数据收集，点击选项从公共搜索引擎结果中删除你的个人资料. However, if there are accounts you no longer use, deactivate them.

Skip the survey

Steer clear of clickbait questionnaires on random websites. 这只是公司收集你的数字见解的另一种方式.

Create a spam email address

创建一个专门用于市场营销和其他促销活动的账户，比如商店折扣, and limit any identifying information you store on that email account. That way, if a marketing database is breached and your account is compromised, 您可以简单地删除它，以尽量减少数字信息的损失. (额外的好处:这可能有助于大大减少垃圾邮件的数量在你的“真正的”电子邮件.)

Remove yourself from people search sites

只要点几下鼠标——通常是几美元——任何人都能知道这些名字, addresses, 通过在线数据代理(通常称为“人员搜索”网站)获取数百万人的电话号码和其他信息。. And if you become the target of malicious online trolls, they can rapidly spread this information, potentially resulting in ongoing harassment. 当你在网上订购或注册时事通讯或其他通讯时, 点击“退出”按钮，这样网站就不能与营销数据库公司共享您的信息. In addition, you can work with online data brokers to opt out. Search for "online data brokers" for a list. Each has different steps — including letters, faxes or other formal requests — to remove yourself, but it may be worth the effort.

Set up stealth mode when you search

Browsers enable you to set up stealth or incognito mode, 它可以让你不用把信息保存到电脑上就可以使用互联网. Search for specific directions based on the browser you use the most.

Other ideas to reduce digital footprint

当涉及到保护你的数字信息时，你再小心也不为过. Here are some additional tips to help keep it safe:

• Protect your passwords. 设置难以破解的密码，并定期更新，这有助于保护你. If you must write them down, make sure to store them in a safe place. Using multi-factor authentication 可用时可以为您的信息增加一层额外的保护.
• Update your software on a regular basis. 在你的笔记本电脑和手机上安装最新的软件可以帮助保护你的信息. 这包括安装最新版本的杀毒软件，这样黑客就更难以侵入你的系统. Having a protected Wi-Fi at home may also reduce the risk of exposure.
• Be in control of your phone apps. 列出你手机上的应用程序，并在获得新应用程序时检查其条款和条件. 限制应用程序的权限，比如位置、相机和与他人分享信息. 了解你的信息是如何与其他网站和公司共享的，可以帮助你控制你的数字足迹. 考虑删除你不再使用的应用程序，以减少其他人收集你的数字行为信息的机会.
• Unsubscribe from mailing lists. 您可能已经提供了一次性优惠券或折扣的电子邮件，导致这些公司的不必要的电子邮件. By unsubscribing from mailing lists, 您可以保持您的电子邮件帐户更干净，并可能有助于防止潜在的信息收集从第三方.

Lastly, consider contacting a State Farm® agent if you want to explore identity restoration insurance. 这种pp王者电子官网可以帮助你重新站起来，以防你成为身份盗窃的受害者.