BBB Tip: Spring-clean your digital footprint
Spring is a season to reset, and while many people use it as an opportunity to tidy up their homes, it’s also a great time to clean up your digital life.
Today, we rely on smartphones, tablets, and laptops for banking, shopping, working, and staying in touch. However, the more we use these devices, the more information we leave online. This is known as your “digital footprint.” While some of it is necessary, much can and should be controlled or deleted.
What adds to your digital footprint?
You may be adding to your digital presence without even realizing it. Common contributors include:
- Signing up for newsletters, online memberships or subscriptions
- Downloading mobile apps or sharing information on social media
- Browsing websites that use cookies to track your activity
- Using the same devices without adjusting privacy settings
Tips to take control
Managing your digital footprint doesn’t require advanced tech skills. A few basic steps can go a long way in protecting your personal data:
- Practice cybersecurity basics: Use secure websites (look for the padlock icon), avoid clicking suspicious links and turn on multi-factor authentication when possible.
- Keep systems updated: Don’t ignore software or browser updates, they help fix security issues.
- Adjust browser settings: Clear browsing history and cookies regularly and check privacy settings on each device.
- Review smartphone privacy options: Reset ad identifiers, limit location tracking and turn off background app activity that collects data.
- Delete unused apps: If you haven’t used it in a few months, it’s safe to remove.
- Check app permissions: Know which apps can access your contacts, camera or location, and limit them as needed.
Whether you’re a business owner or an individual, being proactive about your digital footprint helps protect your privacy and your reputation. To find more tips and tools, visit bbb.org and staysafeonline.org.
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