We've all heard the term "digital footprint," but how often do we truly consider its size and potential impact? A recent conversation with a colleague (who, after checking Have I Been Pwned?: https://haveibeenpwned.com/
, was surprised by the number of data breaches they'd been caught in) sparked a realisation – it's really easy for our digital footprint to spiral out of control, even for security professionals aware of the risks.
This week’s blog delves into the potential dangers of an expansive online presence and offers practical steps to manage and reduce your digital footprint to create a more secure and controlled online environment.
An extensive digital footprint can pose several cybersecurity risks:
- Increased Attack Surface:?The more data points scattered across the web, the more opportunities for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities. A single compromised account can provide a stepping stone to access others, potentially causing significant damage.
- Data Breaches:?We've all seen the headlines – major companies experiencing data breaches, exposing millions of users' information. Even if you haven't directly been involved in a breach, the vast amount of data you leave online increases the chances of your information being swept up in future breaches.
- Targeted Attacks:?With readily available personal information, attackers can craft personalised phishing attempts or social engineering scams, making them more believable and increasing the risk of falling victim.
Here are some actionable steps you can take to manage and reduce your digital footprint:
- Audit Your Accounts:?Take stock of all online accounts, including social media, email, shopping platforms, and any unused subscriptions. Consider deleting accounts you no longer use, following the specific deactivation or deletion instructions provided by each platform.
- Review Privacy Settings:?Most online platforms offer extensive privacy settings. Dive into these settings and adjust them to your comfort level, restricting who can see your information and limiting data-sharing practices.
- Be Mindful of What You Share:?Before hitting "post" or "share," consider the information you're revealing. Is it truly necessary to share your birthday, home address, or phone number publicly? Once information is online, it can be difficult to completely erase it.
- Strengthen Passwords:?Implement strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords.
- Beware of Public Wi-Fi:?Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking or accessing personal accounts. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.
Even small steps toward managing your digital footprint can significantly enhance your online security posture. By being mindful of your online presence and taking proactive measures, you can create a more secure and controlled digital environment.
Here’s a Bonus Tip to end this week’s blog: Regularly monitor data breach notifications and consider using services that alert you if your information appears in compromised databases.
