Without realizing it, many of us are living double lives. We have our regular, somewhat predictable lives in the real world, and we have our unpredictable, shadowy online lives which never seem to take the form we expect.
The problem is that this second digital life can come back to bite us when we least expect it.
Fortunately, there are ways to reclaim your digital self. Here’s what you need to do:
Audit Your Online Presence
The first step is to audit your online presence by reviewing your social media posts and settings. Check what’s out there already to see what information people could potentially garner about you, and how it could potentially affect your privacy.
You should also check permissions by third-party apps, according to https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/9431959?hl=en. These are often a backdoor that provides hackers and other people looking to benefit from your identity with more data than you would like them to have.
Strengthen Your Digital Security
The next obvious step is to strengthen your digital security. Make sure you use strong and unique passwords, and back them up with two-factor authenticity to prevent anyone from accessing your accounts, even if they discover your password.
Also, be sure to change your IP address on Windows 10 regularly, says https://clearvpn.com/. Keeping it the same makes it easier for hackers to follow you as you make your way around the internet, potentially giving them information they could use to exploit you.
Lastly, ensure you keep your devices updated. Make sure you always install the latest patches and fixes to protect you against vulnerabilities and exploits.
Embrace Privacy Tools
You should also experiment with using privacy tools to protect your digital self online. Using encrypted messaging apps, for instance, is essential. You should also consider using privacy-oriented search engines, like DuckDuckGo and Ecosia, as well as virtual private networks or VPNs, which are the most effective ways to protect your anonymity online.
Limit Data Exposure
Another strategy for reclaiming your digital self is to limit data exposure dramatically. Be cautious about sharing any personal information, and never respond to information requests, even if it looks like it is from someone you trust.
If someone you know wants information, call them and give it to them over the phone instead. Alternatively, contact them to ask whether they send you the request through a different channel.
Share Content That Aligns With Your Values
You should also focus on sharing content that aligns with your values. Make sure you showcase your talents and interests and take control of the online narrative.
You should be particularly careful if you run a large social media account or blog. Small changes in perception can have a considerable impact on your brand.
Review And Adjust Settings
Finally, it’s a good idea to regularly adjust and review online privacy settings. Calibrating them to your requirements is essential if you want to get the protection level you feel you need online.
If you have unused apps, revoke access to data on your phone and delete them from your device, if necessary.