Be Mindful of What You Disclose Online

The less information you share on digital platforms, the lower the chances of getting scammed by cybercriminals. Conversely, if you overshare your details, the probability of being attacked by digital predators increases significantly.

Therefore, avoid sharing information that can be traced back to you. Whenever you have to fill out an online form, ensure it belongs to an authentic source. Additionally, consider whether the form asks only for relevant details or requires any irrelevant data.

Similarly, don't provide your bank details in the checkout section of every website you visit. Many websites are designed to steal users' credit card details. Before providing sensitive bank data to any website, ensure it is authentic.

Monitor Your Digital Identity

Your digital identity is the most valuable and sensitive asset you own on the internet. Scammers often steal identities and trick others using the names of their victims, especially within their social circles. This could result in losses that you are not responsible for.

Regularly monitor different online platforms to ensure your identity is not being misused. However, checking each platform for potential identity theft can be impractical for an individual.

The reverse image search technique allows you to monitor your identity. This technique lets you perform a quick search by image and locate sources where your pictures are being used. By scrolling through the results, you can ensure your identity is secure.

Don't Overshare on Social Media Platforms

People often share confidential information on social media platforms, considering them as normal details. Later, they may face unexpected troubles. Details that seem normal can provide scammers with avenues to gather more data.

Therefore, be cautious when sharing information on Facebook, Instagram, or any social media channel. Avoid sharing personal phone numbers, financial details, home addresses, and government-issued identification and license numbers.

Furthermore, refrain from updating your social circle with your daily routines and schedules. Also, avoid sharing your family and friends' details. Remember, the more details you share on social media, the easier it becomes for scammers to deceive you.

Set Strong Passwords and Protect Them

Your passwords are the keys to your confidential accounts. If you leave these keys unprotected, anyone can easily access your accounts. Therefore, whether it's your bank account or any other digital account, set unbreakable passwords.

Avoid using sequential numbers, keyboard paths, or patterned passwords. Ensure your passwords range from 8 to 16 characters and include letters, numbers, and special characters.

You can further strengthen them by combining lower- and upper-case letters. Note them down in your personal diary or use digital password managers to protect them from being disclosed. This helps you keep a record of passwords so you can change them if needed.

The Bottom Line

While digital footprints help customize your internet browsing experience, they can also make you vulnerable to cyber-attacks. That's why you should take steps to secure your online activities before facing any problematic situations.

We have mentioned some highly effective practices above that you should adopt to stay safe from data theft, cyberbullying, online scams, and more. Monitoring your identity, sharing fewer details, and strengthening account passwords are among the tips discussed. We hope you find these tips valuable and will act upon them to protect your digital footprints.