October is an ideal time to audit the information about you that is publicly available on the internet. Scammers can exploit any personal details they find, even those you never posted yourself. This checklist, based on guidance from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FCC, helps you identify and secure your public digital footprint.
1. Search for yourself online
Start by entering your name, variations of your name, and any known email addresses or phone numbers into a search engine. Note what results appear and which sites are displaying your information.
2. Check people‑search sites
People‑search tools aggregate public records, social‑media data and other online sources. They may reveal phone numbers, relatives, ages, addresses and property details. Run a reverse phone or email lookup to see what is publicly linked to your name.
3. Review social‑media and old accounts
Look through your current and past posts for any details you wouldn’t want a stranger to see. If a post is too personal, consider deleting it or setting the account to private.
4. Examine app permissions and privacy settings
Many apps can access your location, contacts, camera, photos and microphone. Review each app’s permissions and revoke any that are unnecessary. This limits the amount of data collected about your browsing habits and device usage.
5. Delete or hide old content
Identify old profiles, posts and accounts that no longer serve a purpose. Remove personal details from public profiles or make them private where possible.
6. Secure the accounts you keep
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two‑factor authentication on all active accounts. Regularly update security questions and monitor account activity for any suspicious behavior.
7. Close unused accounts
Delete accounts you no longer use, such as abandoned shopping sites, gaming forums or outdated social‑media profiles. Fewer active accounts mean fewer places for personal data to linger online.
Make this checklist an annual habit. Each year, repeat the search, review permissions, and clean up unused accounts. By staying proactive, you protect your privacy, save time and avoid potential financial loss.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
