How To Erase Your Digital Footprint In 2021

Want to erase your digital footprint? Contact our Internet Privacy experts today!

How Do I Delete All Traces From The Internet?

Want to erase your digital footprint? You might be surprised to learn it’s not as easy as you think.

And since we often receive questions like “How do I clear my digital footprint?” or “How do I get rid of 99 percent of my digital footprint?”, we’ll look at some efficient ways to minimize your online presence.

Today, most people use the internet to stay in touch with friends and family, or to display their work.

And while accessing popular social media accounts, websites and forums offers exposure to millions of other users worldwide, things are just not that simple. While an active online presence may have many benefits, it can also leave you vulnerable to hackers, identity thieves and cyber attacks.

If you’re reading this, your personal information is probably available to the public. And if your personal data is floating around on the net, it may be the perfect target for hackers and criminals.

But as much as you might like to erase your digital footprint, this can never be done completely.

The following tips provide a good starting point from which to monitor your online hygiene. 

Is Your Digital Footprint Permanent?

If you want to erase your digital footprint, first know that most online traces are permanent. What’s more: it’s easier to store that information than to delete it altogether. In fact, deleting all information about you from the internet is nearly impossible. 

So, why is it so hard to erase your digital footprint?

Mostly because we all leave traces of information wherever we go. These may include email addresses, online forms, old social media accounts, and online transactions. These interactions require certain information.

Also, we are also being tracked every time we go online either through search inquiries or cookies.

Steps for How to Erase Your Digital Footprint

1. Delete All Unused Online Accounts, Including Email

But why? Because most of these accounts were created before cybersecurity was a serious issue. And, leaving them intact is putting you at serious risk.

Regardless of whether they’re social networks or something else, old and unused accounts often contain personal information that can easily slip into the wrong hands.

2. Remove Yourself From Data Collection Sites

There are many companies out there called data brokers. They collect your information about you and sell that data to a third party. Much of this data is used to create personalized ads to sell you more stuff.

The best part? Removing yourself from these sites also removes a lot of info from search engine results, making it much harder for people to find you. 

3. Don’t Use Too Many Apps

Some apps are malicious and can contain viruses, worms, or malware. They might also steal your personal information, including your home address or phone number, and share that info with others.

It’s wise to just keep the apps you use and delete anything you don’t need.

How To Delete Your Digital Footprint From Social Media

One of the best things you can do to erase your digital footprint is to unsubscribe from social networking platforms.

In theory, social media promises to connect you with the world. But in practice, it can really compromise your privacy, putting you at risk of identity theft, bullying and more. Deleting these accounts is not complicated and anyone can do it.

Before erasing all that content, you may want to download or save it somewhere else.

How To Erase Your Digital Footprint With Internet Privacy

At Internet Privacy, we provide the services and tools you need to erase personal information, reclaim your data and manage your online footprint. 

If you want to learn more about how to protect your identity online, contact us here.