From confidential banking information to private photos you wish had not shared on the web, you surely have data online you would never want people to discover. Removing some of your personal information from the internet could reduce the probability of others finding and misusing it for all the wrong purposes.
If you are determined to take steps to help safeguard your identity, here are some tried and tested tips to delete your personal information from the internet. So, let’s dig in!
Table of Contents
How to Delete Information from the Internet?
Remove Yourself Completely From Social Media
Request Data Collection Sites to Remove Your Information
Delete or Close Any Personal Sites or Blogs
Erase all Unnecessary Apps from Your Tablet or Phone
Download Software to Block Online Tracking Feature
Bottom Line
Remove Yourself Completely From Social Media
The first thing you should do is make a list of all your social media accounts — like Instagram, Twitter, Linked In, and Facebook. Go to the account settings of each website and find the option to remove or deactivate your account. Similarly, you can erase your credit card, online banking, and email accounts as well.
Request Data Collection Sites to Remove Your Information
If you wish to scrub yourself from the web database, begin by searching yourself on PeopleFinder, Spokeo, and similar websites. Then reach out to the data broker and enquire about opting out. All these sites have different processes, and it may take a long time to complete the requirements for each of them.
Delete or Close Any Personal Sites or Blogs
Your personal blog or site may contain private details about your family, daily life, medical condition, job, financial situation, and residential area, information a scammer could take advantage of to access or scam your accounts. If you regularly publish blogs, be careful of the details you give out.
If anyone else has posted confidential information about you on their blog or website, then you can reach out to the webmaster of that site and request them to delete that information.
Erase all Unnecessary Apps from Your Tablet or Phone
Several mobile apps on your tablet and smartphone save your personal detail like name, birthdate, email address, geographical location, and contact number. This information can be traced, stolen, or leaked, and if some fraudster gets hands on it, your finances could be at stake.
If you have no idea whether an app is reliable, it is a good suggestion to go through the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use first to know exactly what data it collects and why. Also, try to figure out ways to secure info on such apps. You always have the option to check user reviews.
Download Software to Block Online Tracking Feature
During web browsing, you may have noticed disclaimers regarding cookies that track all your web browsing patterns. To prevent this technology from tracking and storing your information, run security software that includes a do-not-track feature.
Remember your internet service provider could see your incognito browsing history as well. So, try to look for an internet security suite like the one that Mediacom bundles offer. It protects you from any kind of internet scam, ransomware, virus, and malicious phishing attacks.
Bottom Line
We would recommend you install antivirus programs and internet security on your smartphone, tablet, and computers, when using cable or fiber internet. Moreover, use a VPN or encryption software for sending files. The entire process may take a little more time than what you expect, but the peace of mind that comes with better privacy will surely be worth it.
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