Your digital footprint is the record or trail of everything you do online. From social media accounts, personal blogs or websites, browsing history, online subscriptions, forum comments, photos and videos uploaded, and anything online with your name on it, you are creating a digital footprint.  For privacy and other personal concerns, the following tips may be helpful to effectively managed. 

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Make use of Privacy Settings: To make sure your private post and other online activities are private, read the “Privacy” page for the devices, accounts, and services you use to see how your information is being viewed, collected, stored, and shared. Many popular websites such as Facebook and Google record your search data and browsing information and some store cookies on your device that enable advertisers to reach you across the web. Always choose your privacy and default settings to assist in dening access to all or portions of your stored data. 

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Stay on top of necessary software updates: Routinely install operating system, app and software updates on all of your devices: Not only do updates enable you to take advantage of new features, but many of them are done primarily for security purposes. Tech companies issue updates to fix any flaws that otherwise would leave them (and you) vulnerable to malicious attacks

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Keep A Separate and Current List Of Passwords and Accounts:  Every online account you have should be current. Delete any accounts you no longer use. 

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Use Strong Passwords: Aim for at least 8 characters that are a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This could be your greatest protection from potential threats to private information.

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Google Yourself: There may be information about you on the Internet that you aren’t aware of. Some sites can alert you to whether or not your information has been hacked and is available for others to access, which can help you keep track of old accounts that need to be deleted.

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Use A Secondary Email: When you are communicating with someone new, or signing up for a new social media platform, it can be useful to have a secondary email address. Avoid using your primary email account for anything other than the most critical communications to avoid receiving spam mail and other announcements that can fill up your inbox.

 

Be sure to update information and images periodically: To ensure your profiles paint an accurate picture of yourself, remove any of your posts, post comments, or images that may cause another person to question your character or values. Always avoid posting any major purchases you’ve made, when you might be traveling for an extended period of time, or other sensitive information. And always clear web browser history regularly.

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Understand That Searches Are Social: Many popular websites such as Facebook and Google record your search data and browsing information and some store cookies on your device that enable advertisers to reach you across the web. You may want to investigate private browsing windows or search engines with stricter privacy policies if you do not want your searches shared.

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REACH provides free confidential counseling and referral assistance to help with Cyberbullying related concerns. To speak to a counselor call toll free 1-800-273-5273.