Digital Footprint Hygiene: 5 Simple Fixes You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to understand code or hire a cybersecurity team to tighten up your online presence. Most digital exposure comes from small oversights — and small steps can reduce your risk immediately.

Whether you're a CEO, a public figure, or just someone who values privacy, these five moves will help you regain control of your data.

1. Google Yourself (Thoroughly)

Search your name, usernames, company name, home address, and even old email addresses. Use:

• Google

• Bing

• DuckDuckGo

Take note of what shows up — and whether it links personal info with professional life.

2. Lock Down Your Domain Info

If you own any domains, check the WHOIS registry. If your name or personal address is public, use a registrar that offers privacy masking.

Most attackers don’t guess your identity — they confirm it through records you forgot you exposed.

3. Sanitize Social Media (Including Old Accounts)

• Remove geotagged photos from platforms like Instagram and Facebook

• Delete old posts that reveal patterns (travel, kids’ schools, routines)

• Adjust privacy settings to limit public visibility of friends and tagged content

And don’t forget older platforms (MySpace, Flickr, Tumblr) that still exist in Google's cache.

4. Audit Reused Usernames and Email Handles

Many breaches occur because usernames, handles, or emails are recycled across sites. A quick check of your old logins can show where patterns exist.

Use a breach checker (like HaveIBeenPwned) to find compromised logins and change them.

5. Unlist Yourself from People-Finder Sites

Sites like Spokeo, Whitepages, and MyLife compile and publish your data. You can manually request removal or use services that help automate the process.

It won’t make you invisible — but it makes you harder to track, which is the goal.

Bonus: Download Our Free Guide

How You Look From the Outside In is a practical, no-nonsense PDF that shows you exactly what’s already out there — and how to start cleaning it up.

You don’t need to be anonymous.

You just need to be intentional.

Edge Point Group | Tier 1 Intelligence for the Digital World