In today’s connected world, our digital footprints - the trail of data we leave behind from online activity - can be larger than we realize. This can expose us (and our kids!) to privacy risks, cyber threats, and unwanted tracking.
If you are in a public-facing line of work, we recommend you take extra steps to protect your digital footprint and personal information, as they are often more visible and targeted by cybercriminals.
HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO:
BE MINDFUL OF INFORMATION SHARING
Limit Personal Information in Public Spaces
Be cautious about the personal details you share in interviews, speeches, and social media posts.
Try not to share seemingly harmless details (e.g., vacation plans, family names). These details can be exploited by attackers for phishing or social engineering attacks.
Separate Work and Personal Online Profiles
Keep your personal life off public channels and encourage colleagues to avoid tagging you in posts that could expose private information.
Create distinct accounts for professional and personal use.
Monitor Your Digital Footprint Regularly
Regularly search for your name, images, and personal information online to understand what’s publicly available about you. This helps in identifying potential privacy concerns early.
Google Alerts – Get an alert whenever your name or email appears online.
Google Images – Use Google Reverse Image Search to see what is already online.
Opt Out of Data Broker Services
Data brokers collect personal information to sell to third parties. You can request a Personal Data scrub from many of these Public Databases:
OptOutPrescreen.com – for U.S. credit reporting
DeleteMe – Paid service for personal data removal
Check Data Breaches
Use Have I Been Pwned to see if your email was included in a data breach
Use Pseudonyms for Non-Essential Accounts
For non-critical platforms like hobby or entertainment sites:
Consider using a pseudonym or alias (a throwaway account!) to prevent your real name from being connected to your activities.
Location Sharing
Disable location sharing on your smartphone unless absolutely necessary.
Limit Exposure on Public Documents
Be cautious about your name or signature appearing on publicly available documents, contracts, or filings (e.g., in SEC filings or corporate press releases).
If possible, consider having a legal or PR representative handle public-facing documents.
SOCIAL MEDIA SETTINGS
Review and Update Privacy Settings
As a highly visible executive, attackers may use details from your social media accounts to gather details about your work history and network.
Limit the visibility of connections and personal details to only trusted individuals:
Facebook: Basic Privacy Settings & Tools
Instagram: Privacy Settings & Information
Twitter/X: How to protect and unprotect your Posts
LinkedIn: Manage your account and privacy settings
Apple: About privacy and Location Services in iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS
Mobile Apps: Review app permissions and disable access to unnecessary data (e.g., location, contacts).
Encrypt Communications
For highly sensitive communications, consider using end-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Signal Private Messenger.
You can use 1Password's Secure Notes to store everything you need to remember and to share notes securely (encrypted).
Secure Social Media Accounts with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of authentication, such as a text message code, in addition to your password.
Consider Reducing Social Media Time
To limit the amount of data you’re generating…
Consider periodically deactivating accounts
Consider setting limits on your social media usage
PROTECTING YOUR HOME NETWORK
Secure your Home Network
Make sure you are using a strong, unique Wi-Fi password (not the default password listed on the router when you set it up!)
Set up a guest network for visitors.
Update your routers & connected devices with the latest security patches.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Work
When traveling or attending events, avoid accessing confidential emails or documents over public Wi-Fi. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, preventing websites, advertisers, and malicious actors from tracking your activities.
Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) if you must connect to public networks. (The 3 Best VPN Services of 2024)
Regularly Clear Your Browser and Search History
Regularly delete your browsing and search history to limit the data stored about your online behavior.
Consider using Private Browsers
These offer more privacy features by default.
Use Strong Passwords and a Password Manager
Use unique, complex passwords for each account.
Use a password manager (like 1Password) that helps you generate and store these passwords securely.
Use 1Password Watchtower to stay ahead of criminals trying to discover and use your personal information.
STAY AWARE
Be Mindful of "Deepfake" and "Impersonation" Threats
Executives are at higher risk for impersonation scams using deepfakes. Ensure your team and network are aware of the possibility and have strict verification protocols for voice or video calls requesting sensitive actions.
Attend Security Events & Training Workshops
Work with local security organizations (like The Cyber Cave!) to regularly review potential threats, such as doxxing, phishing, or cyberattacks, and develop proactive mitigation strategies.
RESOURCES ON THE WEB:
Manage Your Privacy Settings – National Cybersecurity Alliance
Tools from EFF's Tech Team (Electronic Frontier Foundation) offers tools, guides, and resources for protecting your digital privacy
Reduce your digital footprint: 5 steps recommended – 1Password
Secure yourself with our digital declutter checklist – 1Password