How to Control What Information Strangers Can Find: Essential Strategies for Cybersecurity
In the digital age, learning how to control what information strangers can find is critical for safeguarding your privacy and security. With so much personal and professional data online, cybercriminals, scammers, or even curious individuals can easily uncover sensitive details if you’re not proactive. This has major implications for consumers, professionals, and small businesses alike, from identity theft to business reputation harm. Here’s how you can take control and minimize your digital footprint effectively.
Why Managing Your Digital Footprint Matters
Most people are unaware of just how much personal information ends up on the internet. Public records, social media profiles, online transactions, and even seemingly private conversations can be exposed or leaked. For businesses and professionals, this risk multiplies with customer databases and employee information being prime hacking targets. Controlling what strangers see online is not just about privacy—it’s a foundational aspect of modern cybersecurity.
Understanding Where Your Information Exists Online
Begin with a Digital Audit
Regularly performing a ‘digital audit’ is the first step in understanding and managing what information strangers can find about you or your business.
Search Yourself (or Your Business) Online
Enter your name, email addresses, phone numbers, or business name into search engines. Review the results on the first few pages. Don’t forget to check Images and News tabs.
Check Social Media and Forums
Review your profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram—as well as niche forums or professional networks. See what’s visible to someone who isn’t on your friends list or logged in.
Third-Party Data Brokers
Sites like Whitepages, Spokeo, and others aggregate public information. These platforms can showcase your addresses, phone numbers, and even family members.
Managing Privacy Settings for Maximum Control
Optimize Social Media Privacy
Customizing settings on social media is a powerful way to restrict what strangers can access.
Facebook:
Set your profile to “Friends Only,” limit who can look you up by email or phone, and review your ‘About’ section to remove unnecessary details.
Instagram & Twitter:
Switch accounts to private and review your followers regularly. Be cautious about location tags in posts.
LinkedIn:
Adjust your profile visibility for public viewers and limit how much information (like education or work history) is displayed without connection.
Limit Publicly Available Business Information
For small businesses, it’s tempting to share staff bios, contact information, and client lists online. Instead:
Share Generic Contact Forms:
Use a contact form rather than listing emails or direct phone numbers.
Limit Employee Details:
List only first names or roles if possible, and avoid exposing work emails.
Remove Old Content:
Ensure blog posts or announcements don’t inadvertently contain sensitive business details.
Control What Data Brokers Share About You
Opt-out and Data Removal Requests
Most data broker sites offer an opt-out process—albeit sometimes tedious—for individuals and businesses.
Locate Major Sites:
Identify prominent brokers (Spokeo, Whitepages, PeopleFinder, etc.) and follow their data removal instructions.
Use third-party tools or services that automate this process if you want comprehensive coverage.
Stay Vigilant:
Set reminders to re-check these sites every few months, as they refresh and re-list data periodically.
Enhance Security Through Digital Hygiene
Be Mindful of What You Share
Even seemingly harmless details, such as a pet’s name or your birthday, can be used in social engineering attacks or to guess security answers. Before posting or filling out online forms, ask: “Would I want this available to a complete stranger?”
Review App and Website Permissions
Modern apps and services often request intrusive permissions. Routinely audit what access you’ve granted—especially for location, contacts, and photos—and revoke anything that’s unnecessary.
Use Secure Communication Channels
Avoid sending sensitive personal or business data over unencrypted or public channels. Use messaging apps that offer end-to-end encryption and be cautious about file sharing.
Proactive Steps for Small Businesses and Professionals
Train Your Team
Human error is one of the leading causes of data leaks. Provide regular cybersecurity awareness training to all employees, focusing on phishing, social engineering, and proper handling of sensitive data.
Establish a Clear Privacy Policy
For businesses, a concise privacy policy not only builds trust but can also serve as an internal guide. Define what information is collected, how it’s used, and who can access it.
Monitor for Data Leaks
Set Up Google Alerts
Use Google Alerts for your business name, brands, and key personnel to get notified if new content or data appears online that may compromise your privacy.
Invest in Dark Web Monitoring
Consider using specialized tools or cybersecurity firms to monitor the dark web for leaked credentials or sensitive business data.
FAQs About How to Control What Information Strangers Can Find
Q1: How do I know what information about me is already public?
A1: Start by searching your name, email address, and phone number in major search engines, data broker sites, and social media. Review both text and image search results.
Q2: Can I really remove my information from the internet?
A2: While you can’t remove everything, you can request deletion from data broker sites, adjust social media privacy settings, and remove or update old online content for better control.
Q3: Are there tools to automate information removal?
A3: Yes, services like DeleteMe, OneRep, and ReputationDefender can help automate data removals from many people-search and data broker websites.
Q4: Why is it risky to post personal details on social media?
A4: Personal details can be exploited for identity theft, phishing attacks, or profiling. Even indirect information, like your regular locations, can be used maliciously.
Q5: How often should I review my online information?
A5: Schedule a digital audit every 3 to 6 months, or whenever you notice a spike in unsolicited emails, calls, or suspicious online activity.
Q6: What should small businesses do differently?
A6: Small businesses should restrict the exposure of employee and client data, use generic contact methods, and conduct regular cybersecurity training for staff.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Gaining control over what information strangers can find about you or your business is not a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing process. By performing regular audits, tightening privacy settings, using secure communication methods, and educating yourself and your team, you can dramatically reduce your vulnerability to online threats.
Practical Advice: Begin today by searching for your name and primary contact information. Update your most-used social media privacy settings, opt out of at least two data broker sites, and set a calendar reminder to repeat these actions periodically. Small proactive steps will strengthen your digital privacy and online security over time.