Cyber Hygiene: Small Habits, Big Impact
Your digital footprint is larger than you think. Take control of your personal information.

Social media is an integral part of modern communication. It helps us stay in touch, share experiences, and build professional networks. But the same platforms that connect us can also expose us to risks — from data misuse and identity theft to profiling, manipulation, and surveillance.

Every like, comment, share, or photo contributes to your digital footprint. If not managed carefully, that footprint can be used to build detailed profiles about you — often beyond your control or awareness.

Key Tips to Protect Your Privacy on Social Media

1. Review and adjust your privacy settings

Most platforms set profiles to "public" by default.

Limit who can see your posts, stories, and photos (e.g., “friends only” or “connections only”).
Disable location tagging and sharing unless absolutely necessary.
Prevent search engines from indexing your profile if the platform allows it.

Facebook Privacy Settings Guide (Meta)
Instagram Privacy and Safety Tips
TikTok – Privacy and Safety Center

2. Be selective about what you share

Avoid posting sensitive personal details such as:

Full birth dates
Home address or current location
Travel plans (especially in real-time)
Information about your children or family routines

Remember: anything you post can potentially be copied, screenshot, or reused — even if deleted later.

3. Use different profile pictures and usernames

Reusing the same photo or handle across platforms makes it easier to track you and link your profiles.

Use distinct images and usernames for personal vs. professional accounts.
Avoid using photos that reveal your home, license plates, or workplace signage.

4. Clean up your digital footprint regularly

Conduct a digital “spring cleaning” every few months:

Search for your name on search engines and review what’s publicly visible.
Delete old accounts you no longer use.
Remove outdated or overly personal posts from timelines or public groups.

5. Use two-factor authentication (2FA)

Even if your privacy settings are perfect, your account can still be hijacked.

Enable 2FA to add a layer of protection against password theft or phishing attacks.
Use authenticator apps (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy) rather than SMS where possible.

6. Be mindful of third-party apps

When you use your social media account to log in to games, surveys, or services, you may be giving those apps access to your profile data.

Revoke access to apps and services you no longer use.
Always review what permissions are being requested before connecting accounts.

You are your own data controller — even outside a corporate context. By managing your social media privacy proactively, you reduce your exposure to profiling, surveillance, and unintended consequences. Privacy is not about hiding; it's about choosing what to share, with whom, and under what conditions.