This Is What I’m Doing Yearly to Stay Safe on the Internet

Photo by rupixen.com on Unsplash

Each year I take the time to reset and clean up everything regarding our family’s safety online. We share our identity often without any real need for it except to help marketer do their job even better. Sometimes we are wondering if our data will be used wisely.

I believe in the importance of keeping your information private on the internet. If it doesn’t stop the best hackers, it will, at least, discourage most spamming systems.

This clear-up is a daunting task

I must admit that I’m not an easy person to deal with when I’m in the middle of my “Internet Cleansing Week.” Indeed, it’s a daunting task, but I believe it to be rewarding in 2 significant aspects: it reduces the risks of having our data used in a way that doesn’t suit us, although I know there is no way to really be 100% safe. But also, our email inboxes are much less cluttered, and my password list is far more manageable and easier to use. Therefore, I gain a great deal of peace of mind.

My yearly internet security reset

First, each time we register on a website, we make sure to either save the password in the Norton password list or make a note in Norton Passwords containing all necessary login info. This is a great way to remember this info when we have difficulties logging in and have an overview of all the websites with our information.

What do I do with my list?

Well, I do not keep it for the simple pleasure of witnessing how many websites own my information. Apart from being a convenient, reliable way always to have our passwords handy when needed, it is the best way to have a little control over my information and know where it goes, eventually attempting to limit those places.

Once a year, I take that list and delete all irrelevant accounts. Once again, some websites don’t delete all data, but it’s better than doing nothing. I also want to mention that the GDPR is much help in the process. Since it exists, I’ve found it even trickier to have our data deleted, especially when the websites mention that they are following the regulation.

Eventually

I would say that when performing these tasks, I must deal with two major issues: my nerves (it’s a tough fight to keep our data as safe as possible), and my husband’s FOMO. He is always afraid of needing this account “one day.” Well, in that case, if you need it, you create a new one! It’s easy to get caught in the feeling of scarcity that merchants create. They need your data, so they will do whatever it takes to keep them. Even making you believe that you are committing a huge mistake by deleting your account. I’ve been doing this yearly purge each year for 15 years now and let me tell you that I have never had any regrets or major issues. Everything is fixable because none of these accounts are vital. (I’m not including legal accounts such as health or taxes accounts, of course)