Privacy continues to be a major concern for individuals on the internet. Everyone should know to look for an "s" at the end of the "HTTP" part of a domain name when browsing the web to make sure that the website they are about to send information to is secure. Unfortunately, many may not realize that their information is still vulnerable. Hackers have infiltrated some of the most secure websites, stealing log-in details for accounts with large organizations such as LinkedIn. Conventional tips for protecting one's internet privacy include using different passwords on different sites, using a single bill-paying website instead of entering credit card information into an unfamiliar site, and not opening emails from senders one does not recognize. Taking the proper precautionary measures is no longer enough anymore. Internet users must constantly be vigilant to make sure that sensitive information has not been made publicly available. The best way to protect one's internet privacy is through the use of proper reputation management techniques.
Proper Reputation Management Techniques
Reputation management is the collection of techniques and strategies that an individual uses to ensure that his online reputation, what those on the internet think of them, portrays himself in a positive way. Individuals usually obtain a poor online reputation when damaging, inappropriate content becomes associated with their name. For instance, if a college student is in a photo drinking from a beer bong, Google could index that photo and prevent the student from landing a job once he graduates. Alternatively, an individual who uses Twitter to complain about past online dating partners will eliminate this chance of landing another date as potential suitors come across those tweets. Here are a few reputation management techniques that will help individuals reclaim internet privacy:
- Google yourself. Conducting a quick Google search of one's name is a great way to find out what employers, friends, family members, and strangers see when they search for that individual. If one sees content he does not want publicly available (whether it is private information or something reflects negatively on him) he will know to devote his efforts to removing it.
- Set up a Google alert. Google alerts are a great tool for keeping track of what is being said about someone or something. By setting up a Google alert for one's name, one will receive emails from Google whenever that name is mentioned online. This way the individual will find out right away when negative or private information makes its way online.
- Hire a reputation management firm. Recently an entire industry has emerged in order to help individuals to clean up their online reputations. Using tools like public relations and search engine optimization, these companies will find out what is being said or shared about a specific client and remove or suppress that information. Hiring one of these firms is the most effective way for someone to regain control of his or her reputation.
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