Privacy Tool Spotlight: Optery
In my recent post, "The Questionable 'Data Broker' Industry" (The Questionable Data Broker Industry: A Call for Action), I discussed how certain sites sell our personal information without permission, giving bad actors valuable intelligence.
To protect against these risks and cut down on spam, I use Optery, an automated service that removes personal information from data brokers and people search sites. Here's why removing your data with Optery is worth considering:
Limit Social Engineering Risks: Fewer personal details online make it harder for bad actors to trick you with social engineering tactics.
Shield Against Identity Theft and Fraud: Reducing your digital footprint decreases the likelihood of your identity being stolen or misused for fraudulent purposes, such as 'Account Recovery' account takeovers.
Reduce Spam Overload: Opting out of data broker lists decreases unwanted emails, calls, and texts from marketers.
Take Back Privacy Control: Regain ownership of your personal story and enjoy a more private life.
Keep Your Location Safe: Less online exposure of your address boosts personal safety.
Avoid Doxxing Threats: Public figures or activists can reduce the risk of having their private lives exposed.
Support Professional Discretion: For jobs like law enforcement, keeping personal data offline is critical.
Shape Employer Impressions: Control what potential employers see about you online in a competitive job market.
Remove Inaccurate Data: Remove misleading information to prevent it from spreading.
While Optery strengthens your privacy, it's not a magic bullet. Data from social media or past breaches might still linger, and removal can take time since some services resist cooperation. That said, Optery keeps working by running regular scans to tackle any information that reappears.
In short, Optery is a practical tool for safeguarding your privacy and minimizing online risks. If you want more control over your personal data, it's a solid option to explore.
Learn more about Optery at https://www.optery.com/
