In an age where personal information is readily accessible online, protecting your digital privacy has never been more important. Whether it’s old social media posts, public records, or data shared on websites, your information can be scattered across the internet. Internet scrubbing—the process of finding and removing personal data from the web—has become a key strategy in managing online privacy.
In this guide, we’ll explain what internet scrubbing is, how it works, and how it can help protect your privacy by removing sensitive data from the internet.
What Is Internet Scrubbing?
Internet scrubbing (also known as data scrubbing or data cleansing) is the process of identifying, deleting, and cleaning personal information from various online sources. It helps remove traces of your online activity and ensures your private data is not publicly accessible. Internet scrubbing targets multiple data types, such as:
- Social media profiles and posts
- Personal information from data broker websites
- Search engine results
- Public records and directories
- Inactive accounts
Unlike simply deactivating a social media account, internet scrubbing involves thoroughly scanning the web to identify and remove your data from multiple sources.
How Internet Scrubbing Works
Internet scrubbing can be done manually or with the help of automated tools and services.
1. Manual Internet Scrubbing
Manually scrubbing your data requires identifying where your information is located and taking steps to remove it. This involves:
- Searching for your name, phone number, email, and other identifiers online
- Contacting websites and requesting data removal
- Deleting or deactivating old accounts
- Submitting opt-out requests to data broker sites
While this approach is thorough, it can be time-consuming and challenging to keep up with as new data continues to emerge.
2. Automated Internet Scrubbing Services
Several online services specialize in internet scrubbing, helping individuals remove their data more efficiently. These services scan the web for personal information and send removal requests on your behalf. Popular services include:
- DeleteMe: Focuses on data broker sites and removes your information regularly.
- OneRep: Offers protection from data brokers and ongoing monitoring.
- Removaly: Helps remove information from public records and search engines.
These services can save you time and ensure your information stays off the web long-term.
The Benefits of Internet Scrubbing
Internet scrubbing offers several advantages when it comes to protecting your online privacy.
1. Enhanced Privacy Protection
Scrubbing removes sensitive information such as your home address, phone number, and email from public view. This reduces the risk of identity theft, cyberstalking, and online harassment.
2. Improved Personal and Professional Reputation
Old or irrelevant information online can harm your personal or professional image. Internet scrubbing helps you control what others see when they search for your name, ensuring an accurate and up-to-date online presence.
3. Reduced Risk of Data Exploitation
Cybercriminals and scammers often use publicly available information to target individuals. Removing this data reduces your exposure to phishing attacks, scams, and other cyber threats.
4. Ongoing Monitoring and Updates
Some internet scrubbing services provide continuous monitoring to detect and remove new instances of your data appearing online. This helps maintain long-term privacy.
Key Steps to Start Internet Scrubbing
If you want to scrub your data from the internet, here’s how you can get started:
1. Conduct a Personal Data Audit
Search for your name on multiple search engines and take note of where your information appears. Check social media, public records, and data broker sites.
2. Opt-Out from Data Broker Sites
Visit major data broker sites like Spokeo, Whitepages, and MyLife to submit opt-out requests. These sites often have specific instructions for removing your information.
3. Delete Old Accounts
Review your online accounts and delete those you no longer use. This includes old social media accounts, forums, and email addresses.
4. Submit Removal Requests to Search Engines
If sensitive or outdated information appears in search engine results, submit a removal request to Google or other search engines.
5. Use Professional Internet Scrubbing Services
For a more efficient and ongoing solution, consider using internet scrubbing services that monitor and remove your data regularly.
How to Stay Protected After Internet Scrubbing
Once you’ve scrubbed your data from the internet, take steps to keep your online presence secure:
- Strengthen Privacy Settings: Adjust your social media settings to limit public visibility.
- Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Protect your accounts from unauthorized access.
- Be Cautious with Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive details online, especially on public platforms.
- Monitor Your Online Presence: Regularly search for your name and personal details to ensure your information hasn’t resurfaced.
Conclusion
Internet scrubbing is an essential tool for anyone concerned about their online privacy. By identifying and removing personal information from the web, you can protect yourself from potential risks like identity theft, cyberstalking, and data exploitation. Whether you choose to scrub your data manually or use professional services, taking control of your online presence is the first step toward digital privacy and security.
Stay proactive, monitor your online footprint, and remember that maintaining privacy is an ongoing effort in today’s digital age.