Ask HN: I need help getting rid of my digital footprint Over the years, I have singed up for over 500 online services, I have left sensitive information all over these online accounts. I recently started combing through my (15k) emails, deleting every service that I have singed up for. Is their a way I could automate this process? Is their a way I could find all my accounts on the internet (since some companies never email you)? Are their any other OPSEC tips I should know? |
there are sites to look up usernames across sites, but keep in mind that using those is creating data.
no, my responding to you is not good OPSEC. but that’s boring.
depending on how old the accounts, many of the regulations and practices you are expecting to be practiced weren’t yet in existence. perhaps they follow them now. companies have to get into compliance, and in the meanwhile, companies as big and sensitive as equifax and experian go “oh sorry…”
but, no, if you think companies as a thing are consistently, completely, correctly removing data, you are mistaken.
it isn’t even always due to negligence, and in those cases it may be quite legal. it may even be required. if not required legally, it may be in what you agreed to.
but is it secure?
what typically does not happen is a user’s request cleanly triggering a sanitization of all data they have generated on the targeted platform and periphery.