{"id":1072884,"date":"2026-03-09T14:00:38","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T18:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/ca\/?p=1072884"},"modified":"2026-04-07T19:12:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T23:12:20","slug":"5-ways-to-protect-your-digital-footprint-and-identity-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/ca\/news\/5-ways-to-protect-your-digital-footprint-and-identity-in-2026","title":{"rendered":"5 ways to protect your digital footprint\u2014and identity\u2014in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Investing in preventative measures with Equifax can help protect your information online.<\/h2><article class=\"luna-card luna-card--shadow\"><div class=\"luna-card__block\"><div class=\"u-grid\"><div class=\"u-grid__col u-1\/5@s\"><a href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Image: Equifax\/Supplied\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Equifax_Supplied_320x114.png\" alt=\"Equifax\" width=\"320\" height=\"114\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1073721\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Equifax_Supplied_320x114.png?fit=180 180w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Equifax_Supplied_320x114.png?fit=360 360w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Equifax_Supplied_320x114.png?fit=600 600w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Equifax_Supplied_320x114.png?fit=900 900w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Equifax_Supplied_320x114.png?fit=960 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"u-grid__col u-4\/5@s\">Sponsored by <a href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\">Equifax<\/a>. If you need credit monitoring and identity theft protection, Equifax Complete<small><sup>TM<\/sup><\/small> Protection can help. Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\">Equifax website<\/a> today to learn more.<div class=\"has-padding-xsmall\"><\/div><p><a href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\"><button class=\"luna-button luna-button--success\" style=\"margin-top: 10px; margin-left: 0px;\" type=\"button\">Learn more<\/button><\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article><div><\/div><p>Many people tend to think of identity theft as a short-term issue. Cash might go missing from an account, or some fraudulent activity shows up on a credit card.<\/p><p>It\u2019s annoying and inconvenient, but not necessarily life-ruining. Right?<\/p><p>Well, no. Identity theft can present several serious, long-term problems.<\/p><p>If it\u2019s not handled rapidly\u2014or ideally, prevented\u2014it can compromise your ability to take out loans, buy a house or make other financial moves.<\/p><p>So today, we\u2019re taking a look at some of the ways you can protect yourself online.<\/p><p><a class=\"luna-button luna-button--fluid deal-button deals-trigger luna-button--success\" style=\"margin-top: 15px; border-radius: 12px;\" href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\">Learn more about Equifax Complete Protection<\/a><\/p><hr><h3>1. Use a VPN<\/h3><p>A lot of people already use VPNs to access geo-blocked content.<\/p><p>But did you know they can also be great for helping to protect your online privacy?<\/p><p>Using a VPN can help protect your IP address and online activity. It can also help prevent people from tracking private information\u2014like login details.<\/p><p>So even if you\u2019re just browsing casually online, it can be worth investing in a VPN.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Equifax Complete<small><sup>TM<\/sup><\/small> Protection<\/a> includes access to NordVPN to help your information stay protected.<\/p><hr><h3>2. Opt for a password manager<\/h3><p>In an era where data breaches occur with frightening regularity, you don\u2019t want your passwords compromised.<\/p><p>Fortunately, solutions are available. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Equifax Complete<small><sup>TM<\/sup><\/small> Protection<\/a> features a password manager.<\/p><p>Opting for a password manager can allow you to keep your passwords in one place\u2014while helping to keep them safe beneath multiple layers of encryption.<\/p><p>Rather than needing to remember a multitude of passwords, you can just remember one instead.<\/p><p>This kind of feature can help make your computer less vulnerable to outside eyes or malicious tools like keyloggers.<\/p><hr><article class=\"luna-card luna-card--primary\"><div class=\"luna-card__block\"><h4>The Digital Domino Effect<b> <\/b><\/h4><p>Did you know that it can take just one leaked password to compromise your accounts?<\/p><p>This is because:<\/p><ul><li>Many people use the same password for multiple accounts<\/li><li>It can allow hackers to figure out your password format<\/li><li>People can gain access to key accounts, like emails, and reset other passwords<\/li><\/ul><p>This creates a domino effect that can have serious consequences. So make sure you use the tools in this article to stay safe online!<\/p><\/div><\/article><hr><h3>3. Use an identity protection service<\/h3><p>The dark web\u2014perhaps deservedly\u2014has a bit of a salacious reputation.<\/p><p>Although there are lots of valid reasons for people to use it (for example, journalists in countries with poor freedom of the press), it\u2019s no secret that it\u2019s also home to a lot of shady goings-on.<\/p><p>This can include people reselling your private information and data.<\/p><p>But if you don\u2019t use the dark web yourself\u2014and odds are you probably don\u2019t\u2014how do you keep track of this?<\/p><p>Using an identity protection service can help keep you aware of breaches.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Equifax Complete<small><sup>TM<\/sup><\/small> Protection<\/a> features dark web monitoring, so you don\u2019t have to trawl through the unpleasant depths of the internet.<\/p><p>So if the information you provided shows up on the dark web, you\u2019ll be notified. Then you can take action\u2014like putting a fraud alert on your credit report or updating your passwords.<\/p><hr><h3>4. Device protection<\/h3><p>In 2026, most of us are glued to the internet, thanks to smartphones and tablets.<\/p><p>This can be great for convenience. But it can also pose a risk for exposing your identity to the wider world.<\/p><p>With this in mind, <a href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Equifax Complete<small><sup>TM<\/sup><\/small> Protection<\/a> has device protection that helps protect you from malware, ransomware and other viruses that can attack your devices to steal your personal data.<\/p><p>And of course\u2014make sure you lock your devices when you\u2019re not using them. Even basic things like this can help keep your info safe.<\/p><hr><h3>5. Invest in restoration services<\/h3><p>We\u2019ve talked about some of the ways to prevent issues.<\/p><p>But what if your information is compromised?<\/p><p>In addition to the preventative tools it provides, Equifax Complete<small><sup>TM<\/sup><\/small> Protection allows you to get help from dedicated ID restoration specialists if your data is compromised.<\/p><p>You also have access to up to $1 million in identity theft insurance (not available in Quebec). This can be used to help cover certain out-of-pocket expenses related to restoring your identity.<\/p><h3>Conclusion<\/h3><p>Remember\u2014when it comes to internet safety, you can\u2019t just \u201cset it and forget it.\u201d Regularly updating your password and using digital tools can help you avoid potential issues.<\/p><p>Having a toolset like <a href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Equifax Complete<small><sup>TM<\/sup><\/small> Protection<\/a> can help you avoid issues\u2014and if problems do occur, you can bounce back more easily.<\/p><h3>Learn more about Equifax Complete<small><sup>TM<\/sup><\/small><\/h3><article class=\"luna-card luna-card--shadow\"><div class=\"luna-card__block\"><div class=\"u-grid\"><div class=\"u-grid__col u-1\/5@s\"><a href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Image: Equifax\/Supplied\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Equifax_Supplied_320x114.png\" alt=\"Equifax\" width=\"320\" height=\"114\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1073721\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Equifax_Supplied_320x114.png?fit=180 180w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Equifax_Supplied_320x114.png?fit=360 360w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Equifax_Supplied_320x114.png?fit=600 600w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Equifax_Supplied_320x114.png?fit=900 900w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/03\/Equifax_Supplied_320x114.png?fit=960 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"u-grid__col u-4\/5@s\">Sponsored by <a href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\">Equifax<\/a>. If you need credit monitoring and identity theft protection, Equifax Complete<small><sup>TM<\/sup><\/small> Protection can help. Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\">Equifax website<\/a> today to learn more.<div class=\"has-padding-xsmall\"><\/div><p><a href=\"https:\/\/t.finder.com\/aff_c?offer_id=26965&amp;aff_id=1047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\"><button class=\"luna-button luna-button--success\" style=\"margin-top: 10px; margin-left: 0px;\" type=\"button\">Learn more<\/button><\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SPONSORED: Staying safe online means more than creating strong passwords. Find out how a toolkit like Equifax Complete can help protect you from online security threats.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1291,"featured_media":1072900,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[351],"tags":[106865],"asset_tag":[],"class_list":["post-1072884","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-branded-content"],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.9 (Yoast SEO v24.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>5 Ways To Protect Your Digital Footprint\u2014and Identity\u2014in 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Internet safety goes beyond creating passwords. 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