The Hidden Dangers of Abandoned Online Accounts: Why You Should Close Them

October 17, 2023 Matt Mills Internet, Tips and Tricks 0

In our daily digital lives, we spend countless hours connected to various online services and platforms. As a result, we often accumulate numerous accounts across the internet, many of which go unused and neglected. The common practice of neglecting these accounts poses a significant risk, and it’s important to understand the potential consequences of not closing them.

Why Is It a Risk?

Every time you create an online account, you leave behind personal data within the databases of the respective websites or services. While the extent of this data may vary, it can include your name, birthdate, email address, and, in some cases, even sensitive information like your credit card number.

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Common pieces of information often left behind include your name and birthdate, both of which can become problematic if they fall into the wrong hands. Even without reusing passwords, this information can be exploited by cybercriminals in various ways. For example, if a data breach occurs on a service you’ve registered with, your exposed data can be connected to your other online accounts. In such cases, knowing your name, email address, or birthdate can be leveraged by malicious actors.

Remembering Old Accounts

One major challenge in closing these accounts is that it’s easy to forget where you’ve registered. Nobody can recall every website or service they’ve briefly engaged with. To rediscover these accounts:

  1. Check Your Password Manager: Your browser’s password manager often retains records of previously used logins. Explore this tool to uncover forgotten accounts.
  2. Social Media Authorization: Check your social media profiles for any apps or websites linked to your accounts. You might have connected some services using your social media credentials.
  3. Email Inbox: Search your email inbox for keywords like “Welcome,” “User,” or “Your account.” You’ll likely find emails from services you registered with in the past. Then, you can review them and act accordingly.

How to Delete Accounts

Closing accounts can be a complex process, as some websites make it challenging to do so. If you’re having difficulty deleting an account, consider these steps:

  1. JustDelete.me: Visit the website JustDelete.me, which offers an extensive database of deletion methods. Search for the service you wish to delete and follow the provided link or instructions.
  2. Contact Customer Service: If you’re unable to delete an account through the standard procedure, reach out to the platform’s customer service. Although this can be time-consuming, it’s worth the effort.

What If You Can’t Delete an Account?

In cases where account deletion seems impossible, you can still take action to protect your personal information:

  • Edit Your Account: Log in and modify any personal information within the account, such as name, birthdate, or contact details. While this won’t erase the account’s existence, it can safeguard more sensitive data from being accessed by others.

In conclusion, the digital footprints we leave behind in the form of unused online accounts can pose risks to our privacy and security. By taking proactive steps to identify and close these accounts, you can reduce your exposure to potential data breaches and maintain better control over your online presence.