Part of the appeal of the Internet is the anonymity of it. You can often hide behind a username, which allows you to behave in a way that’s unlike your “real” self. But with the rise of username search OSINT tools, remaining anonymous isn’t as easy as it used to be. The tips given here will help you choose a secure username that will present more of a challenge to anyone looking to find who’s behind it.
Keep it Memorable, But Not Guessable
People search for social media profiles using username searches all the time and for various reasons. This is why you want to make it difficult for anyone to guess your username, even if they know you well. Potential employers may not be able to guess your username very easily, but someone who is closer to you might have the insight into your life to make an educated guess.
When selecting a username, be sure that it’s memorable to you so that you don’t forget it, but also choose one that only has meaning to you and no one else. For example, you probably don’t want to use your current dog’s name for any part of your username, but you could use your childhood dog’s name, especially if you’re not in touch with many people you knew while you were growing up.
Do Not Include Personal Information
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people use part of their birthday or social security number as their username. Of course these numbers are extremely easy for you to remember, but they’re also easy for people to guess. Even part of a sensitive number can allow someone to find you on social media.
For instance, if a potential employer is looking for your social media profiles, they have access to your social security number. They can search using parts of that number to identify potential matches and narrow it down from there. The same goes for your birthday (a lot of people add their birth month and year to their username). Usernames with sensitive information are simply easier to guess than those that don’t contain it.
Reading Suggestion: How Do I Find The IP Address Of A VoIP Phone?
Consider Using a Username Generator
The best username for anonymity is one that has absolutely no connection to you at all. As a human, you’re inclined to choose something that is meaningful to you so that you can easily remember it. However, a username with even the smallest link to you can be guessed or found. It might take the guesser a long time to crack it, but the possibility exists.
Instead, try using a username generator that creates usernames that have no connection to you or your life. You can keep generating outcomes until you find a username you like and will be able to remember. Since it was created by a computer that doesn’t know anything about you, it will be next to impossible to guess.
Conclusion
Staying truly anonymous on the Internet is getting more difficult all the time. Choosing a secure username is the first step in keeping yourself well hidden to prying eyes.
