The deep end · Step 13 of 13

Keep it up

Information you removed can come back, so this is something you check on, not something you finish.¹ This last step sets up a simple routine.

Why you need to check again

The FTC says that if the information in your public records changes, your information could appear on people-search sites again.¹ It advises checking people-search sites from time to time, and sending a new opt-out request if you find new information about yourself.¹

Your life changes too. You move, get a new phone number, sign up for new apps, or get a notice that a company lost your data. Each of these is a reason to check again.

What to do

1. Put repeating reminders in your calendar for the checks below. Pick a schedule you can stick to. Every three months is a reasonable place to start.
2. Repeat the self-search from Step 3. Use the same searches and compare with your notes, so you can spot anything new.
3. Re-check the people-search sites from Step 6. If you show up again, send a new opt-out request.¹
4. After a big app update, a new phone, or a new account, open the privacy settings and make sure they still match what you chose in Step 5.
5. Once a year, review your main accounts from Step 4: passwords, two-step sign-in, and the recovery email and phone number.
6. When you move or change your phone number, go back through Steps 6, 8, and 11 with your new details.

Let alerts do some of the work

Google's "Results about you" tool lets you enter your contact details, like your home address, phone number, or email, and see whether they show up in Google search results.² If you turn on notifications, Google says it will tell you when it finds new results that match.² Google also says that removing a result from its search doesn't mean the information is gone from the internet.²

You can also set up a Google Alert for your name. It sends you an email when new results for that name show up in Google Search.³ If you use a different search engine, check its own help pages for similar tools.

Google help: Results about you

When you get a data breach notice

If a company tells you your information was part of a data breach, the FTC suggests these steps:⁴

• Change your password for that company right away, and on any other account where you used a similar password.⁴
• Turn on multi-factor authentication, which Step 4 calls two-step sign-in.⁴
• Check what information was exposed and follow the FTC's steps for that kind of information at IdentityTheft.gov.⁴
• If someone is using your information to open accounts or make purchases, report it at IdentityTheft.gov.⁴

If a breach notice asks you to click a link or call a number, don't. Go to the company's website yourself instead, by typing the address you know is real.

IdentityTheft.gov: what to do after a data breach

Keep your accounts secure

Step 4 covered locking down your accounts. The FTC says a password manager can help you create complex, unique passwords that you won't reuse.⁴ Keep two-step sign-in turned on, and take a few minutes each year to remove old apps and accounts you no longer use.

After the last step

You can't become invisible. Some details will stay in public records, and new ones will appear as your life changes. What you have now is fewer easy ways for a stranger to find you, and a routine for keeping it that way.

Some people face more risk than this path covers, because of their job, their public profile, or someone who is targeting them. Guides for specific situations are coming later. If you are in danger now, use the help link at the top of this page.

Last checked: November 8, 2026