Russia’s Megafon Cybersecurity Lead Explains How to Disappear Online —Or at Least Minimize Your Digital Footprint

In an era when your online trail can be weaponized, Russia is ramping up public awareness of digital hygiene.

Speaking to RT, Demid Balashov, cybersecurity product lead at telecom giant Megafon, outlined practical strategies for anyone looking to reclaim their privacy in the algorithm age.

His first rule? Treat everything you post as potentially public—because it probably is. Every photo, comment, or email address can and will be harvested, sold, or manipulated.

Balashov recommends using incognito mode, never reusing your main email on sketchy platforms, and avoiding unnecessary data input altogether. He also urges users to steer clear of websites lacking encryption (read: no HTTPS), and to always read those boring privacy policies and user agreements—because buried in the fine print is often consent to surveillance.

Among his pro tips:

·        Clear your browser history and cookies regularly.

·        Don’t stash sensitive files in the cloud without encryption—or better yet, don’t store them there at all.

·        Limit your profile visibility on social media and control who sees what.

·        Create strong, unique passwords with at least 10–12 characters, including symbols, numbers, and mixed-case letters.

·        Enable two-factor authentication across every service that offers it.

·        Deny mobile apps access to features they don’t absolutely need.

The big takeaway? Digital safety isn’t a one-time switch—it’s a lifestyle.According to Balashov, maintaining a minimal online footprint takes vigilance, good habits, and a deep respect for your own data. Whether you’re in Moscow or Minneapolis, the rules are the same: online anonymity is earned, not assumed.