Identifying and Remove Metadata

Metadata is a very useful type of data that gives specific information like OS version, Application used, etc. So, metadata is a goldmine for cybercriminals as it can help tailor attacks for individuals and helps in targeted phishing.

ON WINDOWS

Right-Click on the file and go to Properties.
Go to the Details tab from the top.
You will see all the data that someone can get from that file. To remove metadata click on Remove Properties and Personal Information from the bottom.
Click OK and you will have a copy with all the metadata removed.

Another option is to use Document Inspector, a built-in tool for Microsoft applications, which will identify metadata and give you the option of selectively removing some or all of it.

ON MAC

If you’re on a Mac system, don’t worry, you’ll be able to remove photo metadata too. Unfortunately, you’ll need to use a third-party app. You can view the metadata though, by doing the following:

ImageOptim is a tool generally used for reducing image file sizes. But the app does more than compress images. It also offers a feature to remove private EXIF metadata from photos while compressing them at the same time

After you download and unzip the ImageOptim, open it up to get started.
Click ImageOptim > Preferences from the menu bar or you can select the small settings icon on the right bottom corner.
Select the General tab and then check the boxes under Metadata and Color Profiles. These settings will remove metadata and other details from PNG and JPEG image file formats.

Close the Preferences.
Drag a photo from its location on your Mac to the app window. You’ll see a checkmark in green next to the photo when all processes finish, which should take less than a minute depending on the compression options you use.

NOTE - This will replace the original image with the compressed and with no metadata.

You can open the image in Preview to confirm that the metadata has been removed.
To do that Go to Show Inspector Option (command + I).
You should not see EXIF or other tabs in the inspector.