A digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind when using the internet. Every time you use the internet, you contribute to your digital footprint, whether it's through posting on social media, subscribing to newsletters, leaving online reviews, or shopping online.
Types of Digital Footprints
There are two types of digital footprints: active and passive.
- An active digital footprint is created when you share information about yourself online, such as posting on social media or participating in online forums. This also includes filling out online forms or accepting cookies on websites.
- A passive digital footprint is created when information is collected about you without your knowledge. This can happen when websites track your visits, collect your IP address, or when social media platforms use your likes and shares to profile you.
Why Your Digital Footprint Is Important
Your digital footprint is important because it can have a lasting impact on your life. Once information is online, it can be difficult to control how others use it. Your digital footprint shapes your digital reputation, which is now considered as important as your offline reputation. Employers and educational institutions may check your digital footprint before making decisions about you. Additionally, your online content can be misinterpreted or altered, potentially causing unintended consequences. Cybercriminals can also exploit your digital footprint for malicious purposes. For these reasons, it's crucial to be mindful of your online activities and manage your digital footprint carefully.
Follow the tips below to protect your digital footprint:
- Limit the amount of data that you share on social media. Remember, once you share information about yourself online, you can’t control how others will use it.
- Delete old online accounts that you no longer use. If that account is breached, your information could be compromised.
- Follow your organization’s guidelines when creating passwords. A strong password is more difficult to crack and will help keep your data more secure.