Digital footprints- sometimes called a digital shadow or an electronic footprint- refers to the trail of data you leave when using the internet. When you use the internet, you leave behind a trail of information known as your digital footprint. It includes websites you visit, posting on social media, emails you send, and information you submit online. Sometimes, its not always obvious that you are contributing to your digital footprint. For example, websites can track your activity by installing cookies on your device, and apps can collate your data without you knowing it.

A digital footprint can be used to track a person’s online activities and devices.

TYPES OF DIGITAL FOOTPRINTS

1. ACTIVE DIGITAL FOOTPRINTS: An active digital footprint refers to instances where a user intentionally discloses information about themselves. This can occur through actions like posting or engaging on social media platforms or online forums. Whenever a user is logged into a website with a registered username or profile, any content they share becomes part of their active digital footprint. Additional activities that contribute to this footprint include filling out online forms, such as subscribing to a newsletter, or giving consent to accept cookies on their browser.
2. PASSIVE DIGITAL FOOTPRINTS: A passive digital footprint is generated when information is gathered about the user without their explicit knowledge or awareness. This happens, for instance, when websites collect data on the frequency of user visits, the sources of their traffic, and their IP addresses. Such data collection occurs discreetly, and users may remain unaware of its existence. Other instances of passive footprints include social networking platforms and advertisers utilising your likes, shares, and comments to create a profile of you and tailor specific content for targeted marketing purposes.

Why do digital footprints matter?

• They possess a relatively permanent nature, making it challenging for the owner to control how others use their public or semi-public data, as seen with Facebook posts.
• A person’s digital footprint plays a crucial role in shaping their digital reputation, which is now considered as significant as their offline reputation.
• Employers often examine the digital footprints of potential employees, especially their social media presence, when making hiring decisions. 
• Similarly, colleges and universities may review prospective students’ digital footprints before accepting them.
• Words and images shared online can be easily misinterpreted or manipulated, leading to unintended offense.
• Content meant for a private audience can sometimes spread to a broader circle, potentially harming relationships and friendships.
• Cybercriminals can exploit your digital footprint for malicious purposes, such as phishing for account access or creating fake identities using your personal data.

Given these reasons, it is essential to consider what your digital footprint reveals about you. Many individuals adopt a cautious approach to manage their digital footprint by controlling the data that can be collected about them through mindful online activities.

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To protect your digital footprint and manage your online reputation, consider implementing the following tips:

• Limit data sharing: Be cautious when providing personal information to organisations as it increases your digital footprint and the risk of data misuse or breaches. Consider if there are alternative ways to access services without sharing sensitive data.
• Double-check privacy settings: Review and adjust privacy settings on social media to control who can see your posts, but remember that privacy settings only protect you within the relevant social media platform.
• Avoid unsafe websites: Transact only on secure websites (URLs starting with https:// and a padlock icon) and never share confidential information on unsecured sites, especially payment details.
• Delete old accounts: Reduce your digital footprint by deleting old accounts you no longer use, minimising exposure to potential data breaches.
• Create strong passwords and use a password manager: Utilise strong, unique passwords and a password manager to secure your accounts and change passwords regularly.
• Don’t log in with Facebook: Avoid using Facebook credentials to log into third-party websites, as it may expose your personal information to the site.
• Keep software up to date: Regularly update your software to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting vulnerabilities in older versions.
• Review your mobile use: Set a passcode for your mobile device and read app user agreements to understand the data they collect and share.
• Think before you post: Be mindful of what you share online, as it contributes to your digital image. Only post content that reflects the image you want others to perceive.
• Act fast after a breach: If you suspect a data breach, take immediate action, report financial losses to your bank, change passwords, and update passwords across different accounts if necessary.
• Use a VPN: Employ a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your digital footprint by masking your IP address and ensuring online privacy. VPNs can prevent websites from tracking your browsing history. By implementing these measures, you can better safeguard your personal data and maintain a positive online reputation.