Did you know that nearly everything we do online leaves behind a trace? From web browsing, posting on social media, or shopping online, nearly every click and interaction contributes to a record of our digital lives. This combination of data is known as a “digital footprint.” But what exactly is a digital footprint, and why is it so important?
Understanding what a digital footprint is and how it’s created over time is crucial to protect your privacy and security online. Let’s look at the details along with steps you can take to safeguard your internet experience on Greenlight Networks’ high-speed fiber network.
Digital Footprint Essentials
Simply, a digital footprint is the collection of data left behind when you use the internet, knowingly or not. You may have seen it referred as a “digital shadow” as the collection of data follows you when using the internet.
Your digital footprint includes a record of all the websites you visit as “cookies” that a website collects from each unique visitor. You directly contribute to your digital footprint every time you share information (e.g., your name, address, phone number, or Social Security Number), post content (i.e., social media photos and posts), interact with individuals or company websites, and even when you download apps. Digital footprints can be active or passive.
Let’s explore the distinctions between active and passive digital footprints and their impact on your online privacy and security.
Active and Passive Digital Footprints
An active digital footprint is created by the deliberate actions you choose to take online. This includes what you share, post, or write on social media, websites, and blogs. Every time you post photos, videos, reviews, and comment or interact on the web, you add to your active digital footprint.
For example, when you post or comment on Facebook or Instagram – on your own page or anyone you follow – you add to your active digital footprint. The emails you send or receive can also contribute to your digital footprint since email providers use tools to analyze the content of your messages to create targeted ads. Each of these actions are intentional, which means you are in control of what is shared and how it is presented.
A passive digital footprint is generated without your direct involvement (and often without your knowledge). It includes data that is collected automatically while you browse the internet. Websites and apps follow your activity using cookies, analytics tools, and other tracking technologies to gather data on your preferences, location, and online behavior. These are passively collected and contribute to your digital footprint.
When you visit a website, it may automatically track which pages you have viewed, how long you were on each page, or your overall search history. Your physical location (i.e., your city or town and state), can also also be tracked. Unlike your active digital footprint, you don’t intentionally input this information about yourself or post content containing this information—you simply click, and the tracking technology collected the data and added it to your passive digital footprint.
Why Does Your Digital Footprint Matter?
Your digital footprint is no mere “collection” of digitized information about you, it holds considerable real-world implications for your privacy, security, and reputation online and offline.
- Protect Your Privacy: Millions of people use social media to post about themselves daily, so a substantial amount of personal information can be learned from a digital footprint. From your interests and relationships to your everyday habits, this data can be accessed by companies, marketers, and advertisers, who then can create targeted ads and offers.
- Prevent Identity Theft and Fraud: Savvy cybercriminals can find ways to get their hands on your digital footprint and use it for nefarious purposes if it’s not been adequately protected. This means that your name, address, phone number, Social Security Number, or even bank account and credit card details could potentially be accessed through your digital presence and exploited by cybercriminals as identity theft.
- Defend Your Reputation: Be mindful that employers, coworkers, friends, and family may search for you online to learn more about you and what you’re up to. Posts or content that are controversial, taken out of context, or inappropriate can negatively impact your personal and professional reputation for years—and can even lead to termination in some cases.
Managing and Protecting Your Digital Footprint
Now that you understand what your digital footprint is and how it’s created, as well as its potential implications, you can now learn how to manage and protect it. Check out these simple steps you can take to effectively safeguard your digital presence:
- Reduce Personal Information Shared: First, and most obviously, avoid oversharing personal details online in posts, emails, or online forms. The more you share about yourself, the more data is available for others to see (and use).
- Employ Strong Passwords and Security Tools: Utilize strong, unique passwords for every account you use. When available, use two-factor or multi-factor authentication for your accounts and install security tools to protect your data from malware and viruses that can collect your data.
- Customize and Enable Privacy Settings: Don’t forget to regularly check the privacy settings on your social media accounts, apps, and other online platforms, as well as the websites you use. Many apps and websites allow you to adjust your cookies and settings to limit who can see your posts and personal information and what data they collect about you.
- Research Apps and Websites First: While it’s tempting to try out a new app or browse a trendy website, tread cautiously. Many apps request permission to access your data or online profiles before you can use it, so carefully review their permissions and privacy policies to ensure they are transparent and trustworthy.
Understanding and managing your digital footprint is essential for keeping your privacy and security, and maintaining a positive online reputation. With this knowledge, you can now take control of your online presence and feel confident and secure while using the internet.
For additional tips to help keep you and your family safe online, follow Greenlight Networks’ social pages!
