A digital footprint is also known as an “electronic footprint” or “online shadow.” It refers to information traces users leave while they use the internet. For instance, recent research shows approximately $5.52 billion internet users worldwide. All these users, when using the internet, leave their traces globally. It will include all client visits, whether they are on the website, emails, or the details they submit virtually. These footprints can be used to trace a user’s digital involvement. In this article, readers will understand how users can create their digital footprints, either passive or active.
A Digital Footprint – A Quick Flash
Whenever a user comes online, they leave a trace behind. These trails can increase from diverse methods, including,
- When a candidate posts something on social media.
- Enrolling in a business journal.
- When a client leaves feedback for a company or after purchasing something digitally.
In many cases, users are unaware of how they contribute to their digital footprint. For example, some websites can install cookies to track the user’s activities on their device, and there are apps that can accumulate the candidate’s information without them even knowing about it. Once they permit an organization to have access to their information, they could sell their data to third parties or share their information with them. More so, candidate’s personal information might fall prey to a data breach.
Digital Footprints – Major Categories
Passive and active virtual footprints are the terms commonly used in the area of digital footprints.
- Passive Digital Footprints
A digital footprint checker occurs when the user gathers data without the user’s knowledge that such a gathering is happening. This is portrayed when a website collects information about how often entities visit, where they come from, and the user’s IP address. This form of process is hidden and may be unknown to users. Other examples of passive footprints are websites from social networking sites where advertisers profile users based on their likes, shares, and comments and, in turn, target their with specific content.
- Active Digital Footprints
It occurs when a user deliberately discloses personal information, for example, by posting or being part of a social networking site or online forums. If a user is logged in to a website with a registered username or profile, then anything that that user posts on that web page becomes a part of his or her active digital footprint. Other behaviors that build active digital footprints include filling out an online form—for example, subscribing to a newsletter or agreeing to the acceptance of cookies on their browser.
Significant Changes Observed in Digital Footprints
Digital footprints leave a relatively permanent impact, and once data is public, or even semipublic, as is the case, sometimes with Facebook posts, the owner cannot control how others use it. The digital footprint check can establish someone’s social media presence, which is now as important as their offline standing. Usually, employees will check the digital footprint of employees on social networking profiles before employing anyone. So also do colleges and universities to prospective students while accepting their applications.
Words or images posted by a user on the internet could be misinterpreted, changed, and consequently cause unneeded hurt. Information for a small circle can become too public, damaging relationships and friendships.
Cybercriminals can take advantage of a digital footprint. They can use a digital onboarding process to phish the theft of a victim’s account or to create a false identity by using a user’s data.
Hence, knowing that a digital footprint is essential. Most people engage in activities where they are cautious regarding their online lives so that data wouldn’t be collected against them.
Digital Protection of Footprint
It’s smart to remain aware of a digital footprint, as employers, colleges, and other similar entities can check online identities. Here are some tips on personal data protection and management of online reputation that allow you to Check your digital footprint using search engines.
- Reduce the number of mentions for information sources.
- Restrict access to confidential data.
- Recheck the privacy settings.
- Elude reveals confidential news on social media.
- Stay off unsafe websites.
- Avoid revealing personal information using public wi-fi.
- Remove old accounts.
- Make secure codes and use a password manager.
- Keep an eye on the medical records.
- Don’t log in with Facebook.
Winding Up
In conclusion, managing a user’s digital footprint is crucial to stay safe online. Everything a user does online-from posting on social media to visiting various web pages- exposes them to certain cyber-related risks. Being conscious of what candidates spread and how they browse, especially with tools like Immediate 2000 ProAir, can help them avoid an onslaught of cyberattacks such as identity theft or fraudulent activities.
