Understanding Your Digital Footprint
Nowadays, nearly everyone carries a phone in their pocket. Imagine a phone as a mini-computer; most of them are capable of much more than merely sending text messages and making calls. They allow immediate access to the internet which means that we are sharing a tremendous amount of personal information at all times.
Can you trace your digital footprints?
Each click leaves a digital trace, whether it is through social media, online shopping, or simply browsing the web. This digital footprint can reveal a lot about who we are, what we like, and even our habits and preferences.
It is very important to consider this—especially as we celebrate Safer Internet Day to promote safe, responsible, and positive use of digital technology, is a perfect opportunity to assess and protect your digital presence.
Here are TEN practical tips on how you can protect your digital footprint and stay safer online.
1. Review and Adjust Privacy Settings
Every platform you use, from social media to search engines, has privacy settings that allow you to control what others can see. Review these settings regularly and adjust them to limit access to your personal information. For example:
- On social media, make your profile private or restrict who can see your posts.
- On Google, adjust your account settings to control how much data is collected and used for advertising.
- Regularly check location-sharing settings to prevent unnecessary tracking.
2. Think Before You Post Online
Once something is posted online, it can be very difficult to fully erase it. Before you share anything, consider how it might be perceived by others and whether it’s something you’d be comfortable with someone seeing months or years down the line. Avoid oversharing personal details such as your home address, phone number, or travel plans.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
A major part of safeguarding your digital footprint is securing your accounts with strong passwords. Avoid using the same password for multiple sites. Consider using a password manager to create and store complex passwords that are difficult for hackers to guess. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible adds an additional layer of security to your online accounts.
4. Limit Digital Data Collection
Many websites track your online activity to improve user experience or serve targeted ads. While this can be helpful in some cases, it also poses a risk to your privacy. To minimise the amount of data collected:
- Use privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo.
- Install browser extensions that block tracking cookies, such as Privacy Badger or uBlock Origin.
- Review the permissions you grant to apps and websites and disable any that aren’t necessary.
5. Stay Vigilant About Phishing and Scams
One of the most common ways hackers collect personal information is through phishing scams. Be cautious about unsolicited emails, messages, or pop-ups that ask for your personal information or direct you to fake websites. Always double-check the URL of a site to make sure it’s legitimate, and never click on links from unknown sources.
6. Regularly Audit Your Digital Presence
Do a self-audit of your digital footprint by searching for your name on Google. See what comes up and assess whether there’s any outdated or unwanted information linked to you. If you find something concerning, take action by contacting the website to request the removal of personal information.
7. Be Mindful of IoT Devices
Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart speakers, cameras, and even connected thermostats are an easy target for hackers if not properly secured. Always change default passwords and regularly update the firmware to ensure these devices aren’t leaking sensitive data or becoming vulnerable to attacks.
8. Educate Yourself and Others
One of the best ways to protect your digital footprint is by staying informed. Follow reputable sources on digital privacy and security, and make sure your family and friends are aware of the importance of safeguarding their personal information online, too. Safer Internet Day is a perfect occasion to have conversations about online safety and encourage safe online practices in your community.
9. Secure Your Devices
Keep your devices secure by using antivirus software and setting up a password, PIN, or biometric authentication (like facial recognition or a fingerprint scanner) to unlock them. This is especially important for mobile phones and laptops, as they contain a wealth of personal information that you want to keep private.
10. Understand the Law
While you can take many steps to protect your digital footprint, it’s important to know your legal rights as well. In many countries, there are laws in place that protect your personal data, like UK GDPR in the UK. Familiarise yourself with these regulations so that you can better understand your rights to privacy and how to act if your data is compromised.
TenIntelligence Thoughts
Our digital footprints reflect who we are in the online world, whether as individuals or employees, and just like in the physical world, we should be mindful of how we leave our mark. This Safer Internet Day, take a few moments to reflect on your digital habits and implement some of the tips shared above to keep your online presence as safe and secure as possible. By being proactive about your digital footprint, you can enjoy the benefits of the internet while minimising the risks.
For expert guidance on digital forensics and cybersecurity, reach out to TenIntelligence Digital Forensics Expert at lisseth.ortizdiaz@tenintel.com.
Stay safe, stay smart, and protect your digital life!
Written by
Lisseth Ortiz Diaz | Digital Forensics Associate
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