Digital Footprint
A digital footprint is a trail of data you create while using the Internet. It includes the websites you visit, emails you send, and information you submit to online services...An 'active digital footprint' is the information you intentionally submit online, including email, blogs, and social media use.
-TechTerms
What's in Your Digital Footprint?
Teens talk about oversharing on the internet
Managing Your Digital Footprint
Two easy steps to help you identify what your 'online impressions' are. Do they align with what you want people to know about you, now and in the future?
Google Yourself by typing in your full name into Google's search box. Also, check variations you may have used at some point online. Were there any surprises? Were you happy with what you saw about your self?
Use Google Alerts to receive email updates of the latest relevant Google results about you by visiting the site and and entering your name.
Tips to keep your digital footprint safe:
- Always log off of online services
- Do not enter your password on a website using free public Wi-fi. Hackers on the network can snoop on what your're doing online.
- Don't forget that most websites you visit will make note of your visit and may also track the websites you visit before and after their website.
- Signing up for a new site or purchasing items online puts whatever personal information you provide in circulation. It could be shared or sold.
- Don't forget that anyone can copy and past anything you say online, they can send it to others, or publish it however they want to the internet.
- Be vigilant and discerning when you use the internet.