What is a digital footprint?
A digital footprint is the data that’s left behind whenever you use a digital service. Whether you access the internet using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop, each time you go online, you’re leaving a trail of information behind you.
All these online activities can add to your digital footprint.
- Emailing
- Social media
- Messenger
- Banking
- Dating
- Photo sharing
- Gaming
- Shopping
- Geolocation services
- Applications
- Professional networking
Your digital footprint could include information about you, your home and your work that others, including those with malicious intent, can easily gain access to. Make sure you know what it comprises and remember others can contribute to your digital footprint by tagging you in posts and comments and pictures they post involving you.
Those of us who work for organisations where our roles give us privileged access to sites, information or assets – be it organisational processes, systems, finances, research projects, technology, designs, equipment, materials, staff data, public data, intellectual property or
intelligence – we need to be extra vigilant.
Manage your footprint
Most of us have a digital footprint and should know how to manage it. The rules below will help you actively manage the data trail left behind each time you use the internet.
Know what your digital footprint looks like.
- What information is out there about you? What can someone learn about you, your family, your work and your interests?
- And remember, it’s not just you creating your digital footprint. Make sure you know who else is posting about you online as well.
Manage your digital footprint.
- Be proactive and shape your digital footprint into something that you and your organisation are happy with.
- Review your passwords and privacy settings on devices, apps and social media sites.
- Review what personal and work related data is available online about you. Can you delete parts or ask for them to be removed?
- Think carefully about what you share – you don’t always know who’s looking at it.
Monitor your footprint
Looking after your digital footprint is an ongoing job, so monitor it regularly.
- Social media privacy settings change, the devices you use change, and the information about you online changes as you and others add to it.
- Keep an eye on your digital footprint to ensure you, your friends, your family and your organisation stay safe.
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