There are many articles on the internet that refer to digital footprints. I have even had articles that mention them as well. Over the past few months, I have received numerous messages asking just what a digital footprint is. So, I decided today I would answer all the questions you may have regarding your digital footprint. Remember, controlling your digital footprint can make all the difference when you are trying to protect your online reputation.

The Footprint

Your digital footprint in the impression you make on the internet through your various online activities. This can include but is not limited to, browsing, interactions with others, and publication of content. Your digital footprint is the trail of data – both intentional and unintentional – that you leave behind anytime you are on the internet. If you have ever seen a warning for cookies, this is essentially what contributes to your digital footprint.

Intentional

As I mentioned above, there are two classifications for digital footprints – intentional and unintentional – also known as active and passive. Below you will find some examples of intentional, or active, footprints you can leave.

1. Sending an Email – Yes, even sending an email is considered leaving a footprint. The reason is that while you only intend on one person reading the mail, it can be read by others. If you are using a work email, there is no expectation of privacy. Likewise, if the courts need emails from your address, they can be retrieved.
2. Blogging – Every time I write a blog for this website, I am contributing to my footprint.
3. Social Media – When you willingly go on a social media platform and post something, others can see it. Even if you are in a private group or posting on your feed. Someone can take a screenshot of your post and publicly post somewhere else. So, be careful what you post on your social media platforms.
4. Filling Out Online Forms – A lot of times, when you go to a website, they will ask if you want to sign up for their newsletter or provide you with a way to contact them. These forms will contribute to your footprint.

Unintentional

On the other end of the spectrum, we have what is called unintentional or passive footprints. Below are a couple of examples.

1. Geolocation – Whenever a website or app asks for your location, you provide them with information about you as a user. Depending on the site, you may be giving them more than you bargain for. Read the fine print carefully before you click accept.
2. Advertisements – When you click on any ad, you will be placing cookies in your folders and add to the digital footprint. When you go to other sites, this will be read, and you will be sent more targeted adverts.

Protection

As time goes on, more and more people are interested in protecting themselves from providing too much information on the internet. Therefore, I feel it is relevant to discuss the reasons companies are collecting your data and how you can limit what information you are sharing with them.

There are a number of reasons that a company would want your information. Since each customer is unique, they can target you with only things you want to see. They know your shopping habits; therefore, they know what kind of items may specifically appeal to you. Another reason a company would want to know more about you has to do with employment.

More than 75% of employers admit they conduct a Google search of prospective clients before deciding. I have discussed this with many people, and most of them do not like the idea. However, when you will do business with a company, do you look for information about them? I feel if it is good enough for you to check them out, they should be allowed to check you out. Of course, each person is checking out something a little different. You are checking if the product they are going to sell you is any good. They are checking to see if you are a good match with their core values. If you think about it, they are checking on their investment just as you are.

Management

There are many steps you can take to manage your footprint. Below, you will find a few ways that I suggest.

1. Research – Before you can start controlling your footprint, you need to know what information is out there about you. Trying to fix a problem without knowing what it entails would be a lot like trying to make lasagna without knowing the recipe. First things first, conduct a search of your name or brand on multiple search engine platforms. Each will have a few different results, so it is a wise thing to do.
2. Email – The next step is to control what email you have to deal with. Setting up separate email accounts for different projects is the key. I always use a specific email that I don’t care has a load of spam. Anytime I am surfing the internet, I make sure I am associating my current session with that email. That way, when they get my email information and send me junk, I don’t have it in my personal or work email.
3. Privacy Settings – Make sure when you are setting up your social media accounts that you control who can see what information. However, don’t wholly trust they will keep you safe.
4. Caution – This brings me to my final point. Take precautions to protect your information. Never just click accept on any popup. Read it and decide if that is a risk you are willing to take.

Conclusion

Protecting your online reputation is the main focus of controlling your digital footprint. If you follow the easy steps above, you will be more than safe in your everyday interactions on the internet. Just remember, no matter how secure your information is, there will always be unintentional data that gets shared. Check regularly and delete any information you no longer wish to have shared.