{"id":396,"date":"2023-04-11T11:08:04","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T11:08:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/?p=396"},"modified":"2023-07-14T06:49:46","modified_gmt":"2023-07-14T06:49:46","slug":"what-is-a-digital-footprint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/articles\/what-is-a-digital-footprint\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Digital Footprint: Everything You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every time we go online, we leave a digital footprint. This footprint consists of all the data associated with our name that can be traced back to us<\/strong>. It includes everything – from the websites we visit to the searches we make on Google.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our digital footprints are stored in places such as search engines, social media platforms, and public databases<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will discuss what a digital footprint is<\/strong> and how it works<\/strong>. We\u2019ll also talk about the different types of footprints<\/strong> and provide some examples. Finally, we\u2019ll explain the benefits of building positive digital footprints<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital Footprint Definition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A digital footprint is a record of our online activity<\/strong> created every time we go online. It includes all our online activities and can be regarded as an impression of our identity<\/strong> that lingers even when we\u2019re offline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The information you share online leaves a data trail, which can help others create a particular image of you. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to be aware of the digital footprints<\/strong> you leave behind and take steps to protect your information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do Digital Footprints Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whenever we go online, we leave a trail of data behind us. Search engines, social media sites, advertisers, and many other companies collect and store this data. Some of it is made public, while other pieces of information are kept private.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our online activity can be tracked based on information from our digital footprints. This information can also be utilized to create fake profiles<\/strong> for marketing or other purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Digital Footprints<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to digital footprints, there are six different types you should be aware of: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Personally Identifiable Footprints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are footprints that can be used to identify us specifically. They include our name, address, email address, and phone number. Personally identifiable footprints are the most sensitive type of data and should be protected at all costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Anonymous Footprints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anonymous footprints are the ones that can\u2019t be used to identify us. These include the sites we visit and the searches we make. These footprints are not as sensitive as personally identifiable ones, but they should still be protected. It\u2019s advisable to protect your digital footprint by using a reliable VPN or other cybersecurity tools such as antivirus or antimalware apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Active Digital Footprints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As the name suggests, these are the footprints we create on purpose. They include things like the comments we leave on social media, the posts we share, and the searches we make. Active footprints are the easiest to track because they are right in front of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Passive Digital Footprints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unlike the active ones, passive digital footprints are created without our knowledge or consent. These may include the websites we visit, the videos we watch, and the ads we see. Because we are not always aware of our passive digital trace, it\u2019s more difficult to create and maintain a positive digital footprint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. User Input Footprints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are footprints created when we input information into a website or application. They include our username, password, and credit card number. User input footprints should always be protected because they can be utilized to steal our identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Sensor Data Footprints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are footprints created by the devices we use. They include things like our location, age, and gender. Sensor data footprints can be used to track our behavior and personal preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital Footprint Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that we know what a digital footprint is, let’s take a look at some examples. Here are a few of the most common categories of digital footprints:<\/p>\n\n\n\n