Did you know that nearly everything we do online leaves behind a trace? Whether web browsing, posting on social media, or shopping for deals online, nearly every click and interaction contributes to a record of our digital lives. Collectively, this massive mixture of data about each of us is known as a “digital footprint.” But what exactly is a digital footprint, and why is it so significant?
Understanding what constitutes a digital footprint and how it’s amassed over time is crucial to protecting privacy and security online. That’s why TEC, your trusted provider of Fast Fiber Internet, has prepared this guide.
Below, we walk you through the details of digital footprints, including the two main types, and the steps you can take to better safeguard and improve your internet experience on TEC’s high-speed fiber network.
Digital Footprint Essentials
At its most basic, a digital footprint is the collection of data you leave behind when you use the internet, whether you do so knowingly or not. You’ll often see it referred to as a “digital shadow” because the collected data closely follows you as you utilize the internet without realizing the trail you’ve left behind.
Your digital footprint includes a vast record of all the websites you visit, usually in the form of “cookies” that a website collects from each unique visitor. Additionally, you directly contribute to your digital footprint every time you share information (e.g., your name, address, phone number, or Social Security Number), post content (i.e., social media photos and posts), interact with websites, or download apps.
As you can see, digital footprints can be either active or passive. Next, we’ll explore the differences between these two types and how they impact your privacy and security while using high-speed internet.
Active and Passive Digital Footprints
Active Digital Footprint
An active digital footprint is created by the deliberate actions you take online. This includes content you share, post, or write on social media, websites, and blogs. Every time you post photos, videos, reviews, or comments, you’re contributing to your active digital footprint.
For example, posting or commenting on Facebook or Instagram, updating your LinkedIn profile, or even sending emails all add to your active footprint since email providers may use tools to digitally analyze the content of your messages for targeted ads and other purposes. Note that each of these actions is intentional on your part—posting content, sending emails, etc.—and, critically, you can control what is shared and how it is presented.
Passive Digital Footprint
A passive digital footprint, on the other hand, is generated without your direct involvement and often without your knowledge. Websites and apps collect data automatically through cookies, analytics tools, and tracking technologies. This data includes your browsing habits, preferences, location, and online behavior.
For instance, when you visit a website, it may track the pages you view, how long you stay, and your search history. Your geographic location can also be detected. Unlike an active footprint, you did not intentionally input information about yourself or post content—you simply clicked, and tracking technology collected the data and added it to your passive digital footprint.
Why Does Your Digital Footprint Matter?
Your digital footprint isn’t just a collection of online data— it has real-world consequences for your privacy, security, and reputation.
Protect Your Privacy:
Millions of people share personal information online every day, making it easy for companies, advertisers, and even cybercriminals to access their data. Businesses use this information to create targeted ads based on their online habits.
Prevent Identity Theft and Fraud:
Cybercriminals can exploit your digital footprint if it’s not properly protected, putting you at risk—especially for identity theft. This means that your name, address, phone number, Social Security Number, or even bank account and credit card details could potentially be accessed through your digital presence and exploited by cybercriminals.
Defend Your Reputation:
Be mindful that employers, coworkers, friends, and family may search for you online to learn more about you and what you’re up to. Posts or content that are controversial, taken out of context, or inappropriate can negatively impact your personal and professional reputation for years—or even lead to termination.
Managing and Protecting Your Digital Footprint
Now that you understand what your digital footprint is and how it’s created, as well as its potential implications, you need to learn how to manage and protect it. Below are several simple but often overlooked steps you can take to effectively safeguard your digital presence.
Limit Personal Information Shared:
Avoid oversharing personal details online, whether in posts, emails, or online forms. The more you share about yourself; the more data is available for others to see (and use).
Use Strong Passwords and Security Tools:
Create strong, unique passwords for every account you use. When available, use multi-factor authentication to access your accounts and install security tools to protect your data from malware and viruses that insidiously collect your data and lead to breaches.
Customize and Enable Privacy Settings:
Don’t forget to regularly check the privacy settings on your social media accounts, apps, and other online platforms, as well as the websites and online stores you use. Many apps and websites allow you to adjust your settings to limit who can see your posts and personal information and what data they collect about you.
Research Apps and Websites Before Using Them:
Before using new apps or websites, review their privacy policies and permissions. Some apps request unnecessary access to personal data, so be cautious about granting permissions.
Stay Connected with TEC’s High-Speed Internet
Understanding and managing your digital footprint is essential for maintaining privacy, security, and a positive online reputation. By following these steps, you can take control of your digital presence while enjoying the best and most affordable high-speed internet experience with TEC.
For more tips, updates, and exciting content, follow TEC’s social media pages under the handle, @tecconnects!