Content Collection

Students should understand what digital footprints they leave when working and studying online and how to protect themselves from hackers or cookies.

A digital footprint/a digital shadow/an electronic footprint – refers to the trail of data one leaves when using the internet. It includes visited websites, sent emails and information submitted online. It can be used to track a person’s online activities and devices. Online learners create their digital footprint either actively or passively.

Digital footprints matter because they are relatively permanent, and once the data is public or semi-public the owner has little control over how others will use it. Here are some tips for protecting your personal data and managing your online reputation:

• Use search engines to check your digital footprint.
• Reduce the number of information sources that mention you-Limit the amount of data you share.
• Double-check your privacy settings.
• Avoid oversharing on social media.
• Avoid unsafe websites.
• Avoid disclosing private data on public Wi-Fi.
• Delete old accounts.
• Create strong passwords and use a password manager.
• Keep an eye on your medical records.
• Don’t log in with Facebook.
• Keep software up to date.
• Review your mobile use.
• Think before you post.
• Act fast after a breach.
• Use a VPN, virtual private network”.

(Kaspersky 2022)