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Yes, we have all heard of the carbon footprint, the total amount of our greenhouse gases emissions! What we generate with our actions, good and not so good.  

But what about a digital footprint, what is it and what impact is it having! Are we having! 

 What is it? 

Our digital footprint, also called our digital shadow or electronic footprint refers to the trail of data we create and leave when using the internet. Depending on our activities, some of us will have a small footprint while others will fit a size 16 boot.

• Impact! 

Are you like Bigfoot, Sasquatch, the human-like mythical creature stomping along leaving a large digital footprint behind as you roam the global networks. How much information and content  do you need to create and generate!

And not for the faint-hearted, these online pathways can be treacherous places inhabited by snakes and weasels, ready to pounce! Weasels, also known as cyber criminals, are ready to conduct targeted attacks and scams!  

• Protection!

How do you help safeguard and protect yourself, your digital activities, from malicious cybercriminal attacks or misadventures?

There are some simple strategies you can adopt.  

7 Ways to Best Manage Your Digital Footprint 

1. Undertake a search of yourself and review the results. This will give an idea of what information is publicly available. If there are any negatives, contact the site administrator.

2. Set alerts. Once you have conducted the above consider setting up alerts to help keep closer track of any future online mentions.

3. Tighten your privacy settings so you can reduce the potentially damaging impact of your online presence. More restrictive settings can help reduce your digital footprint. Seek professional technical help if needed.

4. Set up a Password Manager. This software tool securely creates, encrypts and stores unique, personal, complex passwords for you. Having different passwords for each account is a safety measure, and a protection the Password Manager manages for you. Again seek expert help if needed.

5. Be cautious with social media, use a password manager and restrict mobile app permissions. Carefully manage your interactions, think before you post and post positively. Check your security settings and ensure you understand what those settings are.

6. Limit your online accounts. Consider your needs and wants, and access accordingly! Delete unused and obsolete. Be selective when opening new accounts, only open the essential ones. And think before you link accounts, sharing opens your information up to greater exposure across organizations. 

7. Create a positive footprint. Do this by thoughtfully shaping your image and activities, messages, photos and other information you provide on online platforms or social media. Share only what you want others to see and read. Think before you post it.  

Takeaway messages: 

Before you go stomping around cyberspace think about the impact you are having, and importantly what simple measures you can take to protect your digital footprint against cybercriminals. 

And remember to think before you click!