Digital footprints and tips to protect personal information online

Every click leaves a digital footprint that can build or destroy your reputation. An old post that gets dug up can cost you everything. How to protect your privacy and control your digital footprint effectively?

Every time you scroll through social media, you add to your digital footprint.

Digital footprint is everything you leave behind when using the Internet, from your Facebook status, Google searches, to your Shopee shopping history. It is divided into:

- Active traces: Created by you, such as posts, comments, shared photos/ videos .

- Passive traces: Data automatically collected by the system, such as cookies, GPS location, browsing history.

When you post a travel photo with the hashtag #DaLat, that is an active trace. But when you turn on location using Grab, the system will save that location as a passive trace, even if you don't intend to.

Why manage digital footprint?

Managing your digital footprint is no longer the sole preserve of celebrities and influencers. Anyone who uses the Internet is leaving behind a trail that, if left unchecked, can come back to haunt you.

Young people are often the most vulnerable, because they tend to share their emotions impulsively, without considering the long-term consequences.

KOLs, artists or influencers, every online behavior, whether it's a small comment or a personal photo, can be scrutinized by the public and become the focus of criticism.

Even recruiters and office workers are no exception, as their personal reputation is closely linked to the image of the business, and what they post can directly affect the company's reputation.

In particular, in the online learning environment, parents and students also need to be equipped with knowledge about data security to protect themselves and their loved ones from potential risks. An impromptu status line or a seemingly harmless comment can exist forever and be 'dug up' again at unpredictable times.

That's why digital footprint management needs to start today, before you become the next one on the list of names that 'fall off the horse' because of the virtual world .

Where do digital footprints appear?

Digital footprints aren't just on Facebook. They're everywhere in the digital world:

Social networks : Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X all likes, shares, comments are saved.

Web browser: Google saves every search, cookies save the behavior you have ever done.

Mobile apps: From Grab to Shopee, from Zalo to games, every app collects data.

Email, forums: An unintentional comment on Reddit or an uncontrolled word in an email can also affect you.

How to protect information and manage digital traces ?

Managing your digital footprint is not a one-day task, but a habit that needs to be built up regularly. To protect your digital footprint and personal information online, you first need to be careful when sharing information.

Avoid posting sensitive data such as phone numbers, home addresses or dates of birth on social networks or public websites to avoid being exploited by bad guys.

Control your privacy on social media platforms, adjusting settings to only allow friends or trusted people to see your personal information and posts.

When using public WiFi, avoid logging into important accounts or use a VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your data from being stolen. Use strong passwords that combine uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to increase the security of your accounts.

In addition, regularly updating your software, operating system and browser will help you avoid the latest security vulnerabilities. Don't forget to review your applications and browser extensions, remove unnecessary or unknown parts to avoid risks.

You should also occasionally search your name on search engines to check what personal information has been leaked.

Limiting the sharing of private photos and videos is also an effective way to help maintain your reputation and safety. Finally, always be wary of fraudulent calls, emails or messages, and do not provide personal information to unknown sources to avoid identity or account theft.

Your digital footprint is your online reflection. It can be a launching pad for your career or a time bomb waiting to explode. No place is truly private if you don’t know how to protect yourself.

Whether you are a student, an employee, or a celebrity, remember: every status line, every click records a part of you. Today's actions will determine your image in the eyes of others tomorrow.

TWO MIND

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dau-vet-so-va-bi-quyet-bao-ve-thong-tin-ca-nhan-tren-mang-20250604105852357.htm