We have heard — and even sensed from our own experience — that everything, or almost everything, can be found on the internet. This statement is not as far-fetched as it may seem. Thanks to technological advances and digital transformation, the virtual space contains not only scientific information, books, audiovisual products, maps, and online stores, among others, but also our own data — from what identifies us to what we do online. This is known as the digital footprint on the internet.
In this post, we explain what it is, its types, its importance, and how to protect it to safeguard our privacy, security, and online reputation.
A digital footprint on the internet is the trace that a person, institution, or company leaves in the digital environment after interacting with the resources and sites that this space hosts. These signs or traces are unique records of data that reflect activity on platforms, applications, or services (e.g., email).
These records are generated either passively or actively and are collected by websites and internet service providers to understand user behavior — a key aspect in personalizing services and, of course, in offering products and services.
This type of digital “shadow” can also be used by hackers to commit cybercrimes such as identity theft. Hence, it is crucial to browse the internet using only trusted and secure websites.
The digital footprint on the internet can be classified into two main categories: active and passive footprints.
An active footprint refers to the trace of data that the user deliberately generates. What actions create this type of footprint? It includes any voluntary interaction online, such as posting on social networks, blogs, and forums, as well as sending emails or filling out online forms. Among the most common types of posts are photos, videos, and comments. Users have a certain level of control over their footprint and digital identity.
Passive footprints, as the name suggests, are generated automatically without the user’s direct involvement. When using electronic devices and interacting with websites or apps, data traces are created regarding browsing history, cookies, IP address, geolocation, and the device used for online activities. In this case, digital footprints are not entirely under user control.
The importance of a digital footprint on the internet can be explained through the following points.
Control over one’s digital footprint online is limited: the data available on the internet is difficult to delete. Although users can decide what to share or not, in many cases, information is copied, shared, or stored on third-party servers without the affected person’s consent. Once something is published online, there is a very high risk of losing total control over that information.
A person’s digital footprint is also linked to their online reputation. Companies, potential employers, and other entities often perform online searches to gather information about an individual. A negative digital footprint could severely impact someone’s public image. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of what is posted or shared to maintain a positive digital footprint.
In terms of cybersecurity, the digital footprint can be exploited by hackers or cybercriminals to steal identities or obtain sensitive user data through phishing, spoofing, or other methods. The goal is to deceive victims and obtain banking information, identity data, and more. For this reason, it is recommended to monitor online activity to safeguard personal information.
The digital footprint on the internet can manifest in various ways depending on a user’s online activities.
Digital banking, online banking, or client portals also generate a significant digital footprint on the internet. Any interaction with bank platforms or apps, such as making purchases, payments, subscriptions, or opening accounts (debit or credit), generates data. Although banks manage this information rigorously, hackers are known to carry out attacks to steal client data and leak it online (identification details, addresses, passwords, etc.).
Yes — shopping online is one way to increase your digital footprint. E-commerce sites have multiple ways to collect user information, not only through purchase histories but also via alerts, coupons, account creation, and the active use of their mobile apps (if available).
We have already mentioned social networks as one of the most significant spaces when it comes to creating a digital footprint on the internet. What happens on these platforms? Users share personal information in posts while interacting with others through tags, for example.
Contrary to popular belief, deleting posts or interactions on social media does not guarantee that they have been permanently erased. What happens instead? Service providers may retain data, and other users can copy, capture, or replicate that content. This highlights the importance of being cautious when using these platforms. As mentioned earlier, it is advisable to be mindful of what is posted and shared to maintain a good digital reputation.
Subscriptions to newsletters, streaming services , and other platforms are also part of a person’s digital footprint. The data collected is used for various purposes, primarily to create personalized ads and content recommendations. In some cases, user data may even be sold to third parties. For this reason, it is important to review the privacy policy of each subscription and limit the amount of shared information.
Since a digital footprint on the internet can have significant implications for privacy and security, it is crucial to adopt protective measures.
One of the first steps to protect personal and app data is to keep all mobile, tablet, or computer software up to date. Operating system developers regularly release security patches to fix vulnerabilities.
Passwords should include lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and special characters, with a length greater than 8 characters. Personal data such as birth dates, ID numbers, or other sensitive information should never be used. To safeguard passwords, you can use password managers, which are highly secure tools.
Public connections pose a significant risk as they can be easily intercepted by cybercriminals. It is recommended to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to access banking apps, send messages, or log in to social media and other platforms that require private credentials.
Did you know about Google Alerts? This tool allows you to monitor your digital footprint online. You can set up alerts using your name, terms, or data you consider relevant to receive notifications about what is being published online. This helps you take immediate action if anything unusual is detected.
Data breaches are increasingly common, so it is essential to act quickly to minimize their impact. What should you do? The first step is to change your passwords, stay alert for communications from affected companies or institutions, and take other measures to protect compromised information.
If you want to protect your data more rigorously, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). What is it for? Simply put, it encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for third parties to track your online activity.
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