Your Digital Footprint: Staying Safe Online
Social media is a useful way to connect and communicate but it’s important to understand how the information we share can affect our safety. We share more online than we realise, things like a photo, location tag, work event or casual social media post can all leave a digital footprint.
What is a digital footprint?
Digital footprint is the trail of information you leave behind when using the internet. This can include social media posts, photos, comments, usernames, locations and information shared online by other people. Before posting it’s important to check, can someone use this information to find out where I live, work or spend my time? To stay safe, avoid sharing sensitive information such as your home address, daily routine or live location publicly.
Understanding doxing
Doxing is when someone’s private information is shared online without their permission. This could include an address, phone number, workplace or other personal details. Doxing can lead to harassment, intimidation and stalking. If personal information is being shared online about someone, avoid sharing and reposting it. Make sure to report the content, even if it’s not your personal information, it’s vital to report it as it can be harmful.
Protecting yourself from online stalking
Online stalking involves sending repeated messages to someone without them wanting it, monitoring someone’s social media and using information from their digital footprint to track them. Good online safety habits can help reduce these risks. Some ways to protect yourself and examples of good safety habits are, reviewing your privacy settings, using strong passwords and thinking carefully about what you share publicly.
Stay Safe
Being online doesn’t mean you have to share everything about yourself. Taking a few extra seconds before posting can make a real difference. Think before you share, check your privacy settings and speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Good digital habits are an important part of safeguarding yourself and others online. To find out more on good digital habits visit National Cyber Security Centre and the Top tips for staying secure online.
Watch this video below for even more tips on how to stay safe online