 Why is this important to you?  How do digital footprints connect with digital citizenship?  Does everyone have a digital footprint?

 A digital footprint is a term used to describe the trail, traces, or “footprints” that people have online.  Can be passive or active.  The data left behind by users on digital services.  Sometimes referred to as the cyber shadow or digital shadow.  Digital footprints can refer to an individual, business, organization or corporation.

 A passive digital footprint is created when data is collected without the owner knowing.  Occurs by tracking an IP address.  When it was created.  Where they came from.  Also includes your search history.

 An active digital footprint is created when personal data is released deliberately by a user for the purpose of sharing information about oneself by means of websites or social media.  Occurs when a user is logged into a site and makes a post or an edit.  Examples:  Sending an  Publishing a blog  Being active on social media

 Control your privacy settings.  Watch what you share.  Be selective of who you connect with on social media.  Use your real name when creating profiles.  Be selective on which sites you join.  Do a Google search of yourself often.  Only post positive things.  Think before you press send and post.

 Social Media  s  Search Engines  Blog Sites  Web Sites  Comments you Post

 Potential Employers  Potential Identity Theft  Schools/Universities may research  Physical Safety  Organizations may conduct research

 Know who are purchasing from  Check out the seller to be sure that it is legitimate.  Be sure to obtain the contact information in case there is a problem.  Be sure the site is legitimate  Make sure the site is secure.  Never use unsecured wireless networks to make online purchases.  Protect your personal information  Make sure that the you think the required information is necessary.  Remember, you do not have to fill out the fields that are not required.  Check the privacy policy before making a purchase.  Use safe payment options  Credit cards are generally the safest option.  Never send cash!

 Keep a paper trail  Print and save records of your online transactions.  Read your credit card statements as soon as possible.  Turn your computer off when you’re finished shopping  If the computer is on, it gives scammers the opportunity to access your computer.  Be wary of s requesting information  Do not respond to s asking for further information or confirmation of purchase.

 Home Depot identity thefts from credit card and online transactions Home Depot identity thefts from credit card and online transactions  Target’s Data Breach Target’s Data Breach

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