Page 17 - Cyber Safety C-7

“Write a promise to yourself. This promise should be about how you will
make your digital footprint a beneficial and safe one from now on.”
Example: “I promise to always be kind and respectful when I am online and I
will think before I post anything.”

Your digital footprint is a part of your story. By taking care of it now, you are not just protecting
your reputation, you are also building a great future for yourself!

quick

Tick ( ) if you know this:
1. A strong, positive digital footprint can help you in your personal and professional life.

2. Keep your online presence consistent and professional across platforms.

3. Social network footprint includes the data you share and the actions you take online.

4. Every time an account is created on a website or app, it adds to a person’s digital identity.

THE NEVER-ENDING LIFE OF A DIGITAL FOOTPRINT

As people get older and spend more time online, their digital footprint grows with them. Posts
made months or years ago may be forgotten, but the Internet rarely forgets. Almost every action

online, such as posts, comments, emails and searches, can be stored somewhere. Even deleted
content may still remain on servers, websites or in someone else’s screenshots. A single photo
or message can be saved and shared within seconds, allowing it to stay online for years or even
permanently.
This is why it’s important to think carefully before posting anything. Online choices made today

can shape how others view a person in the future. Many universities and employers now review
a person’s digital footprint before making decisions. Being thoughtful, respectful and responsible
online helps protect reputation and future opportunities. Once something enters the digital world,
removing it completely becomes extremely difficult.

The Illusion of Incognito Mode

Many people believe that using Incognito or Private Mode keeps online activity completely
hidden. This belief comes from a common misunderstanding that Incognito or InPrivate browsing
provides full privacy.

Digital Identity and Footprint 15