# data[].attributes.body
When googling myself I wasn't overly surprised that not a lot had come up. I am pretty cautious about keeping my accounts private as I don't want people who I don't know to have access to my information so easily. However I was a little surprised that the only things that did come up for me on google was My dads and my father-in-laws obituaries... Not my favourite thing to have to see.. I even tried googling my maiden name and not a lot came up with that just some old sports newspapers from when I played rugby in high school. So i would say overall my digital footprint is pretty good!

# data[].attributes.body
This activity helped me understand that a digital footprint is not only what we post online, but also everything we search, visit, and interact with. Even if I don’t share personal information, I am still leaving traces online. This made me realize how important it is to be careful and aware of what I do online, because once something is online, it can be difficult to remove.

To stay safe, I think it is important to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid sharing personal details like location or family information. I also learned that checking privacy settings regularly and being cautious about suspicious links or messages can help protect my digital footprint. Overall, this activity made me more aware and responsible when using technology.

# data[].attributes.body
This activity helped me understand that a digital footprint is not only what we post online, but also everything we search, visit, and interact with. Even if I don’t share personal information, I am still leaving traces online. This made me realize how important it is to be careful and aware of what I do online, because once something is online, it can be difficult to remove.

To stay safe, I think it is important to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid sharing personal details like location or family information. I also learned that checking privacy settings regularly and being cautious about suspicious links or messages can help protect my digital footprint. Overall, this activity made me more aware and responsible when using technology.

# data[].attributes.body
This activity made me realize that a digital footprint is not only about posting on social media. I usually never post anything about myself or my family online, so I first thought my digital footprint would be very small. But I learned that it still includes much more than I expected, such as searches, accounts I create, websites I visit, and information that apps collect in the background. That was the part that surprised me most because it showed me that even when I am careful, I am still leaving traces online. It made me think more seriously about privacy and digital safety, especially because once something is online, it can be hard to fully remove. A few important ways to protect your digital footprint are using strong passwords, turning on two-factor authentication, checking privacy settings regularly, and being careful about what you click, share, or sign up for. I also think it is important to avoid posting personal or family information online. Helpful resources like Google Safety Center and Common Sense Education can also support people in making safer choices online.

# data[].attributes.body
Staying safe online has been something I have taken time to pay close attention to. I try my hardest to not log into apps that hold personal information in PUBLIC wifi spaces. I also try to do important personal routines that require sensitive personal information incongnito MODE, to decrease the risk of my information being leaked or hacked. There have been so many instances of people being hacked or taken advantage of that I try my best to be cautious.

Protecting passwords, paying attention to urls for cites and verifying authenticity of that "caller asking you to confirm the card number for a, b or c", responding to an odd email from a distant friend saying there mom has passed and they are stuck in the jungle and in need of a gift card to access Netflix. Its important to take time to slow down and read between the lines before responding to some of the things we take responsibility for.

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I have always protected my private information. From a young age, my siblings taught me never to use my real name, age, or date of birth online, so we would create backup emails for gaming. Out of habit, I continue doing the same for my social media accounts and use an anonymous name. I post on one private account for photo dumping landscape photography. My siblings and close friends are the only people who follow me.

Up until last year, I could not be found anywhere online. However, my name was placed on the public registry of educators, and I can now be found through that search engine. That was my first experience with being on the internet. Adding to this experience, my workplace posted my name and photo on their website last month. This shows up as one of the top links on Google. While I have nothing to hide, it is a scary thought that anyone could contact my workplace to reach me.

My advice to others would be that it’s better to be safe than sorry. I avoid posting anything publicly because I choose to protect my information. I use a private account and still do not post pictures of myself. I also do not save any passwords or emails on my device. I have always set up multistep authentication with a text, phone call, or alternate email. I avoid calls and texts from unknown numbers until they leave a message or identify themselves as someone I personally know.

# data[].attributes.body
When I searched myself online, I honestly did not find much, which did not really surprise me because I am a very private person and I do not like disclosing my personal information online. I also do not post myself or my children, and it has been many years since I have had any real online presence. Looking up different variations of my name also did not bring up much, which actually made me feel relieved because it felt like I am doing something right in protecting myself and my family from unwanted attention or “creeping eyes.” You really do not know who is looking.

What stood out to me most was comparing my digital footprint to my sister’s. She posts much more often, and I was honestly surprised by how much information I could learn about her in such a short amount of time just by searching her online. That made me realize how quickly a digital footprint can grow and how much people can unknowingly expose about themselves.

Since becoming a parent, I have become much more cautious and intentional about online safety. I think children are especially vulnerable online, and I personally believe they should have very limited exposure, and if they do, it should mainly be for academic purposes. This activity reminded me that digital safety is not something to take lightly, especially in a world where not everyone online has good intentions.

A few strategies I would recommend are keeping social media accounts private, avoiding posting personal details like your location, workplace, children, or daily routines, and checking your name online from time to time to see what is publicly available. I also think it is important for parents to monitor their children’s device use, set boundaries, and limit unnecessary exposure online. Strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and being cautious about what you share can go a long way in protecting your digital footprint and overall digital safety.

# data[].attributes.body
This is what I learned about my digital footprint:

To protect my digital footprint and enhance digital safety, I can use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts. I can adjust my privacy settings on platforms like Instagram and TikTok to help control who sees my content. I should think before posting, avoid sharing personal information and regularly review my online activity. Using secure networks, logging out of shared devices and keeping software updated will help reduce risks. Resources like MediaSmarts can provide guidance on safe and responsible online behaviour.

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What I learned about my digital footprint

Through this activity, I learned that my digital footprint is much broader and more permanent than I previously thought. Every interaction I have online—whether it is posting on social media, commenting, liking content, or even browsing websites—contributes to a lasting record of my online identity. I realized that there are both active footprints (things I intentionally share) and passive footprints (data collected without me fully realizing it, such as tracking cookies or location data).

This made me more aware of how easily personal information can be accessed, shared, or misinterpreted by others, including future employers or institutions. I also learned that even deleted content can sometimes still exist or be recovered. Overall, this experience helped me understand the importance of being mindful and intentional about what I share online, as my digital footprint can shape how others perceive me both personally and professionally.

# data[].attributes.body
When I googled myself, I found that the first thing that came up was my place of work. It took several pages later to then be found in an obituary posting. If I typed in my Instagram handle, it came up but would immediately say the account is private. I feel like this is a decent finding considering how much social media and information there is out there. I know there are always ways around certain things when it comes to online safety, but I like to think I keep things as private as I can. I try not to get too into the modern technologies of digital wallets or anything in that regard either. My husband had his email account taken over and they started changing passwords to all of his shopping and media accounts, and it was a scary moment for us, not knowing what they were getting into. After that we have made sure to use very strong passwords for all of our accounts as well as multi-step authentication processes (even though they are annoying).

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Through my experience, I’ve learned that a digital footprint is not fully within my control. Even if I am careful about what I post, others can still misuse my identity and create false representations of me online. I recently found a facebook page where someone used my identity to make a fake account and spread untrue information. Somehow this facebook page also connected my actual page to my business page. This just showed me how easily digital content can be manipulated and how difficult it can be to remove it once it exists. I also realized that not all platforms care about their people and will just ignore the claims. This experience made me more aware that my online presence extends beyond what I personally share.

To help protect myself now I use strong, unique passwords. When possible I will also enable two-factor authentication on all accounts. I also will not open any important apps on wifi that I do not know or trust. I ensure I only use those apps at home to help protect myself.

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I have always been overprotective of my information until I clicked on an email about a part-time, well-paying job. It was a fishing emial but luckily I did not give out my SIN.

What I have learned from that experience is how vulnerable we are in these moments, so I would say to anyone, fact-check information in emails before clicking. The other things I do to protect my information are use multifactor authentication and connect over an encrypted connection, and I don't usually post any pictures on social media.

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My Digital Footprint and Staying Safe Online

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My Digital Footprint and Staying Safe Online

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I have googled my name annually since joining social media as a young kid. I regularly ensure my social media accounts are either private or undiscoverable and tend to untag myself on as many social media posts as possible. Any public accounts of mine do not include my last name, locations, or other identifying information. There are multiple other women with the same first and last name as me (athletes, authors, (micro)influencers, etc), while I do not show up personally on any searches, they do.

Digital privacy is incredibly important to me. I regularly use a VPN, Ad blocker extensions, multi-factor authentication, and reject a majority of cookies to attempt to keep myself safe online.

A clean digital footprint is an important aspect of the hiring process, especially as a future educator. Keeping myself private and protected online has always been important to me.

Grace A

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Actually, since I started using social media, I've never posted any pictures of myself or my family! I'm very afraid of these things and extremely cautious!

I haven't found any information about myself, and I hope it stays that way!

# data[].attributes.body
I learned from the module that my digital footprint is much larger than I previously thought. Every action I take online, such as posting on social media, browsing websites, or using apps, creates data that can be collected. To protect my digital footprint, I would use strong, unique passwords, which make it harder for hackers to gain access to multiple accounts of mine.

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I was pleasantly surprised to find that I couldn't be found on Google, which means my digital footprint is small or non-existent! I value my privacy and do not feel the need to post anything personal about myself. There is a woman who has the same name as me who lives in the neighbourhood I grew up in. I wonder if people ever reach out to her, hoping to get in contact with me? Anyways, I digress. I would urge my peers to seriously consider the lasting effects of a strong online presence and to reflect on and examine any material before posting. I would also strongly recommend never posting any private information for safety reasons.

Jill Dundas

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I have googled my name before, so I was not completely surprised when I saw what came up. There were things there that I wish were not, but it is all under my maiden name. Things like posts I made as a teenager are what I dislike seeing most. I wish an adult had discussed online risks and personal safety more when I was a teenager. Additionally, I find it interesting that when I Google my name, pictures of my grandfather appear several times, as I am mentioned in his obituary. I have since married, and when searching my married name, nothing appears, which I am happy about 😅

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Googling my name surprised me, as I found it on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. I realized how our interaction with the internet can leave a footprint. I need to be very careful while engaging in online activities. I engage with social media a lot and repost something I find important, but it is scary to see how my information is stored everywhere. I try not to accept any friend requests from people I do not know. After reading this week's course material, I  will be more careful. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Googling my name surprised me, as I found it on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. I realized how our interaction with the internet can leave a footprint. I need to be very careful while engaging in online activities. I engage with social media a lot and repost something I find important, but it is scary to see how my information is stored everywhere. I try not to accept any friend requests from people I do not know. After reading this week's course material, I  will be more careful. 

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Farhath

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When I googled my name, I was happy to see only my Linked in profile come up with my name and picture. I remember talking about internet safety when making emails, so my personal email doesn’t contain my name. My school emails include my name, as well as my job email. But no pictures come up with those emails. I made all my social media’s private, because working in education I did not want parents to be able to find me. I do try to watch how many things I sign up for or agree too, so I was happy with my search

-Bobbi MacKinnon

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The digital footprint activity made me realize how much information about me is already online, even things I forgot about. It made me think about how everything we post, like comments, photos, or old accounts, can stay online for a long time. Some of these things don’t really show who I am now, but they are still there. Googling my own name made me realize how easy it is for others to find information about me. It made me feel like I should be more careful before posting anything.

I learned that protecting my digital footprint is really important. Some things I learn to stay safe are using strong passwords and checking my privacy settings. I didn’t realize before how risky things like using public Wi-Fi or interacting on social media can be. Now I feel like I need to pay more attention to what I share and who can see it. I also think it’s important to delete old accounts that I don’t use anymore. These actions and carefulness taught me to be more aware of my actions and who can see them. This activity helped me become more aware and careful of what I do online, and it also taught me how these actions can affect my digital footprint and future opportunities. I now plan to think before I post anything or interact on social media posts.

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I used to post a bit years ago, and every now and then it comes back as a memory. I haven't posted on social media in a while now, but I experienced a scary experience about three years ago from Amazon. I recieved a call with the person mentioning all my personal info to me and asked if I was trying to make an expensive purchase (it was a scam) and I had to close down my Amazon account. Things like this worry me when purchasing online with my credentials.

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When I looked for my digital footprint, I did find my LinkedIn profile. Which I only added this past year to obtain a certain job, before that I would not have added such a profile. My social media is all under an alias to ensure that people did not have access to look me up. I have most recently begun to start to be more cognisant of photos I post of my children as just last week Instagram showed me that someone I did not know reposted my post that had both my children. I was able to take it back and block them thank goodness.

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What I discovered when I searched my name up was that I had alot of people with names similar to mine that showed up. I had a YouTube video of when I was editing for a YouTuber show up. Also my Winners, Homesense find for a Smeg was on display. One of the first things that was seen for me was my second Instagram which I should delete because it is no longer active but has alot of content from when I use to post fashion and food related content. My digital foot print does not scare me because I feel like I have always been cautious about what I posted and prefer living more of a private life. I even told my friends not to post my windows because I do not want anyone to know where I live by identifying the windows.

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from a trauma survivor & educator perspective

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from a trauma survivor & educator perspective

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Investigating my digital footprint revealed a clear divide between my career and private personas. On one hand, my LinkedIn serves as a strong active footprint, showcasing my credentials and career as an Early Childhood Educator. On the other hand, discovering how easily students and parents found my Instagram was a wake-up call. As a survivor of trauma, digital privacy is not just a preference; it is a NECESSITY for my safety and mental health. This taught me that a digital footprint blurs boundaries. I’ve learned that passive data, like being suggested via contacts, can compromise my privacy even when an account is private. Managing my footprint is about curating a professional narrative while intentionally protecting my personal life from search engines. This will for sure impact the way i teach and also the way I will parent my own child in the future.

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I learned that, despite having a public Instagram, I am hard to find and have a small digital footprint. I only have Instagram, so that keeps it smaller, but my name is super basic, so I think that is an asset.

I have a friend who was dating a guy in high school and shared an explicit picture that ended up getting shared around the school. It was a horrifying time in her life, and I have told the story to my son from both sides. It boils down to, don't share and don't spread anything you wouldn't want to show your gramma.

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When I looked myself up, I only found my LinkedIn profile. I make sure to keep my social media security tight, and I never share anything I wouldn't want a stranger with ill intent to see. When I think about the digital footprint I have on the deep web and data tracking, it is very scary! I know that the internet never forgets and I am so glad I grew up without social media!

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Every photo you post is forever, and you never know what people are doing with the photo. I used to post my kids, now I limit what is posted of them or about them.

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What I learned about my digital footprint

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I learned that my digital footprint is more than just what I post online. Apps and websites also collect information like my location and browsing history. This creates a full picture of me online. I also learned that once something is posted, it is hard to remove. This means I need to be careful about what I share and check my privacy settings often.

Strategies to protect it: Use strong passwords and, share less personal information, avoid public Wi-Fi, keep apps updated, and check privacy settings regularly.

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I discovered that everything I do online, including posts, searches, and the websites I visit, leaves a digital footprint. I didn't realize how much information is also gathered without my knowledge, such as browsing history and location data, until I started thinking about what I actively shared, like social media posts. This heightened my awareness that my internet activity is constantly being monitored. I also learned the potential long-term consequences of my digital footprint. What shocked me and keeps me thinking a lot now is that posts I make today may affect my future, whether in terms of employment or education. Even if I remove something, it can still be stored by someone else or remain online. This caused me to consider my online posting and what I share more carefully.

Since it symbolizes who I am, I should ensure it does so responsibly. In general, I found that being conscious of my digital footprint helps me make safer, more informed online decisions.

I can consider before posting and refrain from disclosing private information, such as my location or passwords, to safeguard my digital footprint. To manage who sees my social media posts, I can also adjust my privacy settings. Account security is improved by using strong passwords and turning on two-factor authentication. Lastly, I can reduce the amount of data collected about me by being selective about the websites and apps I use.

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What I learned About My Digital Footprint

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What I learned About My Digital Footprint

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Through this learning, I realized that my digital footprint is much larger and more permanent that I previously thought. Every post, comment, like, or search contributes to an online record that can be tracked, stored nd sometimes shared beyond my control. I learned that there are both active digital footprints (that I choose to share/post) and passive footprints (collected without me always noticing)

What impacted me most is how my online presence can shape how others see me, especially as an educator and sports mom. I often think about how families trust educators and my children's teammates parents would expect me to have decent material or positive image and be a role model to some degree. I avoid thing that would be controversal or mistaken. I have also learned to change passwords often and enable two-factor authentication.

It has also been difficult but with some success, explaining to my parent of the importance of changing passwords often, but they get frustrated because they keep forgetting. But we're working on it. lol

# data[].attributes.body
My digital footprint is overall non-existent. I do search my name from time to time to ensure no personal information comes up. Previously, I had searched and it brought up the high school I attended and the year I was there - I emailed the website and requested that to be removed, which it was. I appreciate privacy, and a private life (for both myself and my family).

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Since joining the school board I’ve stepped back from social media. I don’t post pictures, comments, or use my real name. I kind of miss the ‘90s internet when you could just browse and chat without leaving a permanent trail. I’ve learned how easily online actions stick and how much control I have if I’m intentional about what I share.

# data[].attributes.subject
Since joining the school board I’ve stepped back from social media. I don’t post pictures, comments, or use my real name. I kind of miss the ‘90s internet when you could just browse and chat without leaving a permanent trail. I’ve learned how easily online actions stick and how much control I have if I’m intentional about what I share.

# data[].attributes.body
To protect my digital footprint I keep my online presence minimal, use pseudonyms, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication. Checking old accounts and thinking twice before posting has been the biggest win in reclaiming my online freedom.

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When I learned about what my digital footprint could attract while working in the Education system, I became a little paranoid. I can find little as I rarely use my own name on any accounts due to students and their families constantly trying to find me on social media. I change my handles once a year and use past literary references as the people in my community never get them.

# data[].attributes.body
After completing the digital footprint activity, I realized how much information about me exists online, even from things I don’t actively think about anymore. Old accounts, comments, and tagged photos all contribute to a digital identity that doesn’t always reflect who I am today. It really reinforced how permanent online content can be, even when we think it’s temporary.

One of my biggest takeaways was thinking about my role as a parent. I’ve started to be more aware of my children’s digital footprint, especially since they don’t have the ability to consent to what is being shared about them. It made me reflect on how posting photos or information about them, even with good intentions, still creates an online presence that they didn’t choose. That’s something I want to be more mindful of moving forward.

I also learned that a digital footprint isn’t just negative, it can be shaped in a positive and professional way. However, that requires being intentional and aware of what is shared. Overall, this activity made me more conscious of how my online presence can impact both my future and my children’s.

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When I do a search of myself, there is limited information. Ido take the time to choose strong passwords that are hard to guess. I am careful on choosing what I post online as it will be there forever. As discussed, I only access my banking or personal information on my home wifi network to avoid any hacking or potential threats. As social media is huge now, I am still choosing to keep many key moments in my life private.

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When I searched my name on Google, I learned that my digital footprint includes more information than I expected. My Pinterest and Facebook profiles appeared in the search results, which shows that some of my social media accounts are publicly visible. I also noticed that images of my cousin appeared because we share the same last name, and articles about my grandfather, who competed in the Olympics, showed up as well. This helped me realize that search results can include information about family members, not just myself, especially when a last name is less common.

Through the Week 10 digital safety content, I also learned how important it is to protect personal information online. One thing that stood out to me was avoiding public Wi-Fi when accessing sensitive accounts such as banking, email, or school platforms. I did not realize how easily information could be tracked and shared on unsecured networks. Learning about tools such as VPNs, multi-factor authentication, antivirus software, and updating software helped me understand how these strategies reduce cyber risks and protect personal data.

Overall, this activity helped me become more aware of how others view my online presence and how important it is to manage privacy settings.

In the Week 10 Digital Safety module, there is a helpful video resource on protecting your information in cybersecurity. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/sdpxddDzXfE

I also found this resource that updates the risks and provides guidance on protecting yourself against cybersecurity threats. Here is the link: https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en

Rachel Stipetic

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When doing my digital audit, I found little to nothing. I found some old records from when I was a competitive figure skater, as well as a public Instagram account I made for a high school scholarship. I try to keep my personal information as private as possible because I want to work in education and don't want students or parents finding unwanted information about me.

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What I Learned About My Digital Footprint

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What I Learned About My Digital Footprint

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I learned that my digital footprint is larger than I thought. Every online activity—searches, social media posts, downloads, and even clicks—leaves a trace. These traces can be collected, stored, and used by websites, advertisers, and third parties. I was surprised to learn how much personal information is available publicly, often without my awareness. For example, old accounts, tagged photos, and data shared on apps can remain online for years. I also realized that my digital footprint can affect job opportunities and personal reputation. Therefore, it is important to manage what is shared online. I now understand that even passive use, like liking or commenting, contributes to a digital record. This has made me more cautious and thoughtful about my online behavior.

Strategies and Resources for Digital Safety

To protect our digital footprint, we need review privacy settings on all platforms. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Think before posting and delete old accounts you no longer use. Use tools like DuckDuckGo for private searches and VPNs to mask your IP. Regularly Google yourself to monitor what others can see.

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I learned that my digital footprint is out there whether I know it or not. All my social media and pictures I have taken on trips can show up and that nothing is really private. I also learned my name is asscociated with other people. I found pictures of othe people with my name so I think it is easy to impersonate someone or steal an identity. We live in a very scary world and it is very important not to put your life online even sharing pictures with family on Facebook.

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When I searched “Janis Li” on Google, my LinkedIn profile appeared second, which makes sense as I actively use my real name online. I recently changed my last name from Williams to Li, so fewer results appeared under my updated name. Interestingly, a doctor named Janis Li is more prominent in the search. When I searched a misspelling like “Janice Li,” none of my profiles appeared. An image from my LinkedIn was the second result under my name, but most of the people named Janis Li in the results are Asian, unlike me. I avoid using precise location settings on Google for privacy, which may make my results less personalized. When I added “Durham College” to my name, many results appeared, including links and images. My LinkedIn and Wordpress blog came up first, both of which I use professionally. I was relieved that no phone numbers matched my name in any search. My Instagram and Facebook are both private unless I am connected with someone. This exercise reminded me how different my digital presence is between personal and professional spaces. My 11-year-old son recently googled me at school to show his friends, which was a real moment of reflection. Today’s generation has instant access to information, unlike when I was younger and one photo had to be taken with film. I appreciate the balance between modern tech and nostalgic simplicity. I also help my 73-year-old mother navigate the internet, as I worry about her falling for scams.

# data[].attributes.body
To protect my digital footprint, I keep personal accounts private and only share what I’m comfortable being public. I regularly update passwords, avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks, and disable location sharing when possible. On any platform where personal information or photos are shared, I ensure only people I know and trust have access. From experience, this can be challenging to navigate with teenagers, who may not fully understand digital permanence. I support both my son and my 73-year-old mother in making safe choices online. Reviewing privacy settings regularly and staying alert to scams are simple yet powerful steps for all users.

Janis

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I had not realized that connecting to public WiFi is dangerous! Whenever I am finding myself unproductive at home I will go to our local coffee shop and work from there but maybe now I will use my data or get a VPN. I used to use a VPN in highschool because everyone said the school couldn't see what banned apps we were on (Snapchat for example) so this does make sense I have never thought of being able to view stuff as a bad thing or understood what passive digital footprints were. Also, I do have a public account on Instagram so I knew my pictures would be on the internet and this is why my username is not my actual name but I include numbers, etc, in it. However, I am shocked to find that my email and phone number are available online! I do not have these included in my old LinkedIn account or any other app aside from in the settings of my social media accounts. Are settings and personal info provided in settings not private?

One thing I have just seen recently on Instagram reels was that if you think you have a data breach in one of your apps or in a websites "sign up for notifications" and you are getting plenty of spam mail, try giving these sites different names and keep track so you can see who is leaking it. For example, this one lady had an insane amount of spam coming into her inbox as if she was subscribed and she went through to what she has actually subscirbed to and changed her first and last name to * real first name * followed by the name of the website she signed up for as the last name! Any new notification of spam will say which website did it!

Just something I saw recently that I thought I'd share!

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I have actively worked at managing my digital footprint for year. I was in college at the time when social media took off. Way back when it was called "the Facebook". I remember the morning after going out with friends, our feeds would be filled with the digital camera pictures taken from the night before, and there was no filter to what was being posted. It was a simpler time, and this was the best way to share pictures.

Quickly, I started to realize that this was good. Stories started to emerge of employers getting copies of your social media content and people being denied jobs because of their social media profiles. Since then, I have taken a very active approach to controlling what is posted and what I post on social media.

When I completed the evaluation of my digital footprint exercise, I got the results I was expecting. A lot of stuff connected to me professionally, nothing from social media. All that said, I'm sure that with effort, someone could find something that I wish wasn't there. Working in higher education for my entire career I have benefited from learning the risks in the cyber world from many leaders in the industry. Cyber security training has been part of my required annual training modules for over 10 years.

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After searching my first and last name online, I was surprised by what I found. The first result correctly listed my occupation, which wasn’t too shocking since that information is public. However, what caught me off guard was that it also listed me as an advocate for ADHD and anxiety disorder. While I do care about mental health topics, I have never officially labeled myself as an advocate in any public way. This made me realize how information online can be misleading or taken out of context. It’s concerning because people searching my name could get the wrong impression about me, even if the information isn’t completely accurate. This experience reminded me how important it is to regularly check our digital footprint and be aware of what others can find about us online. It also shows how careful we need to be with what we share on the internet.

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When I search my name, I didn't see anything related to me, I tried city, country, even my cell number but nothing showed up. And the reason is, I don't share my information on social media or any other platform , nor photos, or posts. I keep my life very private, only my family and my few friends would know.

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I was in high school when Facebook first came out. It quickly became more interesting than MSN, and like many teens at the time, my girlfriends and I became completely obsessed with taking washroom “selfies.” We were young, having fun, and felt like the silly, spontaneous moments only really mattered if they were captured and posted. At the time, it felt harmless—just something everyone was doing—but looking back now, I can see how much social media started to shape how we saw ourselves and our friendships.

Like anything over time, Facebook eventually became just another app on my phone. Although I still have it and occasionally post photos of myself or my family, I’m now very conscious of what I share. I think carefully about the setting, environment, location, and even who might see the photo. I take digital safety much more seriously today. I’ve come to realize that what I posted at 15 is still out there—and as embarrassing as some of those washroom selfies are, they were a part of how we learned about the internet, safety, and the lasting nature of our digital footprints. That early experience taught me a lot about responsibility, privacy, and how we present ourselves online.

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Through evaluating my digital footprint, by searching my personal information online, including my full-name, phone number and workplace, I learned that I’ve done a pretty good job at limiting my digital footprint. When I search my personal information online, the only results that show up are an obituary for my grandfather and an old high school track record. Although those results include my city and the high school I attended, they only appear if my name is searched alongside the city or school name.

This exercise showed me that, although I’ve worked hard to keep my online presence minimal, some information is still outside of my control. I also realized that even if I don’t post something myself, details about me can still be published and easily found. All it takes is a bit of extra information for someone to track it down.

Some strategies I’ve used to limit my digital footprint are to avoid putting my personal information online. I do not share my full name, my location or my phone number to any social media accounts.

Other strategies I found especially useful through this week’s module is using a VPN and avoiding using public Wi-Fi. It helps hide your location and encrypts your data, making it harder for hackers to intercept sensitive information. I also recently started using multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all my accounts, which adds another layer of security beyond just a password.

-Rylee

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Digital Footprint

Throughout this online module, I learned that my digital footprint goes beyond social media. This module has taught me that all online activity is a part of one's digital footprint and can be traced. This encouraged me to be aware of what I post, the security of my passwords, and insecure wifi's. In addition, this module allowed me to make the connection; the bigger one's digital footprint, the bigger the risk. Thus, it is important that everyone follows safety measures. For example, regularly updating software, avoiding public wifi's, employing antivirus software, using virtual private networks, and enabling multi-factor authentication are a few safety measures one can apply to protect their digital footprint. In today's society it is almost impossible to avoid having a digital footprint, therefore we must take action to prevent phishing, malware disruption, ransomeware, and other digital challenges. I hope the future provides more options to protect one's digital footprint however, I recognize that with constantly evolving technology, more digital concerns may arise. Nevertheless, technologies provide great resources, and through implementing protections, we can protect our digital footprint.

Strategies to Protect your Digital Footprint and Enhance Digital Safety

From my understanding of digital footprint and safety, we must apply safety measures to protect ourselves from hackers. One situation that I constantly hear happening to people is phishing. People are now being called, emailed, or messaged from hackers asking for one's personal and banking information, while coming across as part of a "company". Once the hacker receives this information, they proceed to rob people of their information and money. My suggestion to stop the possibility of being robbed is if you ever receive calls from people you do not know, don't pick up. In addition, if a email or message you received looks suspicious, do not proceed to giving out your information, or responding back to the unfamiliar message or email. However, if you realize the scam after it occurred, immediately lock all accounts. These are a few strategies to protect your digital footprint and safety.

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I learnt that every online activity leaves a trace of personal information. This is a scary thought since everything online is tracked and contributes to my digital identity. To protect my digital footprint, I plan to review the privacy settings on different platforms.

Sandy Vineta Ramdeo

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Based on this week's lesson, I have learned that digital footprints are more significant than most people think they are. Therefore, it is essential that you interact on social media and other online platforms with courtesy and caution. Some strategies I follow that help protect my digital footprint include; posting and interact with other posts that I am comfortable sharing/letting others see, not sharing personal information (such as my location), thinking and analyzing something before agreeing to its terms and conditions, as well as choosing who you accept as friends on social media wisely. It can be scary and dangerous in the online environment, so it is important that we handle our presence on such with consideration and awareness.

Chiara Ruscica

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I learned that a digital footprint is the trail of information we leave behind every time we go online. This includes our social media posts, photos, comments, search history, and even the websites we visit. Before learning about this, I did not always think about how long my information stays online or how easily it can be shared. Now I understand that once something is posted, it can be hard to delete completely. Even if we remove it, someone may have already saved or shared it.

I also learned that we have two types of digital footprints: active and passive. Active footprints are the things we choose to post, like pictures or messages. Passive footprints are created without us noticing, such as tracking cookies or apps collecting our data. Realizing this made me more aware of the importance of protecting my privacy.

To keep my digital footprint safe, I plan to follow some simple strategies. First, I will think before I post and avoid sharing personal information like my address, phone number, or location. Second, I will check and update the privacy settings on my social media accounts so only people I trust can see my posts. Third, I will use strong passwords and turn on two-step verification to keep my accounts secure.

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I learnt that digital footprints are traces of our activities on the internet, from our usage, such as social media posts, filling out online forms and accepting or consenting to cookies. These are referred to as active footprints. The information left behind can be used in various ways, including targeted marketing, data analysis and advertising. We can also create passive digital footprints when we unknowingly share information on the internet about our locations, using location maps and installing apps.

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As an avid user of the internet and social media, I am beginning to truly recognize the size and permanence of my digital footprint. When I consider the countless hours I spend online, it becomes clear that the amount of data collected about me is far greater than I once imagined. Engaging with the materials on digital safety has awakened a deeper awareness in me, prompting me to think more critically about the information I access, consume, and share.

I always understood some of the risks—such as posting my location or sharing maps of places I planned to visit—but I realize now that I had not fully considered how much personal detail I voluntarily give away every day. Every search, post, like, and download contributes to a growing profile about who I am, what I do, and what I value. This realization has encouraged me to pause more often and think before sharing anything online.

I am learning that protecting my digital identity requires more than just being cautious on social media. It also involves strengthening the security of my devices. My phone, in particular, holds banking details, personal messages, identification documents, and other sensitive information. If it were ever lost or stolen, the consequences could be serious. For this reason, I intend to tighten my security settings, update my passwords regularly, and be far more intentional about what I store and where I store it.

Overall, this reflection has reminded me that digital safety is not a one-time task, but an ongoing responsibility I must take seriously.

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The reading from week 10 on digital safety was such an eye-opener. I am now much more cautious about location data and aware of where I use Wi-Fi. I remember using library computer, and the librarian warned me that I was using the Wi-Fi at my own risk and should be careful about what I do online. I also realize that I need to stay on top of installing security software. Many of us tend not to read the terms and conditions because there is so much to go through, and often we don't fully understand them. I agree that we need to slow down and take time to review them. I have also become more careful about accepting cookies-I no longer accept them automatically. It is important to make sure that any website you enter personal information on is secure and that you always log off afterward. This week's reading gave me a lot to think about.

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After completing the digital footprint activity, I searched for my name and phone number on Google and found very little publicly available information. There were only references to an actress with a similar name. I was able to see my social media profile, but it did not appear on the first few pages of search results. This indicates that my digital footprint is minimal, likely because I have shared only limited personal information. From this module, I learned that there are two types of digital footprints: active and passive. Although my active footprint is minimal, my browsing history is still tied to my IP address and contributes to my digital identity. This experience made me realize that having no online presence does not automatically protect my privacy, as much of the data is collected behind the scenes. The activity encouraged me to be more mindful and intentional about what I share online and to review my privacy settings. I also learned that digital safety involves managing one’s digital identity responsibly, including keeping personal details secure.

To protect my digital footprint, I use strong, unique passwords and have enabled multi-factor authentication for all my accounts. I never access my financial information on public Wi-Fi, and I try not to overshare personal information, such as my location or contact details.

Laila Zuberi

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I have learned that oddly enough I am already using some of the suggestions from the module in relation to my digital footprint. I am cautious about using open WIFI unless it is in someone's home (which is normally password protected), I use fairly complicated passwords and I read through the disclosure statements on most websites. The biggest thing I never really think about is backing up my information in some way like on a USB. It is something that I will be doing from now on!

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I surprisingly learned that I have a small digital footprint. My name is quite common; I don't appear prominently or quickly in Google searches, and I had to use the full length of my Instagram handle to find myself. Private social media accounts can help me further shrink my digital footprint, and I will likely make them private when I become a teacher.

To keep your digital footprint safe, you should use private social media accounts and strong, multi-factor-authenticated passwords. Another good idea is to delete old accounts and to limit oversharing on the internet. Not doing live postings while you're on vacation is strongly recommended, I know a few people who have had their house broken into due to people knowing that the house was empty.

Thank you!

Rachel

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I am not sure if this would be considered a flex, but I could not find myself on Google. There is someone who lives in my old neighbourhood who has the same name as me. They have a rather large digital footprint, and despite trying many search prompts, including my cell number and Ontario Tech, I could not find myself. I should consider creating a LinkedIn account, but honestly, it is not an appealing thought. I enjoy my privacy, and I would rather not be able to look me up. I am curious, on the other hand, if anyone from my past ever gets in touch with the person who shares my name. I plan to build a stronger online presence before I graduate.

Jill Dundas

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my digital footprint is all sports related. Me and friends do this all the time where we search each other up on google and see what comes up. Mine is all from when I played hockey, other than that, nothing crazy pops up. Some friends though have there images from instagram and other apps come up on images which is always funny, but kinda creepy to think about it in a way.

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What I learned about my digital footprint

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What I learned about my digital footprint

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I periodically search myself, so this is not entirely new to me. I've taken steps to safeguard my information. For example, I'm unsearchable on Facebook and don't use my full name. I did note, however, that searching up my full name now reveals information that can trace back to my children because I am an active member of their school parent council. This was eye-opening to me; in hindsight, I should have realized it would show up on Google but I definitely need to take some time to think about if I'm actually comfortable with it.

-Dianna C.

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What I learned about my digital footprint

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What I learned about my digital footprint

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From this activity, I learned that my digital footprint is much bigger than I thought. Before, I only thought about what I post online, like social media or emails. Now I understand that there are two types: active and passive digital footprints. Active is what I choose to share, but passive is information collected without me fully knowing, like location, cookies, or browsing history.

This made me realize that even small actions online can leave a trace. For example, using apps, visiting websites, or accepting cookies can all collect my data. I also learned that a lot of my personal information, like messages, location, and even financial data, can be stored and accessed if I am not careful.

This activity helped me reflect on my own habits. I noticed that I do not always check privacy settings or think before accepting terms. It made me more aware that my digital presence can affect my privacy and security.

Overall, I learned that managing my digital footprint is my responsibility. I need to be more mindful of what I share and how my information is being collected and used.To protect my digital footprint, I will be more careful about what I share online and avoid posting personal information. I will use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for better security. I will also avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like banking.

In addition, I will regularly update my devices and use antivirus software to protect against threats. I will also review privacy settings on apps and websites and read terms before accepting them. These steps can help reduce risks and keep my personal information more secure.

Nelofar Saedi

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What I learned

Learning about digital safety has helped me better understand how my online actions shape both my identity and privacy. I have learned that protecting personal information (passwords, location data, images)is crucial in reducing risks like identity theft or scams. Practising strategies like using strong, unique passwords and enabling privacy settings before posting are key parts of being digitally responsible.

I also learned that a public digital footprint is the trail of information I leave behind online. I was shocked to discover how much of my identity is public due to the social media posts I created, online forums/pages and organizations that I have been a part of in the past. While much of it may seem harmless, I now recognize the importance of ensuring that what I post reflects a positive and respectful image.

Overall, this learning has encouraged me to be more intentional and cautious online. It reminded me to be more aware that my Digital footprint is an extension of who I am and I have a responsibility to manage it thoughtfully and safely.

Strategies & Resources for Digital Safety

Here are some tips to protect our digital footprint and enhance digital safety:

Use strong unique passwords

Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts

Adjust privacy settings on platforms like Instagram and TikTok

Regularly review online presence (I will need to do this more)

Use secure networks and keep software updated to reduce risks

Refer to resources like MediaSmarts that provide guidance on safe and responsible online behaviour

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1: After searching my name, usernames, and other details online, I realized that my digital footprint is more controlled than I expected. I have been very strict about my account privacy for a long time, so I felt relieved and happy that nothing significant showed up directly when I searched my name and accounts. This confirmed that being careful with privacy settings and what I share online really makes a difference.

At the same time, this activity made me think more deeply about the parts of my digital footprint that I don’t fully control. Even if my personal profiles are private, there is still passive data being collected through cookies, tracking, or apps running in the background. It helped me understand that digital safety is not just about what I post, but also about how my data is collected without my awareness.

This experience also reinforced the importance of maintaining a professional online presence, especially as a future educator. Even though my current footprint is limited, I need to stay consistent and mindful in the future. Overall, I learned that strong privacy habits are effective, but digital safety still requires ongoing awareness and responsibility.

2: To continue protecting my digital footprint, I will maintain strict privacy settings and regularly check what appears when I search for my name online. I will continue using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to keep my accounts secure. I will also be careful with app permissions and avoid sharing personal information unnecessarily. In addition, I will actively teach children and students simple digital safety habits to help them protect themselves online. A helpful resource is Get Cyber Safe, which provides practical tips for staying safe online.

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To protect my digital footprint, do not post much online. I also always adjust cookie settings to only allow necessary permissions when possible, which helps limit how much data websites collect about me. Using strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication adds extra security. I try to avoid using public Wi-Fi for anything sensitive, and I keep my devices updated to stay protected from new threats. I am very mindful of what I share and how my data is used, which helps me stay safer online. When I googled myself, I found other people with the same name, but it took a great deal of effort to find the real

me. Debra L