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.

Janis

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

Sandy Vineta Ramdeo

• Chiara Ruscica

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.

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.

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

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

Jill Dundas

-Dianna C.

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

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

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.

me. Debra L

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

-Bobbi MacKinnon

Farhath

Jill Dundas

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

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

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.

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.