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Digital Footprint

Digital footprints are the traces or traits left behind by the user while performing
online activities. It includes the websites visited by the user, emails sent, or
information submitted online through various services. When we open a website,
the server records our location via our IP address, and we unintentionally leave our
information behind. These are called passive digital footprints. While sometimes
we leave such trails intentionally by submitting data online, like the details filled
by us when doing online shopping, such digital footprints are called active digital
footprints.

Sensitising Children About Digital Footprint

• Always post appropriate contents on the Internet.
• When you open a website, it is recorded in its history. Use incognito browser, if
you do not want the history to be stored.

• Avoid uploading inappropriate images or pictures on the web.
• Do not register yourself on unknown or untrustworthy websites.

Safety Measures for Using Computer and the Internet

Some safety measures to follow while using computers and the Internet are:
• Never open unreliable websites on the Internet.

• Consult your parents about which websites are to be used and which are not.
• Do not provide your personal information, images, etc. on unknown websites.

• Never download anything from the Internet without the knowledge of your
parents.
• Do not share your passwords or other login credentials with your friends.

• If you are accessing your private information on a computer other than your
own, make sure that you have logged out properly.

• Use only the original DVDs in your computer.
• Never open unauthorised or unknown emails.
• Update the antivirus software on your computer and scan the files downloaded

from the Internet before using them.
• Create strong passwords for your email or social network accounts to protect

them from unauthorised access.
• Always keep backup copy of your important data.
• Change your passwords on a regular basis.

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