As we continue to advance further into the digital era, our digital footprints continue to expand. Digital footprints refer to the information users wittingly share online to less conspicuous details. With every new stroke of the keyboard, online purchase, video streaming, or social media post, our digital footprints amass more data that can impact our privacy, security, and finances.
In this article, we will discuss the top digital footprint trends of 2023, including what digital footprints are, why they are important, and how Formica tracks digital footprints with Customer 360.
What is Digital Footprint
Digital footprints are the unique trails of data that users leave behind as they interact with the internet and digital devices. These footprints can be either active or passive. Active digital footprints are created when users intentionally share information online, such as through social media posts, comments, and photos. Passive digital footprints are created without intentional awareness, such as through the browsing history, search queries, and cookies downloaded onto their devices.
Digital footprints can be used for a variety of purposes, including targeted advertising, fraud prevention, law enforcement, and employment. However, it is important to be aware of the potential privacy risks associated with digital footprints. Users should be careful about the information that they share, and should take steps to protect their privacy, such as using strong passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication.
Why Digital Footprint Tracking is Important
Digital footprint is the trail of data that users leave behind as they use the internet and digital devices. It can impact privacy, security, and finances in a number of ways. Companies can use digital footprints to target their relevant audience with ads and to learn more about their interests and preferences according to those.
Third parties, such as potential employers, educational establishments, and even criminals, can also use digital footprint tracking for their own purposes, such as reviewing social media accounts, committing fraud and many more. It is important to be aware of digital footprints and to take steps to protect it by being careful about what information that’s shared online by using strong passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication.
Top Digital Footprint Trends of 2023
Social Media Tracking
Social media usage grew 3% in 2022, with 4.76 billion active users (60% of the global population), who now spend more than two and a half hours per day navigating these platforms. Social networking systems may record the activities of individuals, with data becoming a life stream. Such social media usage and roaming services allow digital tracing data to include individual interests, social groups, behaviors, and location.
IP Tracking
IP tracking is the process of identifying the location of a device using its IP address. IP addresses are unique identifiers that are assigned to devices when they connect to the internet. IP tracking can be used for a variety of purposes, including tracking users' online activities, preventing fraud, and enforcing copyright laws.
Phone Number Tracking
Phone number tracking is the process of identifying the location of a device using its phone number. Phone numbers can be linked to physical addresses and other personal information, making them a valuable tool for tracking users' online and offline activities.
Physical Addressing Tracking
Physical addressing is the process of identifying the location of a device using its physical address. This can be done by collecting the address from the user directly, or by using other methods such as reverse IP lookup. Physical addressing can be used for a variety of purposes, such as delivering packages, targeting advertising, and tracking users' online activities.
Location Tracking
Location tracking is the process of identifying the location of a device using its GPS or Wi-Fi signals. Location tracking can be used for a variety of purposes, such as providing turn-by-turn navigation, tracking users' fitness goals, and targeting advertising.
How Formica Tracks Digital Footprint with Customer 360
Formica is a risk orchestration platform that helps users take measures to control, manage, and protect their digital footprints. Formica’s latest risk scoring solution Customer 360, provides IP-based, email-based, and social media-based risk scoring where it helps businesses track and monitor their online presence, protect their online reputation, and reach new customers by providing smart onboarding processes.
Unleash the power of Customer 360; the innovative risk assessment solution that combines IP-based, email-based, and social media-based risk scoring. Evaluate risks accurately, protect your business with confidence, and build trust.
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