You are now an IP Address.
This is the year humanity's digital footprint grew. In the year 2020, where do children get their learning? What about interviews? With meetings and learning now conducted online, it would have been easy to assume it couldn't get any worse, but it does. Birthdays are online; burials are virtual, and even sacred religious events must be broadcast as no one can attend. Everyone has a digital footprint, and our lives are mirrored digitally, represented by IP Addresses. Granted, your IP may be dynamic and determined by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), but you are still referenced by one.
What do all these have in common? You are now represented by a set of numbers which you can ask google for. Google "what is my IP address" (try it and see the result). These IPs provide some basic information about your location. However, they leave a trail everywhere you visit. Thankfully most Internet Service Providers don't give permanent IP addresses but rather a range. Remember, these do not change the fact that since you are more online than offline, you register your visits on every website you visit.
Things to Look Out For.
There are significant implications for the digitisation of all aspects of our lives. You may need to:
Start auditing your digital footprint.
Start protecting your digital identity.
Google has a narrative about you, a record you add to daily.
Business partners don't have to rely on what appears on your company card and website.
Employers can google you.
Be smart with your posts and shares going forward.
Secure your computer and your data.
Protecting your digital identity is essential for several reasons:
Identity theft: Your digital identity contains sensitive information, such as your name, address, date of birth, and financial information. If cybercriminals gain access to this information, they can use it to steal your identity, open credit accounts in your name, and commit other forms of fraud.
Reputation damage: Your digital identity is often your public face, and it can significantly impact your personal and professional reputation. If someone gains access to your social media accounts, for example, they can post damaging or embarrassing content that can harm your reputation.
Privacy: Protecting your digital identity also means safeguarding your privacy. If your personal information is shared or sold without your consent, you may be subjected to unwanted marketing, spam, or other forms of harassment.
Legal liability: You may be held liable if someone uses your digital identity to commit a crime or engage in illegal activities. Protecting your digital identity can help you avoid legal trouble and that you do not suffer for someone else's actions.
Protecting your digital identity is critical in today's digital age, where cyber threats are increasingly common. Protecting your personal information can help you avoid identity theft, reputation damage, privacy violations, and legal liability.