In today’s ever-changing world, managing one’s digital footprint has become more important than ever.
In Nigeria, where internet usage has surged, individuals and organisations are exposed to the risks associated with poor digital footprint management.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines digital footprints as the traces of data individuals leave behind through their online activities, such as social media posts, browsing history, and online purchases.
These footprints can be either active (intentional actions) or passive (unintentional data collection), shaping a detailed profile of one’s online presence and behaviour.
With the rapid expansion of internet access since 2023, Nigeria now has approximately 159.5 million internet users, ranking 6th globally.
This widespread connectivity has driven economic growth and facilitated social interaction, but it has also magnified exposure to cyber threats.
As the country faces many challenges with cybercrime, including financial fraud and identity theft, digital footprints have become a prime target for malicious actors.
In 2023, over 1.2 million Nigerians were affected by data breaches, exposing personal details to cybercriminals.
These breaches often involve the misuse of phone numbers, financial data, and addresses.
According to the Cybersecurity Index, Nigeria is ranked 43rd globally for cybercrime prevalence, with financial scams being a major concern.
Additionally, 87 per cent of Nigerians have reported at least one experience of online fraud.
To combat these issues, the government has taken steps such as establishing the National Cybersecurity Initiative (NCI) and the Nigerian Cybercrime Working Group (NCWG).
In spite of these efforts, new and emerging cyber threats, such as sextortion, continue to rise.
In 2024, for example, Meta removed approximately 63,000 Instagram accounts in Nigeria involved in such schemes, reflecting the severity of the issue.
The consequences of poor digital footprint management extend beyond immediate risks.
For instance, inadequate handling of one’s online presence can result in reputational damage.
A notable example is the fine imposed on Fidelity Bank by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission in August 2024 for data privacy violations during the account opening process.
This illustrates the importance of safeguarding personal information online, both for individuals and organisations.
However, Analysts believe that effective digital footprint management is essential to reducing exposure to these risks.
According to Stephen Arome, a tech enthusiast, regular audits of online presence can help individuals and organisations identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
He notes that utilising robust privacy settings on social media and other online platforms is crucial to controlling the visibility of personal information.
He adds that promoting digital literacy is equally important, as it enables users to understand the implications of their online actions and make informed decisions.
Additionally, the concept of digital footprints extends beyond mere social media activity.
For example, Susan, a teenager, purchased post-pill medication online, only to find that targeted ads encouraging pregnancy soon began appearing on her social media.
Similarly, e-commerce websites like Konga track shopping habits and use them to serve personalised advertisements.
Websites also collect data through cookies and hidden trackers, which follow users across the internet, recording what they look at, where they go, and what they buy.
This data can be used for targeted marketing but also poses huge privacy risks.
In the context of online shopping, using a credit card adds further personal data to one’s digital footprint.
As Emeka Silas, a social media analyst, explained, “Cookies saved by websites we visit show where you’ve been. These hidden trackers follow us around, view what we look at, and know what we buy.
“For example, in today’s tech-driven world, when we use our credit cards to shop online, it adds to our digital footprint, which can have serious consequences for both our personal and work lives.”
Mrs Tade Brown, an ICT teacher, advises internet users to minimise their online presence by deleting unnecessary apps, thereby reducing data tracking.
This, she said, can lower the chances of privacy invasion and protect data from cybercriminals.
Moreover, she notes the importance of education, emphasising that digital literacy and critical thinking skills are essential for navigating the online world responsibly.
“Understanding the implications of our actions online is key to safeguarding our digital footprints.
“Education is key to navigating the digital world responsibly. By promoting digital literacy and critical thinking skills, we can empower individuals to protect their digital footprints.
“From identifying fake news to understanding the consequences of online actions, knowledge is our best defence,” she added.
Besides, Blossom Jude, a social media enthusiast, stresses the need for individuals to ensure their digital footprints reflect their best selves.
“Digital footprints, unlike footprints in the sand, are permanent and can shape how others perceive us,” he stated.
He encouraged users to familiarise themselves with privacy settings on social media platforms and to establish boundaries regarding tagging, photos, and posts.
“Every time you do anything on the internet, you leave a trail behind you, in the same way you leave a footprint when you walk on sand or mud.
“The thing about digital footprints is their permanence; unlike footprints in the sand, they do not just wash away with the next high tide,”he said.
Equally, Naomi Paul, a computer science graduate, advises internet users to think carefully before posting or engaging with content online.
She also points out that our digital footprints have real-world consequences, such as affecting our employability, reputation, or even our chances of obtaining a visa.
“Our preferences may change over time, and what seems appropriate at one age may no longer be relevant later in life.
“The things you like at 21 may not be what you like when you’re 34. Ask yourself if what you’re doing is something you want to be associated with long-term.
“Then ask yourself, is what I am posting necessary or going to make the world a better place?”
Overall, stakeholders emphasise that digital footprints reflect our online selves and, with awareness and education, can be shaped to align with our values.
Managing them effectively is essential for protecting privacy, safeguarding reputations, and ensuring national security as Nigeria becomes increasingly digital. NAN
