Reflect: When you walk on the beach, you usually leave behind your footprints in the sand. Online, you also leave a footprint (or trail) when using digital technology. Your computer and the websites you visit create digital footprints of where you have been. Sometimes, this tracking is helpful to us. For example, if you leave a website and return later, you can simply pick up where you left without having to start over. At others times, these electronic trails could pose a security threat to you and your computer. Take some time to reflect on what you learned about the ways in which leaving a digital trail could both help and hurt you.

Write: Using the information you read in Section 6.1, address the following:

• Describe two ways you leave an electronic, digital trail when you go online with your computer or mobile device. Describe how these trails can be both beneficial and a potential security risk.
• Write about a situation in which you or someone you know was a victim of a privacy, safety, or security breach online. Describe the situation and how it was eventually resolved (at least 3-5 sentences).
• Put your name into a search engine such as Google and review your own digital trail. Briefly describe what you found. Note: If you have a common name, you may need to add additional search terms or experiment with different search terms (ex: Dan Smith Clinton, Iowa).
• Now that you have explored your own digital trail, identify at least three steps you can take to protect your privacy, safety, and security on the web.

Your initial post should contain a minimum of 250 words and be written in complete sentences.