Digital Footprints and Passwords

The first thing I remember was being asked if I had the same password for all my online accounts then I was asked how easy it would be for anyone to crack these passwords and finally how often do I change my passwords. I was taken aback.

I felt like my sister when my mom asks her where all the ice cream went- SCARED!!

My panicky state did not last long as my professor, Prof. Tejpal, had paved out a clear path for me on how I could come out of this situation. We coaxed him into giving us his passwords (disguised as generic questions- "Sir can you tell us how you handle your accounts' passwords?"). Without hesitation, Prof. Tejpal gladly let us in on his secret- I would love to give it away but it would leave a digital footprint putting Professor in jeopardy!!

This brings me to my next point, DIGITAL FOOTPRINTS!! This was probably the most useful term I have learned in a while; dare I say that it is this term that might have helped me crack the key to success. I remember Professor telling us that this is how we can build contact by just sitting at home. Later, we were asked to browse ourselves on the internet to check out if any unwanted information about us appears. Thankfully, I had a few pictures as a kid which were decent (back when I had three Facebook accounts- all because I had forgotten the passwords to the previous ones, pathetic I know). Anyways, nothing out of the blue/ nothing unexpected appeared which relieved me.

After what I learnt that day, I started a LinkedIn account and came to a consensus on how I should make myself known on the internet (in a respectable manner). Further, I realised that should focus towards maintaining online privacy and security and also help my family and friends to do the same.