1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:14,960 Hello, and welcome back to the Paddock Room. 2 00:00:14,960 --> 00:00:15,960 I'm Margo. 3 00:00:15,960 --> 00:00:22,000 I'm here with Wayne, and this is Talking Tech with Wayne, the podcast dedicated to 4 00:00:22,000 --> 00:00:27,860 discussing smartphones, smart homes, and everything in between. 5 00:00:27,860 --> 00:00:35,160 This show is a promise of information freely given to all that seek it, and that is a pack 6 00:00:35,160 --> 00:00:38,200 between us and all of you. 7 00:00:38,200 --> 00:00:49,360 Log into our website, www.talking-tech.org, and click the Join a Discussion button to 8 00:00:49,360 --> 00:00:52,040 join a discussion. 9 00:00:52,040 --> 00:00:58,520 While there, check out TV shows, or click the Schedule a Call button to explore how 10 00:00:58,520 --> 00:01:05,120 to bring a Talking Tech discussion group to your local church or community center. 11 00:01:05,120 --> 00:01:13,600 We also have a helpline where trained technicians are ready to answer your questions 24-7. 12 00:01:13,600 --> 00:01:18,160 And best of all, it's 100% free. 13 00:01:18,160 --> 00:01:22,920 That number is 215-406-HELP. 14 00:01:22,920 --> 00:01:29,920 215-406-4357. 15 00:01:29,920 --> 00:01:39,600 Today and in our next two podcasts, we will discuss online safety for parents and grandparents. 16 00:01:39,600 --> 00:01:43,800 Wayne, what should our listeners know? 17 00:01:43,800 --> 00:01:47,080 Hello, Margo, and hello to all of our listeners. 18 00:01:47,080 --> 00:01:49,360 It's great to be here today. 19 00:01:49,360 --> 00:01:55,760 I'm excited to help shed some light on the importance of online safety for everyone, 20 00:01:55,760 --> 00:01:58,560 especially parents and grandparents. 21 00:01:58,560 --> 00:02:00,160 Wonderful, Wayne. 22 00:02:00,160 --> 00:02:02,760 So let's jump right in. 23 00:02:02,760 --> 00:02:08,280 Why has online safety become so significant for all age groups? 24 00:02:08,280 --> 00:02:12,840 Well, Margo, the world is increasingly becoming digital. 25 00:02:12,840 --> 00:02:18,280 We use the Internet for almost everything, from shopping and banking to socializing and 26 00:02:18,280 --> 00:02:19,560 working. 27 00:02:19,560 --> 00:02:26,880 This widespread use of the Internet makes it vital for anyone, in respect of age, to 28 00:02:26,880 --> 00:02:31,080 understand how to stay safe online. 29 00:02:31,080 --> 00:02:32,720 That's true. 30 00:02:32,720 --> 00:02:38,760 Wayne, our lives are quite entwined with the digital world. 31 00:02:38,760 --> 00:02:40,480 Absolutely, Margo. 32 00:02:40,480 --> 00:02:45,600 And that's why it's not just about knowing how to use the Internet, but it's also about 33 00:02:45,600 --> 00:02:48,600 knowing how to use it safely. 34 00:02:48,600 --> 00:02:54,160 This includes understanding the various risks associated with online activities and how 35 00:02:54,160 --> 00:02:58,080 to protect ourselves and our loved ones. 36 00:02:58,080 --> 00:03:01,680 So it's about being proactive, then. 37 00:03:01,680 --> 00:03:02,960 Exactly, Margo. 38 00:03:02,960 --> 00:03:08,880 Being proactive and informed is our first line of defense regarding online safety. 39 00:03:08,880 --> 00:03:14,200 And that's exactly what we hope to achieve with this podcast series. 40 00:03:14,200 --> 00:03:21,120 Over the next few episodes, we'll dive deeper into what the online world entails. 41 00:03:21,120 --> 00:03:26,880 The potential risks and threats one should be aware of, and most importantly, how to 42 00:03:26,880 --> 00:03:33,320 protect oneself and ensure the online safety of children and grandchildren. 43 00:03:33,320 --> 00:03:35,000 Yes, Margo. 44 00:03:35,000 --> 00:03:39,360 And I think it's important for our listeners to know that online safety isn't something 45 00:03:39,360 --> 00:03:41,040 to be scared of. 46 00:03:41,040 --> 00:03:44,760 It's just about equipping ourselves with the right knowledge. 47 00:03:44,760 --> 00:03:51,240 And once you have that, you'll find the digital world is a wonderful place to explore. 48 00:03:51,240 --> 00:03:57,640 Now that we've established the importance of online safety, let's dive deeper into 49 00:03:57,640 --> 00:04:02,440 what we'll cover in this podcast series. 50 00:04:02,440 --> 00:04:03,600 Absolutely, Margo. 51 00:04:03,600 --> 00:04:08,440 We aim to provide our listeners, especially parents and grandparents, with the knowledge 52 00:04:08,440 --> 00:04:13,280 and tools they need to navigate the digital world safely. 53 00:04:13,280 --> 00:04:19,720 We structured these two podcasts to tackle different aspects of online safety systematically 54 00:04:19,720 --> 00:04:22,560 and easily digestible. 55 00:04:22,560 --> 00:04:29,000 So Wayne, can you walk us through the structure and objectives of our discussions? 56 00:04:29,000 --> 00:04:32,080 What will be our first point of discussion? 57 00:04:32,080 --> 00:04:36,920 Our first major topic will be about understanding the online world. 58 00:04:36,920 --> 00:04:44,000 We'll discuss the various platforms and services we commonly use, like email, social media, 59 00:04:44,000 --> 00:04:48,680 and online banking, and their potential risks. 60 00:04:48,680 --> 00:04:49,680 Right. 61 00:04:49,680 --> 00:04:54,160 It's crucial to know the terrain before we learn how to navigate it. 62 00:04:54,160 --> 00:04:55,880 Exactly, Margo. 63 00:04:55,880 --> 00:05:02,760 After that, we'll discuss common online threats like phishing, scams, and malware. 64 00:05:02,760 --> 00:05:08,480 We'll help our listeners identify these threats and advise them on what to do if they encounter 65 00:05:08,480 --> 00:05:09,480 them. 66 00:05:09,480 --> 00:05:14,680 Scary stuff, but it's better to be informed and prepared. 67 00:05:14,680 --> 00:05:16,480 What's next after that? 68 00:05:16,480 --> 00:05:23,640 We'll move on to proactive measures, covering various ways to ensure our safety and safety 69 00:05:23,640 --> 00:05:26,520 of our loved ones online. 70 00:05:26,520 --> 00:05:34,040 This will include tips on setting strong passwords, using secure networks, and recognizing secure 71 00:05:34,040 --> 00:05:35,640 websites. 72 00:05:35,640 --> 00:05:39,080 That sounds like really valuable information. 73 00:05:39,080 --> 00:05:41,200 And lastly? 74 00:05:41,200 --> 00:05:45,600 Lastly we'll discuss how to educate the younger generation about online safety. 75 00:05:45,600 --> 00:05:51,440 We'll provide advice on how to talk to your kids or grandkids about the Internet and set 76 00:05:51,440 --> 00:05:56,080 boundaries and rules to keep them safe online. 77 00:05:56,080 --> 00:05:58,120 That's fantastic, Wayne. 78 00:05:58,120 --> 00:06:01,960 We have a lot to look forward to in this podcast series. 79 00:06:01,960 --> 00:06:09,360 So dear listeners, join us as we embark on this journey to ensure online safety for ourselves 80 00:06:09,360 --> 00:06:11,160 and our loved ones. 81 00:06:11,160 --> 00:06:16,960 Wayne, could you help us understand what the Internet actually is? 82 00:06:16,960 --> 00:06:18,520 Of course, Margo. 83 00:06:18,520 --> 00:06:24,080 In the simplest terms, the Internet is a global network of computers that are connected and 84 00:06:24,080 --> 00:06:26,440 communicate with each other. 85 00:06:26,440 --> 00:06:32,920 This allows us to access and share information almost instantly, no matter where we are. 86 00:06:32,920 --> 00:06:35,080 That's a great start, Wayne. 87 00:06:35,080 --> 00:06:38,840 Now we often hear the term social media. 88 00:06:38,840 --> 00:06:42,400 Could you explain what that means? 89 00:06:42,400 --> 00:06:43,920 Absolutely Margo. 90 00:06:43,920 --> 00:06:50,600 Social media refers to online platforms where people can create and share content and interact 91 00:06:50,600 --> 00:06:52,240 with each other. 92 00:06:52,240 --> 00:06:59,600 Some popular examples of social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even 93 00:06:59,600 --> 00:07:00,600 YouTube. 94 00:07:00,600 --> 00:07:02,560 Thank you, Wayne. 95 00:07:02,560 --> 00:07:09,240 So these platforms are where we can interact with our friends and family online. 96 00:07:09,240 --> 00:07:13,240 What about digital communication tools, Wayne? 97 00:07:13,240 --> 00:07:18,240 Digital communication tools include any kind of technology that allows us to communicate 98 00:07:18,240 --> 00:07:20,880 with others online. 99 00:07:20,880 --> 00:07:26,440 This can range from emails, which allows us to send messages and documents to each other, 100 00:07:26,440 --> 00:07:33,560 to video calling platforms like Skype or Zoom, where we can talk to and see our loved ones, 101 00:07:33,560 --> 00:07:36,640 even if they're on the other side of the world. 102 00:07:36,640 --> 00:07:42,440 It's truly amazing how the online world brings us closer together. 103 00:07:42,440 --> 00:07:47,520 But as we know, with such advantages, there also comes certain risk. 104 00:07:47,520 --> 00:07:54,760 Wayne, can you shed some light on how the digital age has changed our communication? 105 00:07:54,760 --> 00:07:55,960 Certainly Margo. 106 00:07:55,960 --> 00:08:01,240 The digital age has transformed communication significantly. 107 00:08:01,240 --> 00:08:06,960 In the past, we'd have to write letters or make phone calls to connect with people far 108 00:08:06,960 --> 00:08:08,280 away. 109 00:08:08,280 --> 00:08:14,080 Now with the internet, we can send an instant message or even have a video call with anyone, 110 00:08:14,080 --> 00:08:16,440 anywhere, anytime. 111 00:08:16,440 --> 00:08:21,080 This has made communication more efficient and accessible. 112 00:08:21,080 --> 00:08:22,680 That's true. 113 00:08:22,680 --> 00:08:26,680 And what about our social interactions? 114 00:08:26,680 --> 00:08:28,840 Great question, Margo. 115 00:08:28,840 --> 00:08:32,560 Social media has indeed changed how we socialize. 116 00:08:32,560 --> 00:08:37,800 Instead of waiting for a family gathering or a social event, we can now interact with 117 00:08:37,800 --> 00:08:45,320 our friends, family, and even strangers right from our homes in real time. 118 00:08:45,320 --> 00:08:52,120 We share our lives, exchange ideas, and celebrate important memories virtually. 119 00:08:52,120 --> 00:08:58,840 It has also opened opportunities to connect with like-minded communities and individuals 120 00:08:58,840 --> 00:09:02,280 we may never have met otherwise. 121 00:09:02,280 --> 00:09:05,960 How has social media influenced the way we socialize? 122 00:09:05,960 --> 00:09:12,280 There's no denying that the online world has its own charms. 123 00:09:12,280 --> 00:09:17,760 But as we've mentioned before, with these benefits come certain risks. 124 00:09:17,760 --> 00:09:20,840 And that's what we're here to discuss. 125 00:09:20,840 --> 00:09:25,840 So help our listeners navigate this new world's safety. 126 00:09:25,840 --> 00:09:33,320 Wayne, can you explain what phishing, scams, and malicious links are? 127 00:09:33,320 --> 00:09:35,600 Of course, Margo. 128 00:09:35,600 --> 00:09:42,120 Phishing is an online scam where cybercriminals trick you into revealing sensitive information 129 00:09:42,120 --> 00:09:45,480 like your passwords or credit card numbers. 130 00:09:45,480 --> 00:09:51,960 They often do this by pretending to be trustworthy in an email or a text message. 131 00:09:51,960 --> 00:09:57,600 So they kind of fish for your personal details, right? 132 00:09:57,600 --> 00:09:59,080 Exactly. 133 00:09:59,080 --> 00:10:01,160 That's why it's called phishing. 134 00:10:01,160 --> 00:10:09,120 Now scams are deceptive activities aimed at illegally obtaining money or personal information. 135 00:10:09,120 --> 00:10:14,560 Online scams can take many forms, from lottery scams where you're told you won a large sum 136 00:10:14,560 --> 00:10:21,200 of money, to romance scams where a scammer forms a relationship with you to defraud you. 137 00:10:21,200 --> 00:10:23,200 That sounds scary. 138 00:10:23,200 --> 00:10:26,120 What about malicious links? 139 00:10:26,120 --> 00:10:32,440 A malicious link is a hyperlink designed to damage or infect your computer, typically 140 00:10:32,440 --> 00:10:35,160 by installing malware. 141 00:10:35,160 --> 00:10:41,000 These links appear in emails, social media platforms, or websites. 142 00:10:41,000 --> 00:10:46,160 They often look like legitimate links, but clicking on them can compromise your device 143 00:10:46,160 --> 00:10:48,040 and data. 144 00:10:48,040 --> 00:10:50,920 That's definitely something to watch out for. 145 00:10:50,920 --> 00:10:52,640 Thanks for breaking it down. 146 00:10:52,640 --> 00:10:58,280 Now Wayne, let's discuss identity theft and data breaches. 147 00:10:58,280 --> 00:11:03,960 What exactly are they and why should our listeners be concerned? 148 00:11:03,960 --> 00:11:05,880 Good question, Margo. 149 00:11:05,880 --> 00:11:08,080 Let's start with identity theft. 150 00:11:08,080 --> 00:11:13,080 This is when someone unlawfully attains and uses your personal information such as your 151 00:11:13,080 --> 00:11:21,400 name, social security number, or bank account details, typically for financial gain. 152 00:11:21,400 --> 00:11:27,360 This can lead to significant harm such as unauthorized transactions, damaged credit, 153 00:11:27,360 --> 00:11:29,680 or even legal issues. 154 00:11:29,680 --> 00:11:32,280 That's quite concerning. 155 00:11:32,280 --> 00:11:37,400 Often this ties back to data breaches, which is the other term you mentioned. 156 00:11:37,400 --> 00:11:43,360 A data breach occurs when secure or private information is released into an untrusted 157 00:11:43,360 --> 00:11:45,120 environment. 158 00:11:45,120 --> 00:11:50,640 This can happen if an organization that holds your personal data, such as a bank, healthcare 159 00:11:50,640 --> 00:11:55,560 provider, or even a social media platform is hacked. 160 00:11:55,560 --> 00:12:03,480 It sounds very serious, but how does someone get access to such personal information? 161 00:12:03,480 --> 00:12:05,200 Not at all, Margo. 162 00:12:05,200 --> 00:12:10,680 While we can't control the security measures of every organization that holds our data, 163 00:12:10,680 --> 00:12:14,960 we can certainly take steps to protect ourselves online. 164 00:12:14,960 --> 00:12:17,720 Can you elaborate a bit more? 165 00:12:17,720 --> 00:12:21,600 How can oversharing online lead to threats? 166 00:12:21,600 --> 00:12:22,600 Sure. 167 00:12:22,600 --> 00:12:25,440 Let's take a simple example. 168 00:12:25,440 --> 00:12:30,400 Say you posted a picture of your brand new driver's license on social media. 169 00:12:30,400 --> 00:12:35,640 While it might seem harmless, it provides enough information for someone to steal your 170 00:12:35,640 --> 00:12:37,680 identity. 171 00:12:37,680 --> 00:12:40,560 That's quite eye-opening. 172 00:12:40,560 --> 00:12:46,440 So Wayne, what should our listeners keep in mind to avoid oversharing? 173 00:12:46,440 --> 00:12:52,520 It's crucial to be aware of what you're posting and to whom it's visible. 174 00:12:52,520 --> 00:12:58,280 Before sharing anything, think twice about whether it's necessary and who might see 175 00:12:58,280 --> 00:12:59,280 it. 176 00:12:59,280 --> 00:13:04,320 Always double-check your privacy settings on social media platforms to ensure that only 177 00:13:04,320 --> 00:13:11,840 trusted people can view your posts and never share sensitive information like bank details 178 00:13:11,840 --> 00:13:15,000 or social security numbers online. 179 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:17,320 Absolutely. 180 00:13:17,320 --> 00:13:23,080 As with all of the information we share here, flex your Google search muscles, log into 181 00:13:23,080 --> 00:13:32,920 our website, www.talking-tech.org, all lowercase, or call our helpline. 182 00:13:32,920 --> 00:13:37,440 And that number is 215-406-HELP. 183 00:13:37,440 --> 00:13:41,440 That's 215-406-4357. 184 00:13:41,440 --> 00:13:46,920 Well, I see that's all the time I have for today. 185 00:13:46,920 --> 00:13:52,400 It has been my pleasure to be here and I look forward to the next time we can do it again. 186 00:13:52,400 --> 00:13:56,280 I wish you all a farewell. 187 00:13:56,280 --> 00:14:02,760 Talking Tech with Wayne podcast was produced by Grey Geek Productions, hosted by Margo 188 00:14:02,760 --> 00:14:05,760 Jones and Wayne Hunter. 189 00:14:05,760 --> 00:14:11,800 Tech was Transparser Blue Jazz by Stefan Cartonberg.