Hello, and welcome back to the Paddock Room.
I'm Margo, here with Wayne, and this is Talking Tech with Wayne, the podcast dedicated to
discussing smartphones, smart homes, and everything in between.
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Last podcast today and the next two podcasts, we will discuss online safety for parents
and grandparents.
Wayne, let's keep this discussion going as we dive into online safety measures to safeguard
you and your loved ones.
We've covered a lot of online risks, but now it's time to discuss another important
aspect.
Digital Footprints.
Wayne, could you explain what a digital footprint is and how it's created?
Sure Margo, a digital footprint is essentially the trail of data you live behind while using
the internet.
It includes websites you visit, emails you sent, comments you make on social media, and
even information you submit to companies.
And how does one create a digital footprint?
Every time you do something online, you add to your digital footprint.
It's like leaving footprints in the sand while walking along the beach.
The only difference here is that the tide doesn't wash away these footprints.
They're permanently etched into the fabric of the internet.
That's quite an interesting analogy, Wayne.
That gives our listeners a clearer picture of how digital footprints work.
That's really insightful, Wayne.
Could you now tell us about the long-term impacts of a digital footprint?
Certainly Margo, the long-term impacts of a digital footprint can be extensive.
Since information on the internet is remarkably persistent, anything you post it, like shared
or browse, could potentially be accessed years later.
Employers for instance often look at potential employees' digital footprint as a part of
their screening processes.
That sounds quite serious.
Anything else?
Yes.
Another aspect is that your digital footprint can be used by marketers to target advertisements
for you.
They can gather information about your preferences and habits, making their marketing efforts
more effective.
And in worst case scenario, a digital footprint could also be used maliciously.
Cyber criminals can piece together information to commit identity theft or fraud.
That's indeed something to ponder over.
Wayne, could you enlighten our listeners about setting strong passwords and why updating
them is important?
Of course.
In a digital world, passwords are our primary defense.
They're like the key to our personal information stored online.
So it's imperative to make them strong and unique.
This usually means using a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special
characters.
That seems quite a task to remember, doesn't it?
Yes, it can be.
But that's where password managers come in handy.
They can generate and store complex passwords for you.
And updating passwords regularly is also crucial.
This ensures that even if a password is somehow compromised, the window of opportunity for
cyber criminals to use it is limited as well.
That's some solid advice, Wayne.
So setting unique, strong passwords and updating them regularly is a significant step toward
online safety.
Thanks for that tip.
Along with password management, network security is another important aspect of online safety
that often gets overlooked.
Wayne, can you tell us a little more about this?
Absolutely, Margo.
Using secure networks is vital to protecting your personal information.
Your device communicates data whenever you connect to the Internet, especially if you're
on a public network, like in a cafe or a library.
If the network isn't secure, it's easier for cyber criminals to intercept this data.
So should our listeners avoid public Wi-Fi altogether?
Not necessarily, but they should be careful if you must use public Wi-Fi avoid accessing
sensitive information like your bank account.
And if possible, use a virtual private network or VPN.
Our VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, like the public
Internet.
That's good to know, Wayne.
Being mindful of the networks we connect to can add an extra layer of defense against
online threats.
So we've covered network security and password management.
Wayne, let's dive into something that our audience frequently using social media and
other online platforms must be aware of.
Privacy Settings.
Can you enlighten us about this?
Of course.
Privacy settings are a crucial component of online safety.
These are tools provided by social media platforms that allow you to control who can see your
content and personal information.
Unfortunately, many people overlook this crucial feature.
So how can our listeners take control of these settings, Wayne?
It's typically straightforward.
You can usually find privacy settings in the account settings section of your social media
platforms.
From there, you can adjust who can see your posts, who can send you friend requests, and
even who can look you up using your email address or phone number.
That sounds very useful.
So Wayne, reviewing and adjusting these settings regularly is a good idea to ensure our online
presence is as secure as possible.
Interesting.
We've covered a lot of ground on privacy settings, Wayne, but another concern often comes up.
Sharing sensitive personal information online.
What's your take on that?
Absolutely.
That's an area where everyone, not just parents and grandparents, needs to be careful.
In general, you should avoid sharing any personal information online.
This includes your address, phone number, social security number, and bank account details.
I believe that's easier said than done, Wayne.
We're often asked to enter these details for various online services or purchases.
That's a fair point.
In those cases, ensure you're using a secure and trusted website, typically denoted by
an HTTPS prefix in the web address.
However, it's critical to avoid sharing this information through email or social media
as it's easy for cyber criminals to access it.
Being cautious and taking a moment to verify can save you much trouble.
Absolutely.
As of all of the information we share here, flex your Google search muscles, log into our
website, www.talking-tech.org, or call our helpline.
Account number is 215-406-HELP.
That's 215-406-4357.
Well, I see that's all the time I have for today.
It has been my pleasure to be here, and I look forward to the next time we can do it
again.
I wish you all a farewell.
Talking Tech with Wayne podcast was produced by Grey Geek Productions, hosted by Margo
Jones and Wayne Hunter.
It was Transparser Blue Jazz by Stefan Cartonberg.