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Hello, and welcome back to the Paddock Room.

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I'm Margo, here with Wayne, and this is Talking Tech with Wayne, the podcast dedicated to

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discussing smartphones, smart homes, and everything in between.

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This show is a promise of information freely given to all that seek it, and that is a pack

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between us and all of you.

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Log into our website, www.talking-tech.org, and click the Join the Discussion button

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to join the discussion.

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While there, check out TV shows or click the Schedule a call button to explore how to bring

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We also have a helpline where trained technicians are ready to answer your questions 24-7, and

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best of all, it's 100% free.

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That number is 215-406-HELP.

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215-406-4357.

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Last podcast today and the next two podcasts, we will discuss online safety for parents

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and grandparents.

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Wayne, let's keep this discussion going as we dive into online safety measures to safeguard

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you and your loved ones.

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We've covered a lot of online risks, but now it's time to discuss another important

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aspect.

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Digital Footprints.

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Wayne, could you explain what a digital footprint is and how it's created?

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Sure Margo, a digital footprint is essentially the trail of data you live behind while using

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the internet.

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It includes websites you visit, emails you sent, comments you make on social media, and

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even information you submit to companies.

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And how does one create a digital footprint?

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Every time you do something online, you add to your digital footprint.

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It's like leaving footprints in the sand while walking along the beach.

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The only difference here is that the tide doesn't wash away these footprints.

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They're permanently etched into the fabric of the internet.

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That's quite an interesting analogy, Wayne.

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That gives our listeners a clearer picture of how digital footprints work.

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That's really insightful, Wayne.

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Could you now tell us about the long-term impacts of a digital footprint?

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Certainly Margo, the long-term impacts of a digital footprint can be extensive.

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Since information on the internet is remarkably persistent, anything you post it, like shared

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or browse, could potentially be accessed years later.

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Employers for instance often look at potential employees' digital footprint as a part of

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their screening processes.

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That sounds quite serious.

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Anything else?

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Yes.

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Another aspect is that your digital footprint can be used by marketers to target advertisements

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for you.

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They can gather information about your preferences and habits, making their marketing efforts

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more effective.

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And in worst case scenario, a digital footprint could also be used maliciously.

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Cyber criminals can piece together information to commit identity theft or fraud.

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That's indeed something to ponder over.

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Wayne, could you enlighten our listeners about setting strong passwords and why updating

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them is important?

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Of course.

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In a digital world, passwords are our primary defense.

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They're like the key to our personal information stored online.

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So it's imperative to make them strong and unique.

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This usually means using a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special

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characters.

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That seems quite a task to remember, doesn't it?

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Yes, it can be.

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But that's where password managers come in handy.

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They can generate and store complex passwords for you.

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And updating passwords regularly is also crucial.

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This ensures that even if a password is somehow compromised, the window of opportunity for

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cyber criminals to use it is limited as well.

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That's some solid advice, Wayne.

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So setting unique, strong passwords and updating them regularly is a significant step toward

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online safety.

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Thanks for that tip.

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Along with password management, network security is another important aspect of online safety

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that often gets overlooked.

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Wayne, can you tell us a little more about this?

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Absolutely, Margo.

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Using secure networks is vital to protecting your personal information.

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Your device communicates data whenever you connect to the Internet, especially if you're

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on a public network, like in a cafe or a library.

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If the network isn't secure, it's easier for cyber criminals to intercept this data.

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So should our listeners avoid public Wi-Fi altogether?

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Not necessarily, but they should be careful if you must use public Wi-Fi avoid accessing

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sensitive information like your bank account.

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And if possible, use a virtual private network or VPN.

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Our VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, like the public

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Internet.

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That's good to know, Wayne.

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Being mindful of the networks we connect to can add an extra layer of defense against

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online threats.

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So we've covered network security and password management.

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Wayne, let's dive into something that our audience frequently using social media and

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other online platforms must be aware of.

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Privacy Settings.

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Can you enlighten us about this?

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Of course.

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Privacy settings are a crucial component of online safety.

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These are tools provided by social media platforms that allow you to control who can see your

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content and personal information.

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Unfortunately, many people overlook this crucial feature.

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So how can our listeners take control of these settings, Wayne?

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It's typically straightforward.

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You can usually find privacy settings in the account settings section of your social media

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platforms.

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From there, you can adjust who can see your posts, who can send you friend requests, and

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even who can look you up using your email address or phone number.

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That sounds very useful.

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So Wayne, reviewing and adjusting these settings regularly is a good idea to ensure our online

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presence is as secure as possible.

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Interesting.

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We've covered a lot of ground on privacy settings, Wayne, but another concern often comes up.

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Sharing sensitive personal information online.

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What's your take on that?

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Absolutely.

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That's an area where everyone, not just parents and grandparents, needs to be careful.

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In general, you should avoid sharing any personal information online.

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This includes your address, phone number, social security number, and bank account details.

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I believe that's easier said than done, Wayne.

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We're often asked to enter these details for various online services or purchases.

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That's a fair point.

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In those cases, ensure you're using a secure and trusted website, typically denoted by

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an HTTPS prefix in the web address.

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However, it's critical to avoid sharing this information through email or social media

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as it's easy for cyber criminals to access it.

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Being cautious and taking a moment to verify can save you much trouble.

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Absolutely.

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As of all of the information we share here, flex your Google search muscles, log into our

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website, www.talking-tech.org, or call our helpline.

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Account number is 215-406-HELP.

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That's 215-406-4357.

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Well, I see that's all the time I have for today.

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It has been my pleasure to be here, and I look forward to the next time we can do it

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again.

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I wish you all a farewell.

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Talking Tech with Wayne podcast was produced by Grey Geek Productions, hosted by Margo

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Jones and Wayne Hunter.

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It was Transparser Blue Jazz by Stefan Cartonberg.