Online Activities Archives - Educational By WE R Solutions

Digital Footprint: Your Trail From All The Online Activities You Do

Posted on February 18, 2023 - 6:08 pm by pt2go

Have you ever seen one of those many movies where the hackers got a hold of the good guys’ information through their online activity history while using computers, devices, and all that cyber wizardry?

Then they used what they got to do some nasty stuff, such as blackmail. Now such a concept might sound ridiculous – nothing but La-La-Land doing movie magic to make a quick buck or two.

However, it is an actual scenario that can happen to anyone, including you. Hackers are the least of your problems as you leave digital information behind while surfing the internet.

What you leave behind is what we call a digital footprint. We will delve deep to learn about the concept in today’s piece.

So What Exactly Is A Digital Footprint?

It is a trail of information and data you leave behind while utilizing the World Wide Web. In each activity you do, from purchasing goods from an online shop to subscribing to your favorite Twitch streamer, your digital footprint grows.

Regardless of what you do and how you do it, it will leave behind countless things about you and your behavior online.

We can classify a digital footprint into two categories.

Active Digital Footprint

An active digital footprint is where an internet user shares information and data on purpose. One form of this digital footprint is posting videos and images on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Your posts online will add up to your digital track.

Another form of active digital footprint is when you fill up those forms on most sites. They will retain your information as you entirely subscribe to a newsletter, blog, podcast, or something else.

Even the mere act of accepting cookies while you browse will leave a trail behind.

Passive Digital Footprint

A passive digital footprint is the complete antithesis of the first one. Numerous entities and websites will collect a user’s information without their consent. Such an aspect happens all the time. However, not many people know of it.

A neat example of this aspect is when you log in to your Youtube channel. You have recently watched various videos about horror and ghost hunters roaming around abandoned places. You check back later to find numerous video suggestions about horror and ghost-hunting adventures.

In this scenario, the site has gathered information about your recent activities and used it to suggest videos and media you might be interested in watching later.

Some sites and entities even take more than just video and media activity. They also take into account how many visits you make to specific websites. In addition, some organizations even take your computer’s IP address.

Some Examples Of How Digital Footprint Works

Digital footprint works in almost all fields of interest and industry today. The more activities you do while online, the more your footprint grows. Here are some of the aspects where you add to your digital trail.

In social media, your footprint grows by connecting with friends and family. The mere fact of logging on to a device or unit adds to your footprint already. Even joining a dating site, such as Tinder, contributes to your tracks.

Banking also has to do something with your digital footprint. It grows when you conduct online bank transfers and transactions, open a bank account, purchase stocks, etc.

The same goes for purchasing things online once you add items to your cart at an online shop, that alone contributes to your digital footprint.

Playing video games is another factor in the digital footprint aspect. Playing games alone does the trick. The same goes for buying items directly from a shop or the developer’s website. Subscribing to game blogs, articles, and other features will also affect your digital trail.

The Benefits Of Digital Footprints

It might all sound negative, but there are advantages and benefits when considering your digital footprint. By now, you are aware that websites, organizations, and other entities can track your digital trail, and what you can do is use that information to your advantage.

A decent digital footprint is one of the best ways to market yourself and the services you can offer to employers and industries. More companies are looking into the digital trail of potential employees and other job-hunters.

You can keep your digital footprint clean, active, and involved in numerous interests. Employers will find what they can when checking your profile, for they will check if you have been into industry-related blogs, articles, and media.

They will also look at the videos and images you have recently reviewed. Employers will get back to you once they find your digital footprint, along with your profile and resume are what they are looking for later.

How To Manage Your Digital Footprint

It is always a decent idea to check up on your digital activities as each day passes. You might not know when it might come in handy. Doing so also benefits you should you look for a job. The same goes for any financial opportunity you might get.

More and more entities, industries, and organizations are checking digital footprints before making a final decision. It only goes to show you need to track the breadcrumbs before heading deeper into the forest.

Here are some ways you can manage your digital footprint.

The first thing you can do is perform a quick Google search of yourself. Doing so allows you to check which sites have your name. Searching also reveals various relevant links, images, and other relevant media to your name and identity.

But that does not mean you have to stay at the first search result page alone. It is also a neat idea to check the following pages. You might not know when a site or platform has your name or something related to you they can use.

Another thing you can do is to think before you post something online. We get that it is intriguing to post your most recent trip to the Maldives or that special someone’s birthday celebration.

But do keep in mind that organizations and even malicious entities can get hold of your videos and images. They can use these assets to track your location, IP address, personal information, and other sensitive data.

What happens is they might sell your information to the highest bidder or to corporate businesses. In addition, they can use your information to do undesirable and immoral things.

You don’t want your name to be suddenly involved in a fatal drive-by at a location halfway across the globe. So avoiding sharing too much on social media platforms can do a lot to keep your information safe.

You can also double-check and update your privacy settings. Most websites, including social media platforms, have privacy settings. Tweak these settings. Doing so allows you to know what information a site obtains from you, and you can even deny them from getting any completely.

The next step is to avoid suspicious websites. This step is one everyone knows. However, not too many of them choose to do so. You can notice when a site is suspicious or not with ease. But the best thing you can do is check the website URL.

Any secure and safe website must include the HTTPS:// characters. The most critical of these characters is the S. It is proof that the website is safe, as the letter proves the site has a security certificate.

It also showcases the site is legitimate with its operations and activities.

Another method is to check your profile settings once in a while. More and more websites change their settings and conditions without mentioning them to you, and you have to check their terms and conditions at least once every two weeks to find any changes.

Avoid logging into other sites using Facebook. Unfortunately, the social media giant is notorious for tracking and keeping information without you knowing anything. That is not even the worst part.

Logging into a third-party website with your Facebook details allows companies and organizations to gather the information.

You also have the option to utilize a VPN or virtual private network. What happens is that these service providers will mask your IP address with a fake one. This aspect makes it hard for entities to get your information, and it is because what they have in hand is not factual.

The best part about using a VPN is that it will keep your details safe and private. They will not sell your details and other data like how other companies and platforms do.

The last thing you can do is secure a strong password. A capable password will not only protect your account. But it keeps everything in your account safe and sound from cyber criminals.

Do not use contemporary things, such as your pet’s name or birthday for your password. Entities can easily decode such keywords using applications and software. A capable password must include several characters, numbers, and other digits.

Be Careful

Keeping track of your digital activities can save your life and reputation. Many cyber criminals and organizations can utilize your digital footprint and information to steal your identity. Not only that, but they can also use your details to create false accounts for illegal transactions.

Another thing is that you have no idea what or who has access to your digital footprint. You need to be wary of the sites you visit, even if it means only reading an interesting article. Be sure to check their privacy terms and conditions.

The most crucial thing you have to do is double-check all of these conditions. Reading through all those words and blocks of text might sound boring or dull. But doing so can save you from a lot of trouble.

A Constant Battle

Technology keeps on evolving, mandating us to keep up with the pace. The more systems and methods develop, the more you will utilize the internet. That means you will shop online more, message and video call loved ones, and play games.

Each of these activities will leave a part that makes up your overall digital footprint. So it is up to you to be on guard and do what you can to keep your information safe. But that does not mean you have to stick to the earlier steps.

You also have to find new ways how you can reduce and mitigate the effects of your digital footprint. Playing it safe is the best bet you can take.

I Can Manage: Taking Care Of Your Online Banking Account

Posted on February 17, 2023 - 7:10 pm by pt2go

Online banking has made the banking experience more convenient for people in several ways. People can now send money online through things like PayPal and Venmo. Paying bills has become as easy as having your biller auto-debit the amount from your account.

Thanks to technological advancements, banking-related transactions have become less tedious and troublesome. What’s more, it’s as easy as opening a bank account and signing up. This is why many people opt to engage in various forms of online banking activities.

However, despite the simple onboarding process with online banking, keeping and maintaining that account is no easy task. This is because there are still several responsibilities and things that one must do to help keep that account running.

Simply put, people still need to do their part to manage their bank accounts. Doing so not only makes their life easy but also keeps them out of trouble.

The Importance Of Managing Your Account

This should go without saying, but it’s vital that you learn how to manage your online banking account. Much like any regular banking account, your online account is tied up with your finances–money.

If you’re not responsible about it, you could lose your money, among several other possibilities. Considering that it’s hard to earn money as it is, you should do what you can to secure every cent you have in your account.

If you have this aspect of your finances in order, you can at least be assured that every other financial factor in your life will not suffer. After all, if you take care of your money and manage it well, you’ll be able to make financial decisions with as little difficulty as possible.

What’s more, you can also help do your part to ensure your financial security.

Ways To Manage Your Account

With that in mind, how does one manage their online banking account? Fortunately, it’s a process that isn’t as difficult as you think. There may be many things to look after, but it gets easier once you break down the steps you need to take.

In this case, there are three things you can do to start managing that online account better. What’s more, they’re relatively simple things to do. So, you don’t really have to worry about spending so much time figuring out your account.

Always Keep Track Of Your Balance

One of the most important things you can do to help manage your bank account is keep track of your balance. Whether it’s checking or savings, your accounts will have a balance. This is where your money goes.

Essentially, this is the supply you have. Your balance will tell you how much you have in the bank and how much you have left to spend.

However, while most people rest easy knowing that they have money in their account, it’s still important to keep track of how much you have. Keeping track of how much you have at least lets you know that the amount you have in your account is what it’s supposed to be, no more, no less.

This helps ensure that you’re not losing money without your knowledge. If you ignore this, you could find yourself in more trouble than you can afford.

Take Note Of Expected Transactions

In line with always keeping track of your balance, it’s also essential to take note of expected transactions that involve your bank accounts. This helps ensure you know how much money will be debited or sent to you.

By keeping track of what goes in and out of your account, you can at least cross reference this to any notice you’re given. You can then ensure you’re not being overcharged by your biller or getting an amount less than what was promised.

Aside from that, taking note of the expected transactions can also prompt you to check if you have enough money in your account. If you’re making a check payment, this is very important as this ensures that your check does not bounce.

This also ensures you don’t have a negative balance after paying for something. Because if these things happen, you may face more problems that you may not be prepared for.

Know How To Report Any Banking Concerns

Another way to help you manage your bank account would be knowing who to contact regarding any banking-related concerns. While it may never happen, there may come a time when your biller might debit twice the expected amount from your account, or your check might bounce.

In these instances, knowing how to go about these things can help make your dilemma more manageable.

Knowing how to file a concern and what channels to send them to can at least get you the help you need as soon as possible. This saves you a lot of time and trouble from feeling lost or not knowing what to do. After all, it’s better to be prepared for these things and not have them happen than to have them happen and not know what to do about them.

You Can Do It!

Managing an online bank account is more or less the same as managing a regular bank account. In fact, you can argue that an online banking account is easier to manage. This is because you can access your account conveniently from your smartphone or laptop.

So, it shouldn’t be too difficult to do. You just need to know how to go about it, so you aren’t so overwhelmed.

Thankfully, managing your account is as simple as keeping track of how much you have in your account and knowing what transactions you’ll be having.

By doing these two things, you can at least be assured that you’re responsible with your money because you know how much you have and how much you’re “spending.” Once you make a habit of these things, it’ll eventually be an effortless routine for you.

In the process, you’ll also get more familiar with how your banking platform works and how you can use it.

Online banking has made the entire process of banking more convenient for many people. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if this is something you want to engage in. Fortunately, it’s easy to pick up and learn.

All you have to remember when you get started is to do your part and be responsible enough to manage it. It’s your money, after all. So, it’s best to ensure you’re as responsible with it as possible.

Getting In Line With Online: Starting Out With Online Banking

Posted on February 17, 2023 - 7:01 pm by pt2go

Considering the advantages that come with using technology, it makes sense that people do their best to find ways to integrate it into their lives. After all, a little extra convenience wouldn’t hurt. Thankfully, this is the case in many aspects of our lives.

For example, ordering food has now become as easy as opening an app on your phone, choosing what you want, and requesting it. Online shopping has also allowed people to find what they need without going to a store.

Thanks to technology, many aspects of our lives have become more accessible and easier. Banking is no exception to this. With the help of technology, banking has become a less tiresome and dreadful thing to do.

Whereas you usually have to spend a lot of time lining up to process a transaction, online banking has allowed you to do things from your phone! That’s a relief for many people, especially those with busy schedules.

With that in mind, it would make sense that more and more people would opt to make things more convenient for themselves by taking their banking online. However, if this is new to you, you might be wondering how to sign up for this.

Fortunately, the process is easy! Sometimes, you just need to know what to do to help make things less confusing and overwhelming for yourself.

So, how do you get on board with online banking?

What You’ll Need To Get Started

Of course, before you even begin with your whole online banking experience, there are some prerequisites. Without these, you still won’t be able to carry out transactions from the convenience of your phone or computer. However, you’ll be good to go after you’ve sorted all these out!

A Bank Account

So, before anything else, you’ll need to make sure you have a bank account. This should go without saying. So, if you don’t have a bank account, it’s good to look for a bank you can apply to. Different banks have different requirements when it comes to opening an account with them.

However, it’s not such a complicated process. All you need to do is know what each bank requires of you, and then you can send your application. After a few days of processing, your bank will get back to you and give you all your account details!

The Online Banking Platform

Once you have a bank account to work with, you can then get started on opening that online account. You can do this from the comfort of your home, but you can also ask your bank branch for some help with this process. Whatever the case, the signup process is relatively easy to do.

First, you need to find your bank’s respective mobile app or online platform. You then need to fill up some personal details–among which include your account details.

After that, you’re essentially good to go! You will just have to wait a few days for your bank to process your application. Then they’ll give you all the details you need so you can start using your account.

Some Things To Keep In Mind

That wasn’t so hard, right? Of course, the application process takes some time. However, once you’re finished filling up forms and submitting them, you only need to wait a couple of days or so before you’re good to go!

After that, you can go on ahead and transfer money, pay for bills, and deposit checks into your account!

However, as convenient as online banking is, there are still some risks that come with it. Thankfully, these risks are avoidable. You just need to be extra careful about what you do with your online bank account.

So, before you go on ahead and enjoy all the conveniences online and mobile banking can bring, keep a few things in mind.

Pay Attention To Your Bank’s Tutorials

If you’re new to online banking, one of the things you get after opening an online account would be a list of tips and helpful tricks. While many people might brush these off, they are very helpful in learning how to navigate your bank’s respective platforms. So, giving these tutorials and tips the attention they deserve is essential.

You can learn how your mobile or online banking app works by reading, watching, or paying attention to these tutorials. You can be made aware of its functions and how to access and utilize them. These will also help you learn how to ask for more help if you need it.

Even if it sounds like a waste of time, it’s good to understand these details about your online banking platform. Better safe than sorry, they always say.

Protect Your Details With Your Life

One other essential thing you need to keep in mind regarding online banking is your account details. More specifically, it’s imperative that you protect your account details with your life.

This isn’t to say that your life is at stake if you don’t keep your details safe, but you will get in more trouble than you’re prepared for if you don’t. You see, your online or mobile banking details are essentially what give people access to your account.

If you make the mistake of giving someone else access to your account, you may end up losing all your money or have someone use your details for other types of transactions. That alone is a lot of trouble to find yourself in.

With that in mind, it’s better that you keep your details to yourself. That way, you can at least be assured that you won’t have any unauthorized transactions going on without your knowledge. You save yourself from losing money or even finding yourself in debt you can’t repay!

Making Bank(ing Convenient)!

Many aspects of our lives have been significantly integrated with technology. Thanks to these technological advancements, things have become more accessible and convenient for many people. Online banking is a perfect example of a convenience technology has brought about.

With online banking, you get to make the banking experience a lot less troublesome and tedious. This is because you can carry out certain transactions from the convenience of your phone instead of having to line up at an actual bank.

For people who dread lines, this is definitely a win! What’s more, setting up an online banking account isn’t that difficult to do at all! All you need is a smartphone or computer, a bank account, and to sign up to your bank’s respective online banking platform. It’s that easy!

So, if you’re looking for a way to make your banking experience more bearable, consider going the online banking route! It’s convenient and easy to get started with!

Banking On It: Using Online Banking

Posted on February 17, 2023 - 6:31 pm by pt2go

Technology is a fantastic thing. Along with the development of devices like electric vehicles and robots capable of performing surgeries, there are also technological developments that many people enjoy in their daily lives. Your smartphone is a perfect example of this.

Over a decade ago, there was only so much you could do on your smartphone. Back then, most people only used their phones to text messages and make calls. Eventually, we discovered that we could use our phones for everyday activities, such as sending emails and video calls to family members or people at work.

Nowadays, you can do a variety of things with your smartphone. Aside from the typical functions of a phone, you can look up the weather, stay updated on current events, and even do your shopping! However, among one of the most extraordinary things you can do with your phone, doing your banking is probably one of the greatest conveniences that have come about.

Thanks to the development of technology and the growth of the digital world, there’s already a whole list of activities you can do online! Banking has been one of those wonders. Moreover, it’s become a more sophisticated and efficient way of doing things. So, it’s effectively allowed people to avoid all the trouble that usually comes with a physical bank visit!

With that in mind, is online banking something you should try?

What Is Online Banking?

Thanks to technological advancements, as many aspects of our lives have transitioned into the digital world, it only makes sense that banking would follow suit. As a result, this has helped create a significant part of the banking process easier. Of course, it has also made things much more convenient for people who dread going to the bank.

Moreover, online banking isn’t only a feature exclusive to the bigger banks. While almost all big banks have the money to spend on having sophisticated online banking software, many credit unions also have online banking features.

So, you get to enjoy this without shifting to a more prominent bank – something that many find difficult to do due to hefty fees and interest rates.

What Can You Do Through Online Banking?

Many banks have similar features regarding their online platforms or applications. Of course, it may not allow you to do all your banking-related transactions online. But, it has made a few transactions more convenient to carry out at the click of a mouse or tap of your smartphone.

Send Money From One Account To Another

One of the greatest conveniences that online banking has brought about is the ability to make money transfers. Of course, things like wire transfers have already been a thing for quite some time. So, people could essentially send money from one bank account to another. However, online banking also allowed much more than that.

With services like Venmo and CashApp, people can now send any amount of money from their account to another person’s account. So, you don’t have to worry about having cash on hand if you owe someone or if your loved one needs emergency cash anywhere in the world.

Instead, you can send them the amount from the comfort of your phone! That means you don’t have to look for an ATM or write a check to send to them.

Auto-Debit Your Bills

Aside from making it easier to send friends and family money, online banking has also made it easier for you to pay your bills! Usually, when you have to pay for your utility bills, you’d have to write out a check and send it to your biller through the mail.

While there’s nothing wrong with doing it that way, several problems come with it. For example, your check may get lost while it’s in transit to your biller. You could also forget about the bill and only realize it after getting served a non-payment notice.

Setting up the auto-debit feature through online banking will automatically allow your biller to deduct the amount from your bank account! You don’t risk forgetting to pay your bills through auto-debit, and you can always be sure that your payment goes through.

Keep Track Of Your Account

Among the several great things online banking can do for you, one of its best features is also one of the simplest. Instead of going to a bank or ATM to check your balance, you can open up your app or account online to take a quick look at your bank account.

It allows you to know how much you have in your account. This feature may not seem like a lot, but it’s convenient for those who want to know how much they still have left.

Convenience At The Palm Of Your Hands (Or Computer)

Technology has allowed various ways to make life easier for people. One of the best examples of this would be the smartphones that almost everyone has nowadays. Thanks to these pocket-sized technological marvels, you can do things like keep in touch with people hundreds of miles away and stay updated on things happening worldwide.

Smartphones and computers have also allowed you to carry out several actions at a tap of a screen or click of a mouse.

Due to many aspects of our lives going digital, it makes sense that banking has also gone digital. As a result, you can carry out various banking-related transactions from places like your phone or computer. Instead of having to line up and wait, all you need to do is fill out a couple of details on your phone and confirm the transaction!

Online banking saves you from having to make unnecessary trips to the bank. It essentially gives you the banking at the tap of a screen. So, if you want to streamline your banking processes, going the online route would be one of the best ways to do so!

If you love having more time to do things or just cut down the number of activities you have to fit into your day, online banking is one way to do it.

Tag: Online Activities