Cyber Safety for Seniors

What is Cyber Safety?

Cyber-safety is a common term used to describe a set of practices, measures and/or actions you can take to protect yourself

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Never disclose personal information

Full name

Home address

Phone number

Social security number

Passwords

Names of family members

Credit card numbers

Your photograph

Why?

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What are computer hazards?

Viruses – software that attaches to programs installed on a computer or that are programmed to load when an email is opened.

Spyware – malicious software designed to take partial control of a computer’s operation without the knowledge or consent of the user. Often used to track a user’s browsing and spending habits while online and also to mine for personal information.

Cyber-safety Threats

Spam – unwanted emails from advertisers and users that contain malicious and explicit material or try to sell products or services.

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Cyber-safety Threats

Viruses- infect computers through email attachments and file sharing. They delete files, attack other computers, and make your computer run slowly. One infected computer can cause problems for all computers on a network.

Spyware- is software that “piggybacks” on programs you download, gathers information about your online habits, and transmits personal information without your knowledge. It may also cause a wide range of other computer malfunctions. Slide 6

Cyber-safety Threats

Hackers- are people who “trespass” into your computer from a remote location. They may use your computer to send spam or viruses, host a Web site, or do other activities that cause computer malfunctions.

Identity Thieves- are people who obtain unauthorized access to your personal information, such as Social Security and financial account numbers. They then use this information to commit crimes such as fraud or theft.

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Protect against online hazards

Beware of any emails or sites that promise you will get rich quick. These emails are usually a way for hackers to mine

your computer for personal or financial information. Never open an email from someone you do

not know. Never download programs unless you know

they are safe and contain no hidden files.

Password Protection

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Why use a password? Protect personal

information Prove identity Restrict access

When would you use a password? Accessing programs Checking e-mail Logging into websites

How to choose a password

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8.3 rule Include letters Include numbers Include non-alphanumeric characters

Use lower case and upper case letters There is no such thing as a perfect password It is safer to have different passwords for different websites.

This way, if someone finds out only one password at least they won't be able access everything you have signed up for.

Normally, when you type in your password, it will appear as asterisks so people near you cannot see what you are typing.

How to choose a password

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• Choose a password that is memorable and not easy for someone else to guess.

• Don’t write it on a sticky note or other place someone can easily see, keep it somewhere safe where YOU can find it

IMPORTANT

Never give your password out to anyone as no legitimate company will ever ask you for it.

Always remember to log off from a site after you have finished using it. This is very important when you are using a public computer.

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Safeguard against financial risk

If purchasing something online, make sure that the site is secure.The URL should begin with https:A lock icon is displayed and is interactive –

not just a graphic image.Does the site contain a site seal?

Many, but not all sites will contain a seal that is highly visible and difficult to copy which indicates a safe site.

Online Safety Web Sites

LOOKBOTHWAYS offers blogs and step-by-step procedures to help you stay safer. Keep up with the latest online risks and gain skills to be a safer online consumer. The Ask Linda feature lets you ask safety questions at any time for expert advice.

Fighting Back Against Identity Theft is a site from the Federal Trade Commission that guides you through the process of deterring ID thieves, detecting ID theft, and defending yourself against it.

The National Fraud Information Center’s site lets you look up the latest online scams, under the theory that knowledge is power. It also has an online complaint form that you can use to inform them of bad experiences you’ve had with online spammers or scammers.

The Better Business Bureau is a good place to start in identifying online stores that are safe to do business with.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission site is a good place to get information to help you protect your investments and access investment calculators.

CNET is a good site for reading reviews of products from their editors and users before making your online purchase. CNET has a strong focus on electronics and technology, so if you’re thinking of buying a computer, this is a good source of information.

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Practice

Webwise – Registering Online Password High Striker

Remember the computer is a tool, just like a tractor or a car, very useful and a little scary to learn how to use. But with a little practice, you will be cruising the information highway in no time!

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