Cyber thieves typically prey on those less informed and unsuspecting. Seniors, with often limited knowledge of hacker activity and behavior are particularly vulnerable.
Along with the major advances and wonderful opportunities created by the Internet and Cyber-space also comes the danger of being a cybercrime victim. Hackers and thieves abound to take advantage of innocent people, using desktops, laptops and mobile devices to do their dirty work, and robbing victims of everything from fortunes to identities.
Clint Kirkwood, a 28-year veteran and retired commanding officer of the vice section of the narcotics division of the Detroit Police Department comments that “Despite a global recession, improved security and international crackdown efforts, cybercrime has thrived over the last decade, growing by double digits year after year.”
Even more chilling is the fact that the cost of identity theft alone has topped $37 billion. The Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 300,000 complaints in 2011, which included such crimes as identity theft, advance fee fraud and a host of work-from-home, leasing and loan intimidation scams. From copyright infringement to spamming, the impact is enormous.
A Digital Web of Lies
Knowing the threats you face online and the tools available to help protect you can help prevent you from becoming a cybercrime victim. Here are a few cyber-tips to keep in mind:
* Suspicious Emails and Attachments
Never open any unknown or suspicious email from sources you are not familiar with and never give out your personal information to anyone asking for it – no exceptions. If you are not familiar with the sender of the email, delete it and report it as spam. Email fraud, asking for money and donations, or claiming that you are some lucky winner, is extremely prevalent and happens at alarming rates. If you do not know the email source, delete the mail.
* Anti-virus Software
While this will not guarantee 100 percent protection, anti-virus software, such as Norton McAfee or AVG can definitely reduce your risk. Be sure that Wi-Fi connections are secure and private, and never do business with sensitive information in a public Internet arena where a secure connection is unavailable.
* Password Protection
Passwords should be changed frequently, given out only on rare occasions and kept in a safe and secret place. Be sure to create logins that are difficult to guess (combine numbers, letters and characters). Do not use the same ID/password in all websites. While keeping track of multiple logins and passwords may be an inconvenience, it’s a necessary protection against hackers.
Being a cybercrime victim can be prevented. Stay educated on Internet Technology and advances, and just like you were told by your parents when you were little, don’t ever talk to strangers!
Tribute Homes specializes in building retirement communities for active adults 55 and over in NC and SC. For more information, visit us at www.tributehomesusa.com or contact us at 877-577-5560.
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