The Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau, and
other national organizations are educating the public about the dangers to our
computer information and how you can protect that information.
The threat to your information can come through your desktop
PC, laptop, tablet or your smartphone. Key information that criminals want
includes your credit card and bank account numbers. Other information including
your date of birth, home address, Social Security Number, and family information
can also be used to take your identity, charging your accounts, making you pay
for goods and services that crooks have purchased.
Part of the education campaign is STOP, THINK, CONNECT. This
campaign emphasizes the following points:
·
Protect your personal information. Use “strong”
passwords on all of your accounts. Also, consider using two-factor
authentication if available.
·
Connect with caution. Be wary of unsolicited
emails or messages on social media sites. Never use public Wi-Fi for financial
transactions or for online purchases.
·
Share with care. Share as little as possible on
social media sites. Check your privacy settings on social media to ensure that
they are as private as possible.
·
Secure your smartphone and your tablet. Use a
password to control access to your mobile device. Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
when you are not actively using your mobile device. Download apps only from trusted sources.
You can help reduce cybercrime by instituting measures to
protect your information, keeping up on the latest trends in cybercrime, and
talking to your family, neighbors and friends about the measures they can take
to protect their personal information and identity.
Some resources for information on cybercrime include:
Federal Trade Commission:
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