AARP Fraud Watch


Tips to Help You Stay Cybersafe on Your Holiday Travels!

Dear Ben,

We're teaming up with the Department of Homeland Security to help you stay 
"cybersafe" this holiday season.

The holidays are right around the corner, which for many of us means traveling 
to celebrate with friends and family. Whether you are just traveling for a 
weekend away to see the grandkids or going on a long winter vacation overseas, 
it is important to be cyber secure. Travelers are often easy prey for hackers 
as they are forced to rely on public Wi-Fi or computers and may need to leave 
their electronic devices unattended in hotel rooms or in-transit.  Follow
these 
simple steps before and during your journey to help stay protected the next 
time you're away from home.

Before You Leave:

Along with confirming your itinerary and packing, add these to-dos to your 
checklist:

1)      Minimize the number of electronic devices you bring on your travels to 
those you can carry on your person. This makes it less likely for your devices 
to get stolen or compromised.
2)      Update your mobile software before you go. Keep your operating system 
software and apps on your mobile device updated, which will improve your 
device's ability to defend against malicious software also known as 'malware'.
3)      Turn off Wi-Fi and remote connectivity when idle. Some devices will 
automatically seek and connect to available wireless networks. Bluetooth, for 
example, enables your device to connect wirelessly with other devices, such as 
headphones or automobile infotainment systems. Disable these features so that 
you only connect to wireless and Bluetooth networks when you want to.
4)      Create strong passwords. Before you leave home, make sure you have 
strong passwords on all of your electronic devices. Passwords should be at 
least eight characters in length with both numbers, letters and special 
characters (@!$?). Create unique passwords for each device.
5)      Enable stronger authentication. Stronger authentication (also known as 
two-factor or multi-factor authentication) adds an extra layer of security 
beyond using a password to access your accounts. Most major e-mail, social 
media and financial platforms offer multi-factor authentication to their
users. 
Be sure to ask your service provider if you can activate this feature before 
departing on your trip. To learn more, visit the White House's new stronger 
authentication campaign at 
http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=eUh2NBYLS0-7qMHgRwRMug .

While You're Away:

BBe mindful of your Internet activity and how you can protect your privacy as 
well as your device:

1)      Keep your phone locked. Always lock your device when you are not using 
it. Even if you only step away for a few minutes, that is enough time for 
someone to steal or destroy your information. Use strong PINs and passwords
for 
your accounts and lock screen.
2)      Think before you connect. Before you connect to any public wireless 
hotspot  such as those in an airport, hotel, train/bus station, or café  be 
sure to confirm the name of the network and exact login procedures with 
appropriate staff to ensure that the network is legitimate. Many fake networks 
have seemingly legitimate names.
3)      Protect your money and your information. Do not conduct sensitive 
activities, such as online shopping, banking, or sensitive work, using a
public 
wireless network or a public computer.
4)      Delete your cookies and cache. If you use the Internet on a public 
computer (such as at a hotel or café) while you are traveling, be sure to 
delete your cookies in the web browser after you have finished. When you are
on 
the Internet, a browser saves your information and this saved data is called a 
"cookie." This data, which can include login credentials or other personal 
information, can then be accessed by other individuals that may use the 
computer. Please read the Federal Trade Commission's Onguard Online article to 
find out more about cookies and how you can remove them.
http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=OQeEoQ9h9ZsAzO3f9Gat7g
5)      Don't broadcast your location. Many social media platforms offer 
location-tagging as part of their features, which allows users to include
their 
location when they post online. Avoid using these location features and do not 
announce on social media that you will be out of town. You could be telling 
stalkers exactly where to find you or telling a thief that you are not home.

To learn more about how you can defend against cyber threats, please visit the 
Department of Homeland Security's Stop.Think.Connect.TM Campaign website. The 
Campaign is a national awareness program that exists to increase the 
understanding of cyber threats and empower the American public to be safer and 
more secure online.
http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=9KeOHq0FZ_3AX1opIL8ZJQ

If you are concerned your computer has been compromised, please file a 
complaint with the Internet Crime Compliant Center (IC3). IC3.gov is a 
partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White 
Collar Crime Center . Additionally, if you are concerned your personal 
information may have been compromised through a cyberattack, visit 
identitytheft.gov to report the incident.
http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=gwocdpibaGbfT0suaec2BA
http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=95WmiPr1JLqQYCzQKdsa0Q

Kristin Keckeisen
Fraud Watch Network

P.S. Spotted a scam?  Tell us about it.  Our scam-tracking map gives you 
information about the latest scams targeting people in your state.  You'll
also 
find first-hand accounts from scam-spotters who are sharing their experiences 
so you know how to protect yourself and your family.
http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=ivpQZoc2ekgedP5Eo9Efvw



The AARP Fraud Watch Network connects you to the latest
information about ID theft and fraud so you can safeguard your
personal information and your pocketbook.

Visit the site >
http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=aIXK7hb1ZO8fw0UgNNU49w

Get help:
If you or someone you know has been a victim of identity
theft or fraud, contact the AARP Foundation Fraud Fighter Center at
877-908-3360.

FORWARD TO A FRIEND:

Share this alert with your family and friends so they know
how to spot the common strategies scammers use and have the tools they
need to defend themselves against their tricks.

Forward this alert >
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http://action.aarp.org/site/R?i=V5xtG8rxohXQAoIelPwPgw

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-----
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2016.0.7797 / Virus Database: 4656/13193 - Release Date: 10/12/16

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-+-
Keep the faith   :^)

   Ben  aka cMech  Web: http|ftp|binkp|telnet://cmech.dynip.com
                 Email: fido4cmech(at)lusfiber.net
              Home page: http://cmech.dynip.com/homepage/
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