The good, the bad and the ugly
Whether you’re exploring social media, managing your on-line banking or simply using social apps to stay in touch with family or friends, the wonderful world of today’s technology and its benefits can be pretty amazing.
Learning to use technology safely and confidently can be a challenge for many of us. And, while it opens doors to amazing information and connections, it also comes with risks, options and opportunities that it’s important to understand more about. Read on as we share some of the basics:
Artificial intelligence (AI)
You may have noticed everyday ‘smart’ tools where AI is in action. Commonly behind the scenes in Google maps and other navigation tools, weather forecasting, and entertainment streaming app like Netflix, AI can quickly connect us, help provide us with more choices and deliver information on a variety of subjects. It’s also the driver behind voice assistances, facial recognition and spellchecking features.
Accessibility features
Most devices such as phones, tablets and computers can be purchased with a combination of clever settings that allow for:
• Large text and buttons
• Text to speech and chatbots
• Hearing aid compatibility
• Emergency SOS features
• Voice commands (like Siri or Google Assistant)
• Screen readers for low vision users
• Health monitoring
• Larger screens
• Easy on line shopping and deliveries
Buyer beware
Watch for scams that seems too good to be true. Scammers will use local numbers, try to get your personal banking information or identity documents to use to commit fraud. According to experts, scammers are often not even in the country when they are making the calls or sending fake emails.
Here are a few of the different types of scams to be aware of:
Romance scams: Criminals creating fake online identities to build romantic relationships with victims, ultimately manipulating them into sending money or other assets.
Prize scams: Phone calls or emails from fraudsters advise seniors they’ve won a Readers Digest subscription, lottery or sweepstakes prize. They ask for credit card or etransfer information to cover the taxes and legal fees. No prize arrives of course and often credit cards or bank accounts are compromised.
Fraudulent ‘phishing’ emails: Fraudulent attempts to steal sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and credit card details by disguising themselves as legitimate communications.
Phone scams (text or call): Attempts to trick individuals into revealing personal or financial information via phone calls or text messages.
Identity theft: Cyber criminals steal your online information to create fake profiles and/or accounts on social media or websites, in order to steal your money or data.
Amazon / Netflix: Scammers are sending fake renewal emails that might include personal information. They may also have a ‘cancel subscription’ or last warning button. Ignore these emails and don’t follow through with your credentials. Instead: 1) Verify your membership or subscription via the company’s real web site (not the link). 2) Check your bills and report any suspicious transactions.
Viruses and cyber attacks
Nasty software hidden in attachments, downloads and links, called malware, is often transferred during your use of the Internet or from email messages. This malware has many different forms all with the same intention to infect your devices. It can cause your computer to freeze or worse yet get into your programs or hard drive to wreak havoc. Its best to shut off your computer and / or disconnect from the Internet and get help if you are encountering:
1. Slow performance when loading or sending
2. Overheating or shutting down
3. Unusual pop-up messages in front of regular content
4. Unauthorized charges on credit cards
5. Withdrawals from your bank account
6. Missing files or things that you can’t open
Online privacy matters
Practicing cyber safety to protect your identity and personal information by getting educated, staying aware and, check out the following expert advice:
Social networking
Stay in touch with family and friends by sharing photos and videos, or video.
Do: Think before you post information online as personal or private details may be easy to identify from photos or by completing quizzes about yourself.
Don’t: Overshare or post unnecessary information on social media e.g., vacation plans while on vacation, pictures containing your street address, etc.
Do: Check your default privacy and security settings (example: don’t save login details, make profile private to friends only, etc.).
Don’t: Respond to requests for money.
Do: Use unique and strong passwords by using a passphrase (example: a password could be “Dylcic2?” which is a passphrase for “Do you like chocolate ice cream 2?”).
Don’t: Assume people you meet online are who they claim to be.
Online retail and financial services
You can get many of your essential needs and services from the comfort of your own home now with technology that allows you to shop and do your banking online.
Do: Be cautious of offers that are too good to be true.
Don’t: Click on unknown links.
Do: Shop from reputable online secure websites.
Don’t: Save credit card and banking information online.
Do: Monitor your financial accounts by checking your statements regularly.
Don’t: Provide online retailers with information that is not needed when making purchases.
Protect yourself
What may seem like a trustworthy call, text, or email, may actually be trying to take advantage of you by using official-looking but fake logos and content.
Do: Confirm who you are in contact with by contacting the office or individual directly using known or official channels.
Don’t: Send your personal information in email responses.
Do: Be careful who you allow and okay access to your information.
Don’t: Give out your Social Insurance Number (SIN), Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), passport, or driver’s license numbers unless there is a legal or valid reason to do so.
Do: Seek legal advice and make sure they know how to protect your information.
Don’t: Wait to report any suspicious communications to a trusted person and if appropriate, law enforcement.
8 ways to avoid scams
With cyber incidents, scams and e-hacking on the rise it’s important for all of us to install anti-viral software and use secure networks rather than public WiFi networks. Here are some tips that will help you to avoid scams:
1. Don’t click on suspicious links in emails or text messages, even if they appear to be from a trusted source.
2. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails requesting personal information, especially financial details.
3. Verify the sender’s email address and website URL before sharing any information.
4. Be wary of urgent or alarming messages that demand immediate action.
5. Limit personal information sharing. Be mindful of the information shared on social media and other online platforms.
6. Adjust privacy settings on social media accounts to control who can see your posts and profile.
7. Use strong and unique passwords. Enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA/MFA) for added security when available.
8. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
Where to learn more:
1) National Council on Aging: How to improve your personal cyber security:
https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-older-adults-can-improve-their-personal-cyber-security/
2) Cyber Seniors: Free Tech Support and Training for Older Adults:
https://cyberseniors.org/
3) Luke’s Place: Preventing Tech Abuse:
https://lukesplace.ca/resources/tech-abuse/
4) RBC: Scam Alerts: A Directory of Cyber Scams that are Active by Date
https://www.rbc.com/cyber-security/alerts/
• Many libraries, community centres, and senior centres offer free digital literacy classes.
• You can also find beginner videos on YouTube or ask a friend or family member to show you the basics.
• Local libraries or senior organizations often have help lines. In Canada, you can try Cyber-Seniors Tech Help Line: 1-844-217-3057.
Images: iStock
