Sissy r. osteen, ph.d., cfp® Oklahoma State University Am I Safe From a Hacker? Sissy r. osteen, ph.d., cfp® Oklahoma State University

Ice Breaker Break into groups of 3 – 4 and briefly discuss ways that hacking can occur, or ways that anyone feels they are vulnerable to hacking, identity theft, or scams.

Cybercrimes Telemarketing and Internet fraud, identity theft, and credit card account thefts are considered to be cyber crimes when the illegal activities are committed through the use of a computer and the Internet

Hacking Using a computer to gain unauthorized access to data Personal information used for: Opening new accounts Stealing money Making purchases Other illegal purposes

Consumers put Their Information at Risk Giving information to scammers Using weak passwords Using the same password Using a PIN in public places Throwing information in the trash Posting personal information online

Phone Scams “You have won…” “There is a problem with your computer” “This is the IRS and you owe money” “You failed to show up for jury duty and we will arrest you if you do not pay” “Your grandson is in jail” “You owe money on an old debt and must pay NOW”

Protecting Yourself Any device that has Wi-Fi or internet connectivity is a risk including: Smartphones Smart TVs Tablets Wireless routers Computers These devices should be protected by good strong passwords, and software

What is a Strong Password? MfgniHasi12*A Does that look like a good password? Does it seem too hard to remember? Actually this password can be explained and remembered. MfgniHasi12*A is the first letter in the following sentence: My first grandchild’s name is Hannah and she is 12 The* just proceeds the account that the password is for. In this case it is Amazon

Changing Passwords Many electronics come with user names and passwords on them Change them or have someone help you change them before you use them Most common user name: admin Most common password: password

Don’t Forget the Basics Shred personal information Check your statements for unusual activity Check your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com Stay up to date by reading the www.ftc.gov and the www.cfpb.gov websites

Resources www.aarp.org www.ftc.gov www.consumerfinance.gov www.annualcreditreport.com

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