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

2. 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.

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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”

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Don’t Forget the Basics
Shred personal information
Check your statements for unusual activity
Check your credit report at
Stay up to date by reading the
and the websites

11. Resources www.aarp.org www.ftc.gov www.consumerfinance.gov

12. Questions and Comments