Objectives

To provide seniors with tips and tools needed for information security when using the Internet. This includes:

  1. Creating and using secure passwords
  2. To increase knowledge of different scams and hoaxes common on the internet and how to identity and avoid them.
  3. To increase knowledge about Identity Theft and how to prevent it.
  4. Provide tips for keeping personal information secure when shopping online.
  5. Provide tips for using public access computers in a way that keeps personal information secure and private,
  6. Discuss privacy and security when using social networks

Internet Safety for Seniors

While there can be risks when using the internet, there are also a number ofsimple steps which will dramatically increase the security of your information.

Online Account Security – Strong Passwords

The first step to keeping your information and identity safe online is by using secure passwords. Never give your passwords or pin numbers!

Elements of a Strong Password:

  • Minimum of 8 characters in length
  • Contains at least one upper case/capital letter
  • Contains at least one lower case letter
  • Contains at least one number
  • Contains at least one symbol/special character

Please note: Some websites will not allow for use of symbols

Testing Your Passwords

  1. In the address bar, type in:passwordmeter.com
  1. Type in: password. How did it score?
  2. Type in: Passw0rd (capitalize P and replace the ‘o’ with a zero. How did it score?
  3. Type in: P@ssw0rd (now replace the ‘a’ with an @). How did it score?
  4. Test some of your own passwords. How did they score?

Suggested method for creating a secure password

  1. In the address bar, type: google.ca
  2. Use the search keywords: strong passwords mozilla
  3. Select Create secure passwords to keep your identity safe| Mozilla Supportand watch the video

Email – Keeping your computer safe

When using your email, be careful. Just because someone has sent you an email message does not mean that you know them.

Attachments (files added onto email messages):

  • Attachmentsare the most common way for malware (malicious software) to be downloaded and installed on computers.
  • If you receive an attachment from someone you do not know, you should delete it.
  • If you receive an attachment from someone you know, you should still be careful. Just because it’s from a friend, it doesn’t mean that it’s safe to open.

Links:

  • Links in email can also be very harmful to your computer. Never click on a link in an email from someone you do not know.
  • Even if the email is from someone you know, be suspicious. The link may take you to website which has been compromised with malware.

Example:

Online Scams – Gone Phishing

Just like your mailbox at a home, your email Inbox can fill up with junk mail. However, unlike print junk mail, email spam (the term for email junk mail) can cause problems with your computer security or your financial security.

Phishing is a common scam that uses email.

  1. In the address bar, type in: youtube.com
  2. In YouTube, search for: Phishing Funny PSA
  3. Click on “Learn to Avoid Phishing Scams! – PSA – Bob, You’ve Been Phished! (Funny) to watch the video

What is wrong with this email?

  • Spelling – are there words that are incorrect? Look at the address.
  • Sender name and email address mis-match
  • Is the $ sign used correctly?

Phishing Game:

  1. Go to: onguardonline.gov/phishingand have a look the information on the webpage.
  2. Let’s play a game to see how you would react in some situations. Click on Game: Phishing Scams on the right-hand side.

For Canadian information on online scams, let’s have a look at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Website for a list of scams.

  1. Return to google.caand search for Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
  2. Click on Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CA) – Centre antifraude du Canada
  3. Under Recognize it, click on Scam Types
  4. Review the list of scams and have a look at a few, particularly Emergency Scam, False Charities and Inheritance scams.

Identity Theftoccurs when person steals another’s person’s details or information (Social Insurance Number (SIN), credit card number, or some other piece of your personal information) in order to gain money, goods, services or otherbenefits.

  1. Under Stop It on the menu, click on Identity Theft and read the Tips that will help minimize your risk.

What to Do If You Are Scammed:

Even if you are very careful, it is still possible that you may become a victim of a scam or to have your identity stolen. If you suspect this has happened, it is important that you report it as soon as possible.

Here are some possible organizations to contact:

  1. Call your bank. If your bank account or credit cards are involved, you'll want to report it, and cancel cards, right away to avoid being liable for the losses.
  2. Call the police and keep note of the report number for reference.
  3. Call Canada's main credit reporting agenciesTrans Union Canada (1-866-525-0262) and Equifax Canada (1-866-779-6440) and put a fraud alert on your credit report.
  4. Call Service Canada at 1-800-O-Canada if any of your federally-issued ID was compromised (for example social insurance number or passport). If you believe your driver's license or health card was compromised, contact Service Ontario at 1-800-267-8097.
  5. Call the companies where your identity was used. They will tell you what information they need, whether an investigation has been started and how you can recover the money that was stolen.
  6. Contact the Privacy Commissioner of Canada for identity theft issues (PIPEDA) 1-800-282-1376 or for advice and assistance.
  7. Call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501 or visit to report any incidents of Cyber Incidents or fraud.

Remember:

  • No reputable company will send you an email asking for personal information. If you receive an email from a company you deal with regularly, call the company to report receiving this email.
  • Be very wary of any email dealing with money - both if they are asking for money and when they are promising to give you some.
  • Regularly check your accounts and statements for any activity that you do not recognize.
  • Always shred documents with your personal details on them before you put them in the recycling.

Online Shopping – Be Secure

Shopping online can be as safe as or safer than shopping in stores. However, there are a few guides to follow:

  • Make sure that the website is secure. Look for the website address to start with (the ‘s’ indicates secure)
  • Have a look for the closed lock symbol. It can be also be located in the lower right hand corner of the browser.
  • If you are unsure about giving an online store your credit card number, use a service like PayPal (paypal.com) which acts as an intermediary between you and the company, so that the store will not have access to your credit card information.
  • Try to only shop in reputable stores (Amazon, Chapters, Future Shop etc.)

Let’s have a look at Chapters website:

  1. In the address bar, type in:indigo.ca
  2. Select a book and click on the cover
  3. Click on Add to Cart. Open the Shopping Cart at the bottom of the screen, then click on Checkout.
  4. Click on Checkout again.
  5. Look for the https: in the address box and the closed lock symbol.

For more information on protecting yourself when shopping:

  1. Go to: google.ca.
  2. Search for consumer protection brochures
  3. Click on Consumer Protection Brochures – Ministry of Consumer Services
  4. Select Home, phone and online shopping

Online @ Your Public Library – Using public access computers

These security steps apply to any public access computers, whether in a public library, visitors centre or internet cafe.

  1. Always deselect “Keep me logged in” option on any website, such as for your email and Facebook.
  2. Always log out of all websites. Closing the browser window or typing in another address is not enough.
  3. Always make sure you log out your session on the computer to make sure someone else cannot view the sites you visited
  4. Do not the leave the computer unattended if sensitive information is on the screen.
  5. Watch for over-the-shoulder snoops, particularly when you are entering passwords or viewing sensitive information
  6. To be really safe, avoid entering credit card information or other financial information into a public computer.

Social Media and Privacy

Social media websites are a wonderful way to keep in touch with friends and family and even make new friends. However, services like Facebook can request quite a bit of personal information in a profile. It is very important to check your privacy controls if you use this service.

  1. In the address bar, type in: youtube.com
  2. Search for consumer reports facebook
  3. Select the video titled “Setting Facebook Privacy Controls”.

It is also good practice to limit the amount of personal information you put on the internet. Just because Facebook asks for a lot of personal information in your profile, it does not mean you have to provide it!

Make sure you check the security settings for all the social media website you use, including Twitter, Linked In, Pinterest, GoodReads, and Ancestry (to name just a few). Never trust that the default settings are the most secure.

More Information:

Protecting Your Home Computer and Mobile Devices

The first step to keeping your information and identity safe online is to make sure your computer or mobile device is protected from malware (short for malicious software). Just as you lock your doors when you leave home, it is important to lock your computer and mobile devices against intruders.

  1. Go to:
  2. Click on Protect Your Computer From Malware (video)

The best way to protect your computer and mobile from malware is to install Anti-Virus software. There are free and paid versions, both for computers and for mobile devices. Many people forget to add anti-virus apps to their smartphones.

Wireless Security – Keeping safe when using Wi-Fi

  1. Many people have a wireless network in their homes to allow for mobile devices, such as iPads, to access the internet. This network must be secured with a password to make sure only authorized people are using the internet connection and to keep computers and devices safe from malware.
  2. Unsecured wireless networks (often referred to as free Wi-Fi) are available in libraries, coffee shops, airports and many other places. Unsecured networks generally will not prevent users from viewing what each other is doing. This means that your private details may be on view to more people than you think. It is best to never transmit sensitive information over an unsecured wifi.
  3. Go to:
  4. Click on Public Wi-Fi Networks (video)

Urban Legends – When a story doesn’t sound quite right.

An Urban Legends is a story or anecdote that is from an unknown source and widely circulated as true. If you receive and email or see a Facebook post that looks suspicious, check it out before sending it on.

  1. Go to:
  2. Type in: amber alert 72B 381
  3. Select: False Amber Alert:Plate 72B 381

Mmmmm…….Coooookies!

Cookies are text files that are stored in the memory of the internet browser (such as Internet Explorer). Websites use cookies to track of your activity so that the next time you access the website, the cookies can be used to help personalize your experience. Cookies tell the website owners what interests you on their site.

Can cookies be used to compromise your security? While cookies cannot be used to spread viruses, any personal information that you give to a website, including credit card information, will most likely be stored in a cookie. You can delete all the cookies that have been stored on your internet browser. You can also block the use of cookies, although this may prevent you from accessing all features of some websites.

More Websites about Internet Safety and Security

  • Get CyberSafe (Government of Canada)
  • A Guide To Staying Safe and Secure Online (Google)
  • Top Ten Crime Prevention Tips (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
  • Cyber Safe Seniors: A Norton Online Safety Guide:
  • NetBasic animated videos: Created by NetSafe, an independent, non-profit organization in New Zealand. The videos are a fun way to learn about internet safety. While primarily aimed at children, everyone can enjoy these short videos.
  • Seniors Online Security Project by the Carindale Police Citizens and Youth Club in Australia. This five-part training series was designed for helping seniors avoid online fraud. then click on Seniors Online Security Project (SOS) on the right-hand side.
  • Scam Stopper – Better Business Bureau

Books

  • Little Black Book of Scams by Competition Bureau of Canada, 2013. Download free at
  • Social media for seniors: personal and business communication through social networking by Rilana Groot.
  • Using the Internet Safely for Seniors for Dummies. By Linda Criddle and Nancy Muir. Also available in Large Print.
  • When Gadgets Betray Us: The Dark Side of our Infatuation with New Technologies by Rob Vamosi.

Glossary of Technology Terms:

Antivirus software - Antivirus software is a type software used for scanning and removing viruses from your computer. As antivirus software must be updated frequently (even daily) to protect you from the latest threats to your computer. Having this utility will not guarantee that you will never get malware on your computer, but it will reduce the chances of it happening.

Firewall - A computer firewall limits the data that can pass through it and protects a computer or mobile device from damage by unauthorized users.

Malware: short for “malicious software”, malware refers to software programs designed to damage or perform other unwanted actions on a computer system. Common examples of malware include viruses, worms, trojan horses, and spyware. It is not always easy to detect malware on your computer.

Phishing is a form of internet fraud where criminals impersonate a business or government agency to trick people into giving out their personal information. The false e-mails and websites the criminals use often look surprisingly legitimate.

Spyware can gather data from a user's system without the user knowing it. This can include anything from the Web pages a user visits to personal information, such as credit card numbers. It is essential to protect your computer equipment against all types of malware.

Viruses: Computer viruses are small, malicious little programs that can create or erase files, consume your computer's memory, and cause your computer not to function correctly. Some viruses can duplicate themselves, attach themselves to programs, and travel across networks. Opening an infected e-mail attachment is the most common way to get a virus.

Wi-Fi: short for "Wireless Fidelity", Wi-Fi refers to wireless networking technology that allows computers and other devices to communicate over a wireless signal, generally for the purpose of accessing the internet.

For more technology terms, try

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