I’m clearing out the email that I missed this week due to a number of big reviews and meetings (apologies), and one was from a reader and associate who noted that my entry on creating strong passwords (and passphrases) was quickly followed by a couple of similar stories in the press. Or was it that I was following up on the press reporting a number of cybersafety stories?
First, she points out, there is this article in the Seattle Times on cybersafety which noted that the AARP reported that…
• About half of Washington computer users don’t recognize phishing scams — 49 percent said they were unaware that banks don’t send e-mails to customers asking them to click a link to verify account information.
• About three-quarters of Washington Internet users didn’t know that a Web site’s privacy policy does not prevent the company from sharing customers’ personal information with others.
• Six in 10 computer users believe incorrectly that, by law, a Web site comparing prices of products or services must include the lowest available price.
I particularly appreciated the sidebar on six tips for staying safe online:
- Protect your privacy and personal information
- Be alert online
- Delete junk e-mail
- Use strong passwords
- Use antivirus software and a firewall
- Be smart about downloading
More info:
- Free AARP Cyber Safety Seminars Offered: AARP teams with Microsoft, the Attorney General’s Office and the FTC to launch online safety campaign.
- Stay Safer on the Internet: AARP Washington’s Cyber Safety Toolkit is available to help you stay safer on the Internet.
The Seattle Times has an interesting feature today from the Washington Post on the various statutes…