Secret #41 Keep Yourself Safe Online and Off

 

Safe Online

Online Safety

Seniors are an all too common target of fraud and rip offs. 

Scamming is a multimillion dollar business in Australia and it’s not just restricted to the young.

As an IT person I am continually asked to help with scams and viruses which anyone with a basic knowledge could have interrupted.

There are some basic rules to protect yourself.

  1. Good quality passwords. 

The easiest way to do this is the letter of your first or middle name in capital, the first letter of your pet and then maybe of your first child, wife or partner. Then a 3 non word or number characters like %^& or !(%@ which can be your address or birthday. Finally some numbers that you can remember. So mine would be first, dog,  wife, birthday and old address.

Qmp!(%@15A

I can then add a description for different programs. If you put it in a checker you will find it very strong plus I can remember. I can even write down the clues in a sentence.

Qmp!(%@15Agmail or Qmp!(%@15Abank

Links

If you hover your mouse over a link you will see the actual web address in the browser or at the bottom left hand corner. If not simply go to view and click on view status bar and then it will appear.

Now if you are on a site or get an email with a link you can get used to hovering and seeing the address before clicking. If it doesn’t match up with what you see then don’t click it.

Take advantage of any active or real-time scanning options provided by your virus or antimalware software. It may use more system resources to enable this option, but it’s better to catch malware while it’s trying to enter your system rather than after your computer has already been infected.

Antivirus Software

Test Conclusion – Both Avast and AVG are Worth of Trying!

You can use these on your phone, tablet and computer. Both products have their pros and cons. We don’t want to recommend only one of them, instead, we would like to encourage you to try both, and see if Avast or AVG will suit you better. Even they are offered completely for free, the level of protection you will get is comparable with the paid-for antivirus solutions. The download links are below.

Avast: https://www.avast.com/en-au/

AVG: https://www.avg.com/en-au/

Also learn your about your device. Most councils now provide device training from mobiles to desktops.

Click the link below if you want to learn more about Cyber Security. https://webmarketingforprofit.com

Requests for Money

No govt agency like tax, police etc will send you an email requesting money. Also they would not call asking for money and if they do make sure you ask for a call back number and log or receipt. This will protect you.

Investments

Basically never give money to anyone without doing your research. The old saying if it sounds too good to be true it usually is.

Offline Safety

As we get older there are certain things we can do to keep us safe. Just like when we had young children we kid proofed the home. This is not just for us but potentially our grandchildren. Don’t go places or visit online places you would not take the kids. Simple.

GENERAL HOME SAFETY

The following home safety tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe:

  • Consider a medical alert or a buddy system.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor.
  • Never smoke when alone or in bed.
  • Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time, and make sure you have your balance.
  • Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels.
  • Use a correctly measured walking aid.
  • Remove or tack down all scatter rugs.
  • Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas.
  • Avoid using slippery wax on floors.
  • Wipe up spills promptly.
  • Avoid standing on ladders or chairs without helper.
  • Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house, or, if necessary, purchase a stairlift.
  • Use only non-glare 100 watt or greater incandescent bulbs (or the fluorescent equivalents.)
  • Make sure that all staircases have good lighting with switches at top and bottom.
  • Make sure that staircase steps should have a non-slip surface.

BATHROOM SAFETY

  • Leave a light or install night light in your bathroom at night.
  • Use recommended bath aids, securely installed on the walls of the bath/shower stall and on the sides of the toilet.
  • Skid-proof the tub and make sure the bath mat has a non-slip bottom.
  • To avoid scalds, turn water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
  • Mark cold and hot faucets clearly.
  • Use door locks that can be opened from both sides.
  • If possible, bathe only when help is available.

KITCHEN SAFETY

  • Keep floors clean and uncluttered.
  • Illuminate work areas.
  • Mark “on” and “off” positions on appliances clearly and with bright colors.
  • Store sharp knives in a rack.
  • Use a kettle with an automatic shut-off.
  • Store heavier objects at waist level.
  • Store hazardous items separate from food.
  • Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove.
  • Make sure food is rotated regularly and check expiration dates.

DRUG SAFETY

  • Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist and when you take new medication.
  • Make sure medicines are clearly labelled.
  • Read medicine labels in good light to ensure you have the right medicine and always take the correct dose.
  • Dispose of any old or used medicines.
  • Never borrow prescription drugs from others.
  • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you mix alcohol and your drugs.
  • Have medication dispensed in a bubble pack or convenient dispenser.
  • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing non-prescription drugs and prescription drugs.

Secret #42 Stay Married — Especially If You Are a Man


 

Security Solutions & Services

As a Web Designer I had gathered a number of clients and in recent times they have been asking me to help set up a Cyber Security System for their office and online resources. These are not big corporate entities so it needed to be easy and affordable. So this Free course is more about deterrents and responses rather than attempting to stop Cyber Attacks.

Cyber Security Safe Online

REGISTER FOR $10 AUD

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