With the recent news of the Equifax data breach, are you thinking about how to be safer online and how to keep your information secure? October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, but it’s always a good time to learn more about internet and computer safety.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Stop.Think.Connect.Toolkit has resources for everyone from kids and teens to senior citizens, as well as small business owners.
CPL’s Chicago DigitalLearn has interactive, self-paced video tutorials on topics including:
- Accounts and Passwords: Learn the basics of creating online accounts, including creating secure passwords and keeping accounts secure.
- Online Scams: Identify and recognize types of scams, and learn how to avoid getting hurt and how to report scams.
- Internet Privacy: Understand the level of personal, confidential information you can share on websites and via email, and take control of the information you’re sending and receiving.
- Keeping Your Computer Secure: Find out what malware is and why it’s important to keep your computer up-to-date. Microsoft provided the content for this course and helped CPL to make it available.
Want to learn more about cybersecurity? Check out these five articles. You can read these articles using CPL's Online Resources, but I've also noted if an article is available freely on the web.
“Time to Do a 15-Minute Cybersecurity Makeover” by Marc Saltzman
USA Today, September 19, 2017 (also available on the USA Today website)
Find quick and easy tips anyone can use to make their accounts and computers safer.
“Experts’ Tips for How to Stay Safe Online” by Debbie Carlson
Chicago Tribune, March 19, 2017 (also available on the Chicago Tribune website)
Learn about products, services and behaviors to help you stay safer online.
“What to Do After a Credit Breach” by Jill Schlesinger
Chicago Tribune, September 25, 2017
What specific steps should you take when there’s been a credit bureau breach?
“If 'P@$$w0rd1' Is So Simple to Figure Out, Then What Should You Do? Experts Suggest a Phrase Intermingled with Characters Such as % or &” by Jo Craven McGinty
Wall Street Journal, August 18, 2017
This column shares expert advice on creating strong passwords.
“Equifax Breach: What You Can Do ... and What Public Pressure May Do” by Laurent Belsie
Christian Science Monitor, September 18, 2017 (also available on the Christian Science Monitor website)
This Q&A format article explains the Equifax breach and suggests innovations that would make everyone’s information safer.
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