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or account information. Protect
yourself against hacking by making
your password hard to guess and
changing your password often. It’s
also a good idea to use different
passwords with different accounts
(your password for online banking
should not be the same as your eBay
password).
Phishing, on the other hand, is a
scam where an attacker will contact
their targets by email, text message
or phone posing as a legitimate
institution to gain access to sensitive
data like banking and credit card
details (phishing .org). An example of
a phishing scam going around right
now is an email with the subject
line “Your UPS package is about to
be delivered.” When you open this
phishing email, you are opening
your computer to a hacker.
Avoid phishing scams by using
spam filters and install trustworthy
security software on your computer.
You should also be weary of clicking she said. Likewise, Canfield suggests people
on suspicious links within emails Canfield also advises people be educate themselves before joining
and private messages, and delete careful on networks in public places neighborhood networks (some
any emails that have a subject line such as malls, department stores, neighborhoods have networks set
and no content. banks, churches, credit companies, up for neighborhood watch, for
Generally, when it comes to mortgage companies and charitable example). Before supplying any
protecting yourself online, Rose organizations where there can be a personal information you should
Canfield, President, Solutions high risk of intrusion. know who’s managing the network,
Networking Corporation, advises “Any area that offers Wi-Fi may or where the information is stored, and
people never give more information may not be secure,” Canfield said. how your information will be used.
than they have to. “A hacker might be able to see your Finally, you can protect yourself
“If you’re filling out a form and IP address just by sitting next you if online by being cautious about what
something is ‘optional’ my advice you are both on the same unsecured you post and talk about on social
is don’t give them the information,” Wi-Fi network.” media. Canfield reminds parents
that security goes beyond keeping
your kids off adult sites—it’s just
as much about protecting your
personal information. It’s a good
idea to set up technology rules for
all home devices, including phones,
computers, laptops, play stations and
even home security networks. When
it comes to your information and
your identity, vigilance is the best
policy.

Ben Scott is the Community Editor
of Neighbors Magazines
DuPageNeighbors.com 9