Data and identity thefts are downsides of technology embraced almost universally by Americans.
But, Karen Culver told Iola Rotarians Thursday, there are a number of ways to prevent either from occurring. Culver deals often with such issues in marketing and promotion for H&R Block in Iola.
A number of security systems are available, including virus protection software and firewalls, she said. Also, Culver recommended being careful with passwords by using longer ones — involving more than letters and numbers — and avoiding ones that are predictable, such as family names and birthdays. Also, it is wise to change passwords frequently and always restrict access to them. Don’t write one down and then leave it where easily found, she said.
Businesses, in particular, should always be careful to protect access to emails, texts and telephone calls, Culver said.
Crooks use fraudulent methods to gain access to personal information and financial resources, she noted, and assured that the IRS never calls cold and asks for information — a letter precedes any inquiry — and eBay’s PayPal and bank account information should be used in a manner so it can’t be compromised.
When reviewing email messages having attachments, they should never be opened until the user is absolutely certain of the source, Culver stressed.
She also gave tips on how to protect credit card numbers: When handing over a credit card do so the number can’t read by someone standing nearby, by turning it upside down or covering numbers with a hand; never announce numbers in a public setting.
Culver’s advise was fortified by statistics. Data and identity thefts exceed all other property thefts combined. One occurs every two seconds. “It’s the fastest growing crime in the nation,” she said.
ROTARIANS discussed but took no immediate action on erecting a memorial, such as a shelter house, on the Lehigh Portland Cement trails to recognize John Robertson, Thrive Allen County officer and grant writer, who died last year. He was instrumental in attracting funding for the trial, as well as the Southwind Trail between Iola and Humboldt.
Ellis Potter reported he and Rotarians Tom and Judy Brigham, Jim and Karen Gilpin and Pat Fail would spent 10 days examining and making eyeglasses for people in the Dominican Republic. They were to have left Saturday for the mission. Potter predicted 2,000 pairs of glasses would be fitted.
