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A Community Outreach Program
Sponsored by Dignity Memorial
1-800-DIGNITY
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Safety Goes Online
For many seniors the Internet is a brave new world, filled with seemingly endless resources for those with almost any interest. For RV'ers, there are chat rooms and information pages regarding nearly every possible campsite, repair shop and traveler's club. For knitters, there is more of the same. Dog lovers, ditto. One can even gamble and shop online.
However, with every new development, there are some rules to be learned, as there are always those who would exploit others. The Internet is no different.
Internet users are in danger, however, even when there's no purchase involved. Many chat room visitors have been taken in by new "friends" and have entrusted them with information that has led to financial ruin, personal attack or the lifting of their entire identity. Therefore, no matter how warm and friendly a new online friend seems, never divulge your address, financial information, Social Security number or similar resources. It's amazing what wrongdoers can find when given a few key pieces of personal information. The best strategy is simply to keep your conversations chatty, but not personal.
Another insidious cyber-nuisance, called Spy Ware, has also reared its ugly head. These programs can be downloaded for free, yet once installed on your system can send messages to the originator of the software about every Web site you visit, the things in which you are interested, even what you're doing on your own system. How can someone tell if they are about to download Spy Ware? In most cases, they can't. The distributors don't always divulge this information. You simply download their software, some of which is quite useful, and your computer is now wedded to their database. In most cases, the companies will only compile this data and sell your e-mail address to other online companies. Those who have gotten a rash of "junk e-mail" will relate, however, that this alone is nuisance enough. Furthermore, the use of your information without your knowledge is downright creepy, no matter how those who distribute such programs try to justify it as simple "marketing." Before downloading any program, even if it's sent as an attachment from a friend, search the Internet under "Spy Ware" to look for names of the most recent predators.
Speaking of downloads, many people have had their computers devastated by downloading programs carrying viruses. A "virus" is a computer program, put out by malicious programmers that can erase hard drives, lock up entire systems, steal information and more. Every computer should be appointed with the latest anti-virus scanning software, which can usually be updated online as new viruses inevitably come up. In addition, one should always be wary of opening attachments sent via e-mail. The sender may not even been aware that the file was infected before sending it on.
It's unfortunate that law-abiding people always have to be the ones to educate themselves on the latest scams, but the reality is that they must. With a little education, the Internet can be an endless source of pleasure and education for people of all ages.
Printable Version
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