by Al Panico

Cyberattacks are a growing threat, and seniors are often targeted. Recently one or more of our members have received an official-looking email with the ARCRA Logo directing the members to click on a link to review a secure document online. Luckily, our members did not click on the link and looked into the origin of that email. 

The information provides some suggestions on how to protect yourself from phishing and spam attacks.

Phishing

Phishing is a type of cyber-attack where the attacker sends an email or text message that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or credit card company. The email or text message will often contain a link that, when clicked, will take the victim to a fake website that looks like the real website. Once the victim enters their personal information on the fake website, the attacker can steal it.

Spam

Spam is unsolicited electronic messages that are sent to large numbers of people. Spam often contains links to malicious websites or attachments that can infect your computer with malware.

How to Protect Yourself

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from phishing and spam attacks:

· Don't click on links in emails or text messages from people you don't know. If you're not sure if an email or text message is legitimate, contact the sender directly to verify.

· Be careful about what personal information you share online. Don't enter your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card number on websites that you're not familiar with.

· Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your computer from malware.

· Use a firewall and antivirus software. A firewall can help block unauthorized access to your computer, and antivirus software can help protect your computer from malware.

As a final tip, our web service, Wild Apricot Company, informs us that “most ARCRA emails, particularly from Wild Apricot will not include attachments but instead ask you to log into the ARCRA site for the information.”

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from cyberattacks.

If you think you may have been the victim of a cyberattack, you should take the following steps:

· Change your passwords. This includes your passwords for your email, bank accounts, credit card accounts, and any other online accounts that you use.

· Report the attack to the authorities. You can report the attack to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

· Be vigilant. Cyberattacks are constantly evolving, so it's important to be aware of the latest threats and to take steps to protect yourself.

The AARP has a vast array of guides, videos, and helpful articles to help keep seniors safe online. We highly recommend that you visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network by clicking here to take advantage of these resources. You can also find a wealth of AARP online guides and links on the Personal Technology Resource Center website by clicking here.

AARP FRAUD WATCH NETWORK - https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network.html?cmp=RDRCT-CSN-FRD-

AARP PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY GUIDE - https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/?intcmp=GLBNAV-PL-TECH