Cybersecurity Awareness for Lake County Residents
How to Protect You and Your Loved Ones from Online Threats
During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Lake County is educating all residents about cybersecurity by providing tools to prevent identity theft, phishing, and other online threats.
Understanding the basics of cybersecurity is increasingly important, especially as technology advances and artificial intelligence (AI) gains traction. The County encourages all our residents to learn best practices for staying safe online, from protecting personal data to identifying potential scams.
The Area Agency on Aging of Lake & Mendocino Counties PSA 26’s report reveals Lake County’s population has “...a higher percentage of seniors than the U.S. and California…” and is projected to increase between now and 2040.” With this increase, it’s essential that seniors should not be overlooked in cybersecurity education. Adult Protective Services (APS), a division of Lake County Department of Social Services, ensures Lake County’s older residents are protected not just emotionally, physically and mentally, but also online, aligning with their purpose to safeguard the well-being of seniors. Cybersecurity awareness is crucial for enabling people to live independently and safely within the community.
Financial scams can present significant threats. Recognizing scams, including phishing emails and fraudulent phone calls, is crucial for prevention. Phishing emails are designed to look like they come from a reputable source, such as a bank, social media site, or workplace, and may ask for personal or financial information. Exercise caution when sharing personal information, emphasizing the importance of verifying unknown sources who ask for sensitive details. Lake County residents should also be wary of “clickbait,” avoiding any suspicious or unknown links that promise extravagant rewards. Regular discussions on how to stay informed and vigilant are helpful, reinforcing the idea that skepticism is a healthy approach to safeguarding one’s finances online.
Regular software updates and strong digital defenses are crucial in protecting personal information. Lake County residents are urged to keep their devices updated with the latest security patches, ensuring antivirus software is installed and active. These updates often fix vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to steal data. In addition, using a virtual private network (VPN) for public Wi-Fi networks is another safeguard against unauthorized access.
Privacy settings on social media platforms are often overlooked, but play a significant role in online safety. Lake County residents are encouraged to manage their privacy settings to control what personal information is shared. Simple actions like limiting profile visibility, using strong passwords, and avoiding unknown friend requests can make a big difference in protecting against identity theft and scams.
Families and caregivers play an essential role in promoting cybersecurity for vulnerable populations, including seniors and children. Encouraging open conversations about internet safety, teaching family members to identify suspicious activity, and reporting scams are essential steps toward fostering a secure digital environment. Through LinkedIn Learning on Lake County Library’s Digital Content page, courses on cybersecurity and security awareness are available. Articles focused on cybersecurity are also available under “Magazines & News,” as well.
By raising awareness and offering easy-to-understand training, the County of Lake is encouraging residents to stay safe online. Ongoing workshops and support allow people of all ages to more confidently navigate the internet while minimizing risk of falling victim to online threats.