By Ronni Hannaman — October is the month for tricksters of all types. Most tricksters are quite innocent, looking for that simple treat and then there are those that have nefarious intent to trick without asking for a treat.
The nefarious tricksters could be why October is dedicated as Cybersecurity Awareness Month — to make everyone aware of the tricks that can be wrought by scammers to obtain the treats that could be found in your computer and ultimately in your pocket.
You can bet that scammers do their homework and spend hours devising trickery to hack your computer and your phone. There are some tricks that look legit, but if you know the trick on how to spot if this email may be legit, you can save yourself lots of time and trouble.
Hackers are so good that they can get into any computer. No matter how much you pay for your security programs, these poltergeists can be ruminating in your computer right now awaiting the perfect time to yell “boo!” Nothing is sacred. Your bank may have been hacked. Major corporations have been hacked. Your friends have been hacked. There’s the dark web, that hidden part of the internet. All the major hacks create confusion, distrust, and fear when it is acknowledged your personal information is now in the hands of sophisticated hackers.
How do you protect yourself in this era of nightmarish hackers bent on enriching and treating themselves through your naivete?
You are invited to meet and hear Carson City’s cybersecurity expert at a Carson City Chamber luncheon open to the general public. On Tuesday, Oct. 21, Frank Abella, the city’s Chief Information Officer, whose primary goal is to keep the city’s computers from being hacked, will be the featured speaker to create awareness of what hackers can be capable of doing and how protecting yourself might actually be simpler than you think.
Frank Abella has been around computers most of his career and has earned may certifications in his field from the FBI, Defense counterintelligence and security agencies.
While the material is thought provoking and frightful, Abella is an engaging presenter and his insight is touched with humor thus far less scary. Some of his suggestions are so basic and so sensible, you will soon understand you can protect yourself, your family, and your business by following his suggestions to make it harder for cybercriminals to stalk you.
What: Carson City Chamber Luncheon on Cybersecurity Awareness
Date/Time: Tuesday, Oct. 21- 11:30 am
Where: Gold Dust West conference room
Cost: $30 per person includes luncheon and Halloween treats
RSVP: Prior to Oct. 16 here or call 775-882-1565.
— Ronni Hannaman is the Executive Director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce.
