The Piers Project, an internet safety awareness campaign of the Center for Innovation and Wellbeing, offers helpful tips on how to stay safe online.
Are you planning a trip this holiday season? Understanding how, when, and where to use your mobile devices are important factors in keeping yourself protected during your travels. The Piers Project, an internet safety awareness campaign of the Front Porch Center for Innovation and Wellbeing, has gathered some helpful hints from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Stop. Think. Connect.TM initiative.
Before You Leave:
- Update your mobile software and/or computer
- Back up your information on an external drive or cloud system
- Keep your devices locked when they are not in use
While Traveling:
- Avoid automatically connecting to public wireless networks
- Exercise caution before you connect to public wireless hotspot(s)
- Steer clear from clicking any unknown or suspicious links
- Be mindful of what you post while you are away on vacation—the more you share on websites like Facebook, the more likely you’ll be offering hints that nobody’s home!
- Avoid participating in data-sensitive activities, such as online shopping or viewing your bank/credit card accounts on publicly accessible computers and unsecured wireless networks
- Protect your mobile device(s) by keeping them near you at all times, especially in public spaces
Learn of more helpful tips and suggestions on protecting yourself online here. Happy and safe holiday travels!
The Piers Project is funded by a gift from the family estate of Ellie Piers to benefit the Front Porch Center for Innovation and Wellbeing’s (CIW’s) ongoing mission of using technology to enhance wellbeing among older adults. Piers lived at Carlsbad By The Sea, a Front Porch retirement community in Carlsbad, CA. Her contribution allows the CIW to address Cyber Security through education, training, and the use of technologies that promote Internet safety, especially in the Greater San Diego Area.
