Cybersecurity for Retirees
Do Your Part. Be Cybersmart.
Understanding cybersecurity is a responsibility everyone shares. Knowledge is one of the best ways to help protect your information and devices.
CybersecureNC is an initiative by the N.C. Department of Information Technology, which is the leading IT provider for state agencies, local governments and schools across the state. NCDIT helps keep North Carolinians safe from cyberattacks by providing cybersecurity education and resources.
Be Cyber Savvy
- Protect your computer with an antivirus software. Your Internet Service Provider may offer this free of charge.
- Do not share your account access information with others.
- The federal government, Social Security Administration, nor your bank will ever ask for your account information.
- Use a strong passphrase and PIN. Enable multi factor authentication for all accounts.
- Be aware many people fall victim to online scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Don’t click on links in emails or social media sites from unknown sources.
- If you receive an urgent request for money or your account info, do not respond. Instead, contact the person directly and ask if they sent you the message. Odds are they did not.
- Check with your community colleges and senior centers for classes on cybersecurity. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at NC State University (Olli) promotes non-credit education for those 50 and up in the Triangle area.
- Remove personal information before you get rid of your computer or phone.
- Secure IOT devices (security cameras, thermostats, TVs, etc.).
A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is a simple, important way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:
- Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. If you get federal benefits, you can sign up by calling 800-333-1795 or sign up online.
- The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper to receive federal benefits.
Be Prepared for Adverse Events
Adverse events can cause power and internet outages. Impacts may include being unable to access electronic banking or normal methods of communicating with your family, friends and checking your neighborhood’s group chat.
- Move electronics or valuable objects away from windows and wrap in plastic garbage bags to keep dry.
- Many communities provide email and text-message alerts and warnings; visit your city or county website to find out what's available and how to sign up.
- Identify a way to communicate with loved ones. Establish a personal support network.
- If you must evacuate, designate a safe place ahead of time to meet and alternate ways to let others know you are okay.
- Gather and secure vital documents, records, social security card, insurance policies, medical info, etc. and make duplicate copies. Store these in a waterproof container and/or on a password-protected memory stick.
- Update all passwords as some expire after a period of time. Select a password or PIN that is memorable but not something that is public information about yourself. Do not use a birth date, phone number, nickname, or other references connected to you.
- Keep cellular phones charged.
- Ensure spare battery packs are fully charged.
- Keep a battery operated or hand crank radio and stay tuned to local news. Keep extra batteries with the radio.
- Keep your prescriptions filled and maintain a week’s supply ahead of adverse weather events.
- Keep a map or directions to the place you plan to evacuate in case you cannot access online.
- Have cash on hand.
- Review the FEMA Emergency Financial First Aid Kit.
An emergency or disaster can erase the vital documents and records of our lives instantly if we haven’t prepared in advance. Using this Vital Document Checklist, collect all the important papers that apply to you. Make copies and store them in a weatherproof tote — even a large, plastic zip-top bag works. Keep your packet of documents in an emergency supply kit some place easily accessible so that you can get to it quickly in the event you need to evacuate in a hurry.
- Personal identification like passport, driver's license, voter ID card, Medicare or Medicaid card
- Personal Medication Record and medical and immunization records
- Social Security card
- Health insurance cards
- Financial records like recent tax returns, bank statements, retirement accounts, credit card numbers and records of any stocks and/or bonds
- Insurance policies
- Deed(s) to your house or other properties
- Family records like wills, birth, marriage, divorce, adoption, child custody, and death certificates
- Legal titles (home, auto) and/or lease agreements
- Important phone numbers of family members, friends, doctors, insurers, caregivers, medical facilities an accessible transportation company — anyone who needs to know where you are
- Records of passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs)
- Video and photo inventory documenting your valuables and the interior and exterior of your home
- Cash in various denominations because some merchants may not be able to provide change
- Should be a waterproof container
- Include copies of important documents such as family records, wills, power of attorney documents, deeds, social security numbers, credit card and bank information, and tax records on a memory stick
- Include the names and numbers of everyone in your personal support network, as well as your medical providers
- Access info to alternate location such as a pin code
- List of important websites you frequent
- Cash in case you need to purchase supplies
- Laptop/Tablet/Cell phone with charging cables. Check periodically to ensure patches and system updates are current.
- Battery operated or hand crank radio with extra batteries