I don’t know about you, but I’m constantly using my cell phone and computer throughout the day communicating, working on constituent cases, collaborating with other state offices and checking on legislative business. There is no doubt the computer enhances our lives and that’s why we must protect ourselves and our financial accounts.

Security threats are always changing and evolving and that’s why it’s troubling to hear about continued data breaches and other related security threats by hackers.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Pennsylvania and I think it’s useful to know the safeguards to protect our online information.

You can help secure your personal information online with these useful tips:

• Avoid public Wi-Fi hot spots, such as those offered by retailers and at other locations. Do not transmit or receive personal information while using public Wi-Fi.

• Use strong passwords that include upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters. Don’t reuse passwords or use the same password for multiple accounts.

• Don’t open email attachments from untrusted sources. When in doubt, delete.

• Install firewalls, anti-virus and anti-spyware programs to keep systems current.

• Stay informed about new phishing scams and ransomware and how to recognize them.

In Pennsylvania, the Office of Administration oversees cybersecurity for state agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction. The office is currently working on a program called Keystone Login.

This program allows users to log in and get online services from multiple state agencies with the same account credential. Through this system cybersecurity services are also shared to counties, cities and school districts.

The field is becoming more important due to increased reliance on computer systems, the internet, and wireless network standards such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and because of the growth of “smart” devices including smartphones, televisions and various devices.

Financial institutions, energy, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, healthcare and emergency response systems rely on technology.

It’s also important to remember “Phishing,” which is an attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details directly from users through deceit. Phishing is basically an email spoof or instant messaging and it tries to direct users to enter details at a fake website that looks almost like the legitimate one. The fake website often asks for personal information such as log in details and passwords This information can then be used to gain access to a person’s real account.

Sadly, we need to continually check online links to make sure they are originating from secure sites when we, for instance, research a product we are interested and want more information. We also leave ratings about various products we want to buy or have purchased. Stars are often used as symbols for ratings and used by reviewers for ranking things such as films, TV shows, restaurants and hotels. All links for these should be checked for authenticity.

If you have any questions about this topic or a state-related matter, don’t hesitate to contact my district office at 570-342-4348.

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Around the state

Rep. Marty Flynn

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-991-6405 or by email at news@theabingtonjournal.com.