Info from OCSO

*** Informational Bulletin-Cyber Monday & Holiday Cyber Security ***

Black Friday traditionally is the "biggest shopping day of the year.” The Monday following Thanksgiving (11/28/2011) is designated as Cyber Monday by the e-commerce industry. This is a day for merchants and manufacturers to offer online sales and promotions without interfering with the Black Friday traditional retail shopping.
On Cyber Monday and throughout the holiday season, consumers are encouraged to beware of bargain advertisements sent via unsolicited e-mails for one day only promotions for recognized brands or websites. Fraudsters often use the hot items of the holiday season to lure bargain shoppers into providing credit card and other personal information. These items are usually the hard to get toys, electronics, televisions and computer products of the season.

Here are some tips you can use to avoid becoming a victim of cyber fraud:

Log on directly to the official website for the business identified in the e-mail, instead of a link from an unsolicited e-mail. This includes forwarded messages from someone on your contact list.

If the e-mail appears to be from your bank, credit card issuer, or other company you deal with frequently, your statements or official correspondence from the business will provide the proper contact information.

Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software and keep up with the security updates to prevent viruses and
malicious programs from infecting your computer.

If you suspect your computer has a virus, have it serviced immediately from a trusted source.

Make purchases using websites with secure connections. Look for websites that use Secure Socket Layer
(SSL) security which protects your personal information. Check the browser’s status bar for an unbroken
“padlock” icon that indicates the sites is using SSL.

Use your credit card instead of debit card when making a purchase. Credit cards offer added protection from fraudulent transactions.

Avoid using websites asking for an “electronic check”. This will require you provide your bank routing number and your entire checking account number.

Never use your Social Security Number to make online purchases. A legitimate retailer or website will never
ask for your Social Security Number.

Use passwords difficult to decipher. A strong password should include at least five letters
and one number. Your login name and password should never be the same.

For more information on how to safely shop online this holiday season, please go to the Internet Crime
Complaint Center website at www.ic3.gov/media/2011/111121.aspx You may also visit the FBI.gov E-scams
and Warnings webpage at http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm

Time Change and Safety Tips

Time to back up your clocks this weekend, and here are some tips I got from the OCSO.... Dave

INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN
Residential Daylight Savings Time Safety

This year Daylight Saving ends on Sunday November 6th 2011 at 2:00:00 AM clocks are turned backward 1 hour to Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 1:00:00 AM local standard time. This also means it will be darker earlier in the evening. PLAN NOW for this change.

Here are some simple tips to keep your families safe during the fall back time transition.

Personal Safety:
1. While the time will change your normal routine such as going to work, school or other activities may not.
2. Please remember there will be an adjustment period when you leave for the day during your regular time in the morning. The surrounding area will look different.
3. Activities such as students, pedestrians. bicyclist and runners will still be present. Please remain alert while driving and pay extra attention to school zones.
4. Extra attention should be focused on areas where children and young adults travel to school. Remember to be alert for crossing guards.
5. Small children should be walked to school by an adult or taken by vehicle.
6. Speed limit postings should be strictly observed in all areas. Stay alert while driving by parked vehicles as children and pedestrians may not immediately be visible. Remember: Your reaction time may be greater during darker hours. Also remain alert for pets and wildlife.
7. Students, pedestrians, walkers, runners and bicyclist should wear clothing that allows them to be visible. This may include: reflective strips, clothing, vest, etc. A small flashlight for visibility should be carried.
8. Those operating Bicycles, Electric Personal Assisstive Mobility Devices (Segways), etc should be visible and comply with all applicable laws.