Baby Boomers Will Need Cyber Crime Awareness!
What happens when baby boomers retire is a very intriguing question, as one begins to wonder just exactly what to expect. It would be totally impossible to address every single area of concern, but it is possible to address the need by baby boomers, for cyber crime awareness.
Reality tells us that over the couple of decades, there are going to be thousands of baby boomers, who will be learning computer skills for the first time. While many of the baby boomers are already aware of the unique benefits, or advantages of computers, others have not become computer literate yet.
Cyberspace (used as a synonym for the internet) and online correspondence by e-mail, may feel new and strange to them.
Many baby boomers may not be aware of the extent of cyber crime, through the use of e-mail and its potential impact on them, as well as on other members of society.
Let's address some of the new terminology that the baby boomers should know, for their own protection, when learning how to correspond via e-mails.
Scam is a term that most people are familiar with, as it is essentially a con, or a scheme of some kind that results in a person being swindled. This generally results from the con artist, first obtaining the confidence of the victim. An internet scam is no different, other than the fact that it is done online. (1)
Spam or spamming, involves an abuse of the electronic e-mail system by sending out unsolicited mass, or bulk e-mails. This may also include other media like blogs, phone messaging, instant messaging, etc. It is a very inexpensive way for a spammer to send out a lot of messages, at very little cost. (2)
Spoofing describes fraudulent e-mail that has the sender's address, or heading changed in such a way as to alter the origin, or source of the e-mail. It is often used in spam e-mail. (3)
Phishing is a criminal and fraudulent attempt to obtain information, by acquiring what is referred to as sensitive information, like usernames and passwords, or even credit card information, by claiming to be a legitimate entity in an electronic or online communication. (4)
Baby boomers need to be aware that cyber crime is on the increase and internet regulation, at this time, is still relatively minimal, which places any baby boomer who is just learning about the internet, in a very vulnerable position with respect to e-mail communication.
A scam e-mail could suggest that there is something happening that is too good to be true. In this case, it probably is not true and you will more than likely lose whatever capital you choose to invest, in this type of fraudulent enterprise.
On the other hand, a spam e-mail could advise you that you have just won a lottery worth several million dollars. You would be requested to submit your personal information to a specific e-mail address. In doing so, you expose yourself to possible identity theft.
Spoofing is a computer security issue, with fraudulent e-mail imitating a real e-mail.
Phishing may suggests that a person's actual account may have been compromised and a request is made for the personal or financial information that is on that account.
Baby boomers also need to be aware that they do not have to respond to any of these kinds of e-mails. If there is any question about the source of an e-mail, it should not be opened, or responded to in any way. This is a form of cyber abuse by predators and should be reported to the authorities. The e-mail should be deleted, as it may contain a virus.
Many of these e-mails will appear similar in script and format, with only the names, phones numbers and e-mail addresses changed. A number of them will appear to originate from the same part of the globe. They may contain what appears to be legal terminology. Some of them will seem to be an appeal for compassion. They will generally demand money and may be abusive, or become abusive, in the future, if you do reply to them.
When you receive an e-mail that has a heading in capital letters, it may represent something that is, or will be, potentially threatening in nature. Some of the e-mails will even include passport pictures. They may suggest large inheritances, a request for you to invest their money for some benevolent cause, potential partnerships or relationships, offers for employment, time shares, etc.
Many of these will suggest setting up an offshore bank account, or advise you to make a future visit to some country, in order to pick up large amounts of money. References may be made to specific delivery companies, who you are advised to contact. Do not telephone any of the telephone numbers as you may incur major telephone charges, set up bank accounts, agree to visit any of these places, or call any of the delivery companies.
Be aware that by responding to these kinds of e-mails, it only encourages the predators to continue. Cyber crime does need to be addressed, as it represents a major concern for the well being of baby boomers and others.
Regulation and self regulation are two different ways that cyber crime can and will be addressed, controlled, or hopefully eliminated in the future. Cyber crime awareness is really important to baby boomers and others.
(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scam
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spam_%28electronic%29
(3 ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-mail_spoofing
(4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing