By PWPORG, a 501(c)(3) built by law enforcement and security industry practitioners and educators to provide educational resources to kids, families and communities on safety and emergency preparedness.
Foundational Best Practices
STEP ONE: Use a Password Vault
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You are keeping yourself and your family’s privacy out of the hands of those who could hurt you.
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It saves you from the potential headache of having your identity stolen, then spending countless hours trying to reestablish your credit and your credibility.
CLICK HERE For Information On How to Create a Password Vault
STEP TWO: Install and Regularly Update Software and Antivirus Protection
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Thousands of new viruses are discovered daily, which requires daily cyber hygiene discipline.
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Set up a reminder on your phone at least once a month to check for software updates.
CLICK HERE For Information On How to Install and Update Antivirus Software.
CLICK HERE For Information On How to Enable Automatic Security Updates.
STEP THREE: Watching Out for “Free” Stuff
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Free is never really free. Beware of offers for GAMES, ringtones, and subscriptions, particularly unsolicited.
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Know that these offers likely include malware, which can be used to steal your data including credit, and personal identifying information.
CLICK HERE For Information On How to Protect Your Devices from Malware.
STEP FOUR: Public Wifi Connections Cannot Always Be Trusted
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The same features that make public wifi desirable for user convenience are also desirable for hackers.
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Cyber criminals can infiltrate these systems and collect data such as personal identifying information, proprietary business data, confidential files and passwords
CLICK HERE For Information On How to Safely Connect to Public Wifi.
STEP FIVE: Teach Kids About Phishing Techniques
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If you receive a suspicious email or a text message, Don’t take the bait.
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These phishing attempts may look like:
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They came from a familiar person; however, the language is a little different, or the person is asking you to do something that you think is out of character.
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The email address of the sender is off by a few characters.
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The sender pretends to know you or mutual friends.
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Always validate before clicking.
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CLICK HERE For Information On How to Manage Phishing.
STEP SIX: Create An Honest And Open Family Dialogue About Cyber Hygiene
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Provide examples that kids can relate to or understand
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Focus on the positive aspects of online resources combined with an honest discussion about the potential dangers
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Consider having a common area in the house for the family to do online activity, where children can feel independent, but not alone.
SIGNS OF ONLINE PREDATORS
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Online Predators May Subject Your kids To:
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Cyberbullying
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Identity theft (watch for unsolicited postal mail in your kid’s name)
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Inappropriate or explicit content
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Uncontrollable spam
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Enticement to meet
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Becoming secretive about online connections
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Request for photograph
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TOOLS AND RULES TO CONSIDER
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Have the child stop using the computer and report to a parent or a trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable.
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Talk about it! Your kids might not tell you everything but ask anyway. conversations about safety can increase trust and communication.
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Get involved. If your kids play online games, ask if you can play, too. When you respect their interests, they are more likely to respect your rules. Remember, you will probably lose the game!
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Do not completely pull the plug. limiting internet access because of a mistake does not solve the problem. Talk to your kids about alternative actions.
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Periodically check your kid’s use of all social media accounts.
SIGNS OF COMPUTER COMPROMISE
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Secure Your Device Immediately If You Suspect It Has Been Compromised:
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Download and install a virus scanner
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Disconnect from internet
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Reboot your computer into safe mode
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Delete any temporary files
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Run a virus scan
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Delete or quarantine the virus
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RESOURCES
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child-identity-theft.pdf (cmu.edu)
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cisa.gov
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https://report.cybertip.org
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https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/resources
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https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0017-kids-and-computer-security
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https://www.cisecurity.org/newsletter/cybersecurity-tips-for-k-12-kids-family-and-friends/
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https://www.ml.com/articles/family-cyber-security-tips.html
The Cyber World Provides a Doorway to Invaluable Resources, Make Sure You Always Lock Your Cyber Door and Take Your Keys With You!
Check Out Parents With Preparedness Magazine For More Free Resources For You And Your Family! PWPORG.ORG
To download your own copy of ‘3 Minutes to Preparedness: 6 Steps to Cyber Hygiene‘ to share with your family, friends and community members, please go to www.pwporg.org/resources/.
Also available are the following titles:
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Planning Always Matters: Build Your Own Family Preparedness Kit
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Preparedness Always Matters: The Readiness Radar: The Calm Before the Storm
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Screens and Teens: An Electronics Safety Guide for Parents
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Fall Preparedness: Summer in the Rearview Mirror
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S.M.A.R.T. Money Moves for Kids: Financial Literacy for Kids
Developed by PWP Team featuring, Chloe Sexton, and Fiona Lynch.
PREPAREDNESS ALWAYS MATTERS
The Intersection Between Fact and Fear
(Just imagine in a threatening situation, there were no strangers because everyone knew what to do and acted without hesitation. The world is complex and getting more complex seemingly by the minute. We designed this effort to help bring clarity, replace fear of the unknown with the confidence to learn and to adapt to any kind of environment. Courtesy of Kiernan Group Holdings and PWPORG.)
(Learn about PWPORG. Courtesy of Kiernan Group Holdings and PWPORG.)
Check out Parents with Preparedness Magazine for More Free Resources for You and Your Family!
Republished with permission by PWPORG.ORG.
PWPORG Nominated to Compete in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is today in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
American Security Today is pleased to announce TSA Administrator David Pekoske, will join the organization as a featured speaker at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon, on November 18, 2021 at ISC East in New York City.
“On the heels of an unprecedented global pandemic, continued unrest in our cities and potentially catastrophic cyberattacks on our nations critical infrastructure, the focus of the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon will be on the latest, state-of-the-art innovations that are driving investments in new public security and safety technologies and systems,” said AST Editorial and Managing Director Tammy Waitt.
“As a recognized expert in crisis management, strategic planning, innovation and aviation, surface transportation and maritime security, David Pekoske’s message highlighting his top priorities and challenges for the TSA based on his years of wide-ranging experience will be critical to our attendees internalizing the critical nature of these escalating challenges, and realizing innovative new approaches to meet them.”
The 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by AMAROK, Fortior Solutions and SIMS Software, along with Returning Premier Sponsors ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, and Reed Exhibitions.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | And Many Others! |
| COVID Innovations | And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.
As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Register for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Luncheon Today
At ISC East 2021 you with the opportunity to interact with a broad array of security industry professionals.
ISC East works closely with other businesses in the security and public safety space to help bring together the Northeast’s largest security trade show each year.
In collaboration with premier sponsor SIA (Security Industry Association) and in partnership with ASIS NYC, ISC East is proud to work with and be supported by various associations, trade publications, charities, and more.
Therefore, the ISC audience of security dealers, installers, integrators, consultants, corporate, government and law enforcement/first responder practitioners will be joined by the ASIS NYC audience of major corporate managerial-through-director-level national and global security executives.
The combination of one-on-one conversations with the industry’s top innovators, integrators and security executives, special events, high-quality education and training, and strong support from industry associations, will allow attendees to learn and evaluate solutions from leading security exhibitors and brands.
Your ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon registration includes complimentary attendee access to ISC East – Thank take advantage of this exclusive luncheon opportunity to take a break from the show – Invite your team, guests, clients and show visitors to a lovely and affordable plated meal event in the heart of New York City, for a fabulous networking opportunity!
Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your seat or reserve a table.
***Limited space available so Register Today. There will be no on-site registrations.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
Subscribe to the AST Daily News Alert Here.
Learn More…
PWPORG Seeking Superheroes to Help Children in Our Communities
