Ask the Chief

Several times a week, I receive calls from people regarding phone, internet, mail and social media scams. In addition, it seems that almost every week we learn of another mega company or social media site that has either had their security breached or has been using their product to gather information on their customers.

This problem is so wide spread that is it covers the entire globe and can involve millions of people.

If you watch the news, you will see politicians and so called experts giving long winded speeches about security and the "evil" people who are praying on us as "sheep".

For all of their wisdom, I think the best advice is what I hear at coffee. If you want to get to the root of a problem and find a simple solution, all you need do is ask someone who has been around awhile.

The seniors I have spoken to about this topic look at me, smile and say the best security is the off button.

It doesn't take a scientist or some expert to tell them that keeping your mouth shut is the best way to keep a secret.

That goes double for what you type on your phone or computer. If you don't want strangers knowing about you, then don't post personal info on social media.

Don't sign up for "free" offers or take those funny quizzes about what type of "princess" you are.

One older gentleman told me, "If you don't want the neighbors to know about your problems, don't stand in the front yard yelling so everyone can hear".

We would not let a stranger walk into our home and start snooping around our drawers so why would you let them do the same thing on your computer, social media sites and more. Most often the simplest solution is the best.

If you want to keep your personal information secure, all you need do is stop posting it, stop talking about it and only share the minimum amount of information needed to conduct business.

If you don't take responsibility for your own privacy and security, why would you expect someone else do to it for you? It begins and ends with you.