Vermont nonprofit offers advice on how to stay safe online
Vermont Business Magazine Representatives from Comcast and the Vermont nonprofit Technology for Tomorrow (T4T) recently spent the afternoon on Church Street Marketplace teaching people how to be safe on the internet and helping them with technical and online privacy questions. The informational session was to commemorate National Digital Inclusion Week, which brings awareness, recognition and celebration of digital equity efforts.
“In today’s world, digital literacy is essential to success, which is why Comcast continues to support programs like T4T that empower individuals to explore the Internet and learn how different platforms can enhance their professional and personal futures, while maintaining their safety,” said Carolyne Hannan, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s New England Region.
T4T, based in Williston, works to bridge the digital divide by empowering individuals and organizations through affordable technology, supporting skills training, and enabling virtual opportunities through various local, state, and national collaboration efforts to help individuals and organizations reach their goals. They work with older adults, recent immigrants (particularly those with a refugee background), and people in workforce development programs.
“We strive to help people have access to the technology, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Vijay Desai, T4T executive director. “We also want them to do this safely and securely. We are grateful to Comcast NBCUniversal for their generous support in this effort.”
T4T and Comcast have partnered on a number of initiatives to provide Vermonters with computer literacy training, including this recent event.
Comcast NBCUniversal also supports T4T’s new Digital Navigator program. Digital navigators are trained professionals who provide personalized guidance and support for people who need assistance with digital skills, devices, or internet connectivity. They can also connect people to relevant resources and opportunities that can enhance their digital literacy and empowerment. Digital navigators are a valuable asset for promoting digital inclusion and equity in the society.
Comcast NBCUniversal’s support has enabled T4T to host an AmeriCorps member from the American Connection Corps to develop T4T’s Digital Navigation program and expand the organization’s digital literacy outreach. Wolde North, a graduate of Champlain College, is serving as an AmeriCorps member at T4T this year, working to close the state’s digital divide.
Trainers from T4T recommend these two cybersecurity tips to keep you safe online:
• Always set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) when possible: 2FA is a security measure that requires two forms of identification to access your online accounts. For example, with 2FA setup on Facebook, you will be asked to verify your identity on your phone and your computer in order to access your account. It is one of the best tools you have in your cybersecurity bag! Many accounts, including your social media accounts, IRS account, email, and so many more, have this feature. Use 2FA whenever possible.
• Have a generic phone greeting: This one might sound like a strange one, but here’s why it’s important. You may have heard of scams where someone receives a call from a loved one saying they are being held for ransom. After transferring a significant amount of money, they later find out that person was never in any danger, and instead the person on the other end of the line had a copy of that individual’s voice. This is called “voice cloning.” These copies of a person’s voice are often made by a person receiving a seemingly random call — similar to a spam call. The person on the other end of the line is running a program that will respond to the recipient and try to engage that person in a conversation in order to clone their voice. With calls like this, it is best to have a simple, straightforward phone greeting that uses as few words as possible to avoid the chance of your voice being cloned.