Three tips to protect your online security

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, so McKenna’s written a letter to the scammers of the world with just a few simple requests. Personally, I think he’s been smoking that pakalolo again.

Dear Scammers:

Today, I received well over a hundred of your emailed love notes. Honestly, I wish I weren’t so popular with you. I know you won’t stop sending those virtual cards and letters, but I do have a few simple requests.

I would like to know that I could trust the wi-fi networks I use. But, with all your fancy spyware, malware, and viruses, you’ve made that very difficult. Thankfully, I’m in the habit of using only networks I know. I keep telling my friends to be careful out there, but some still haven’t gotten the message. Even though I know you won’t stop trying to spy on us while we’re using public wi-fi, would you consider a warning on your fake wi-fi network? Perhaps something as simple as, “Here be scammers” would be very nice.

People also like to trust the USB and other accessories they receive from people they know, but maybe you could start a campaign to let everyone on your email lists know how unsafe USB devices can be. After all, you might consider USB devices as competition for your email campaigns, so wouldn’t it benefit you in the long run to help your mail recipients know about this important problem?

That whole attack you pulled off on the Apple software was pretty slick. Of course, Apple jumped on the vulnerability right away and updated the software to block you. I just wanted you to know that I really try to keep my software up-to-date so I’m less vulnerable to your advances. I do wish others would do the same so we could all stay one step ahead.

In any case, I know you’ll be back. I feel kind of like you’re trying to coerce me into an unwanted office romance, but I know I’d never respect myself in the morning if I let it happen. So, in celebration of October being Cyber Security Awareness Month, I’m going to keep my guard up and do what I can to keep us apart. I’m sure you understand and feel the same way about your computer equipment.

No best wishes,

McKenna