Prevent online fraud
In recognition of Internet Safety Month, Central Bank, located at Bruce B. Downs and County Line Road, offers these seven tips to help consumers avoid online fraud:
- Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date. Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
- Set strong passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
- Watch out for phishing scams. These scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from unfamiliar sources. (Forward phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at – and to the company, bank or organization impersonated in the email).
- Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name and so on. Be wary of requests to connect from strangers.
- Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about the information you send over it.
- Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
- Read the site’s privacy policies. These policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.
For more information on internet security or Central Bank, visit CentralBankFL.com.
Free Cybersecurity forum
Small business owners and administrators are invited to a free breakfast panel discussion on “Protecting Your Organization from Cyber Breaches.”
The panel will on June 15 at 8:30 a.m., at Saint Leo University. It will be moderated by Krista Covey, director of the SMARTstart Business Incubator in nearby Dade City. The incubator is a program of the Pasco Economic Development Council. The panel will help identify threats to small businesses and strategies to counter such dangers.
North Tampa chamber meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting on June 9, with check-in at 11 a.m., at Brunchies, Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Networking is until 11: 30 a.m., when lunch will be served from a select menu.
Guest speaker is Terry Hitchcock, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and sometimes dubbed the “Real Forrest Gump.” He is an author, speaker and entrepreneur. In 1996, he ran 75 marathons in 75 consecutive days (about 2,100 miles), arriving at the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Olympics to honor single parents and their children. A documentary, “My Run”, chronicled his life story. He is author of “American Business: The Last Hurrah?”, and co-authored “A Father’s Odyssey.”
Reservations are being accepted. The cost is $21, whether you eat or not, and is payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.
For information, call the chamber at (813) 961-2420, or email .
Central Pasco meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on June 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.
Members and guests are welcome.
Guest speaker will be Keith Wiley, Pasco County’s natural resources manager. He will discuss the county’s Environmental Land Acquisition and Management Program, or ELAMP.
The cost is $20 you RSVP by June 10, and $25 after and at the door.
For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .
