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October 2, 2013
Cyber safety section on Ready Illinois website offers online safety information
for home, businesses and children
SPRINGFIELD – Whether through a computer at home, school or work, or with a mobile device, millions of Americans access the Internet each day. The Internet provides almost limitless opportunities while creating risks that can range from mere inconveniences to serious threats such as identity theft and child safety.
Throughout October, which is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will highlight cyber safety to help people understand online risks and what they can do to prevent problems.
“The Internet is part of our everyday life,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “With the click of a mouse, we can make purchases, communicate with friends and family around the world and perform a myriad of business functions. We want people to understand how to protect their computer, personal information, business operations and, most importantly, their children from cyber risks.”
Monken said the Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov) includes a cyber safety section that provides information and links to dozens of resources for the safe use of computers and the Internet at home and businesses, as well as guidance for parents and children about online safety.
The site also offers information technology (IT) “Best Practices,” including an IT policy template, sample policies and guidance on how to avoid risks associated with the storage of information on photocopiers, fax machines and printers.
Online shopping is just one of the many uses of the Internet that is rapidly growing in popularity. U.S. online retail sales are estimated to top $252 billion in 2013. While shopping on the Internet is convenient, it’s important to ensure your computer has the latest security software, web browsers and operating system to provide the best defense against viruses, malware and other online threats.
Other tips for protecting yourself while shopping online include:
- Check out sellers in advance to ensure they are reputable. Search for online reviews of the merchant and note phone numbers and physical addresses of vendors in case you have a problem with your transaction or billing.
- Make sure the site is legitimate before you enter your personal and financial information. Look for a closed padlock on your web browser’s address bar or a URL address that begins with shttp or https. This indicates the purchase is encrypted or secured.
- Use safe payment options. Credit cards are generally the safest option because they allow buyers to seek a credit from the issuer if the product isn’t delivered or isn’t what was ordered.
- Print and save records of your online transactions, including the product description, price, online receipt, terms of the sale and copies of any email exchange with the seller.
- Turn your computer off when you’re finished shopping or when it’s not in use. Leaving your computer on gives scammers 24/7 access to your computer to install malware and commit cyber crimes.
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Millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:17 a.m. on October 17* during Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills!
You can join them today by registering for the 2013 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut. Participating is a great way for your family or organization to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes– wherever you live, work, or travel.
Start here to be included in the 2013 ShakeOut!
* You can hold your drill at any time within 2 weeks of October 17.
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See the full story in The News-Gazette:
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IEMA Launches Mobile Ready Illinois Website
Puts Emergency Preparedness Information at Your Fingertips
SPRINGFIELD – Emergency preparedness information is now even easier to find with a new mobile version of the Ready Illinois website launched recently by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). The mobile site (m.ready.illinois.gov) enables mobile device users to access information about emergency preparedness and recovery, weather and man-made hazards and updates on current disasters automatically through their smartphone or tablet.
“This new mobile site provides much of the same information as our Ready Illinois website in a mobile-friendly format,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “People can now check out how to develop an emergency supply kit or family communications plan when they’re sitting in a waiting room, riding a train or even relaxing at one of the state’s many recreational sites. And the mobile website will be particularly helpful during disasters by enabling people to get real-time updates about shelters, road closures and other critical information.”
In addition to general preparedness information, the mobile site also includes a “How Do I?” section that provides quick access to information on more than 40 topics, including preparedness for people with functional needs, pet emergency preparedness, American Sign Language videos on disaster preparedness and more.
The Ready Illinois website (www.Ready.Illinois.gov) is the state’s one-stop-shop for emergency preparedness information. The website averages more than 37,500 visitors each month, although visits spike considerably during disasters as people seek current information. When historic flooding recently affected nearly half of Illinois this April, more than 80,000 visitors turned to the Ready Illinois website for updates.
Preparedness and disaster-related information is also available through the Ready Illinois Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/ReadyIllinois) and Twitter page (twitter.com/ReadyIllinois), both of which also can be accessed through the mobile website.
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Heat records are falling across the U.S. West and Southwest this week as a deadly heat wave scorches that portion of the country. While temperatures in Illinois aren’t expected to reach those extreme levels, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is urging people to recognize the dangers of extreme heat and stay safe during summer’s heat waves.
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