Dept.of Homeland Security- 4 ways to safeguard mobile devices

6/21/11, The Dept. of Homeland Security has provided a number of great resources that I'll share in this blog. Mobile devices are replacing desktops and laptops and the more we use them the "hactivist" have found ways to get access to your personal information. See the attached article for tips on protecting your mobile device. R. Coleman, CPAM

4 Ways to Safeguard Mobile Devices

DHS: Cybercriminals Increasingly Target Mobile Devices

Information Security Media Group
June 20, 2011


The Department of Homeland Security has issued four tips to keep smartphone users safe from cybercriminals. In its blog, DHS offers this advice:

1. Access the Internet over a secure network: Only browse the web through your service provider's network such as 3G or a secure Wi-Fi network.
2. Be suspicious of unknown links or requests sent through email or text message: Do not click on unknown links or answer strange questions sent to your mobile device, regardless of who the sender appears to be.
3. Download only trusted applications: Download "apps" from trusted sources or marketplaces that have positive reviews and feedback.
4. Be vigilant about online security: Keep anti-virus and malware software up to date, use varying and strong passwords, and never provide your personal or financial information without knowing who's asking and why they need it.

DHS says nearly half of Americans are expected to own a mobile device by year's end. Citing experts, DHS says smartphones and mobile devices will surpass computers as the primary target for cybercrime within three years.
"If a hacker can gain access to a mobile device, they can easily find e-mail addresses, stored passwords, banking information, social media accounts and phone numbers, allowing them to steal your information, your money and even your identity," DHS says, as part of its Stop Think Connect cybersecurity campaign.

Cyber Bullying- MI House of Reps proposed 2011 legislation

6/20, CPAM personnel/School personnel, SRO's and parents. Michigan's elected officials are working to address the issues related to traditional and now cyber bullying incidents. Due to the increase of bullying being reported online and by text messages. These new laws being proposed will require that schools report to law enforcement and the parents  of the individual involved with bullying and the victim be notified. If anyone needs an example of a community presentation send me a note and I'll forward what we've done for our local schools here in Pittsfield Twp. and several national resources that I'll highlight in future posts.

R. Coleman, CPAM

Harassment /Stalking

•         Michigan Penal Code # 750.411h

•         #750.441s Posting messages through electronic medium

•         House Bill #4251-Create government cyber bully PSA and maintain an awareness campaign.

•         House Bill #4252- Mandate school and law enforcement “cyberbully” reporting.

•         If a law enforcement officer or agency gets a report of “cyber- bullying” of a minor, it    must report this to the parents and school (s) of both the bully and the victim.

•         If the school official becomes aware of cyberbullying they must report to all parties.

June: Internet Safety Month 2011

6/20, More resources on Internet safety. R. Coleman, CPAM

 JUNE IS INTERNET SAFETY MONTH

With the school year ending, kids will be spending more time online. In fact, according to the National Cyber Security Alliance, children and teens aged 8-18 spend an average of 7 and a half hours each day with electronic devices – where they may be vulnerable to cyber bulling, cyber predators, and other criminal activity.

The Stop. Think. Connect. Campaign encourages students, parents, and teachers to remain vigilant about their daily Internet use and offers the following advice to parents to keep their children safe online:

Stop: Before letting children use the Internet, set clear guidelines about which sites they are allowed to visit and what they should do if they see something questionable.

Think: Take a moment to be certain the path ahead is clear. Watch for warning signs that may indicate your child is using the Internet unsafely.

Connect: Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence, knowing you’ve taken steps to safeguard yourself and your family.

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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION JOINS STOP.THINK.CONNECT. CAMPAIGN The Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign is happy to announce that the Federal Communications Commission has joined the Cyber Coalition. At an event on May 16, 2011, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced the partnership. Read more about the event here.

CPAM- The place to network and learn from your peers

I joined CPAM in 1989, and after graduating from the Detroit Police Departments "Crime Prevention Training School" I was ready to bring the knowledge and excitement of putting in place creating an atmosphere for neighborhood, apartment, business and faith community watch programs. Working with other CPAM personnel it was important not to re-invent the wheel.

We used information from the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC-http://www.ncpc.org) , National Missing and Exploited, The National Sheriff's Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, C.P.T.E.D, Community Oriented Policing, and many more as tools to build on our knowledge base to help our program.

If you are in law enforcement coordinating crime prevention, C.O.P.s officer or a civilian as I am  working for an agency this organization is one that you'll benefit from. The conferences, training, networking is such a valuable tool in doing your job but most of all your community benefiting from.

The 2011 CPAM Conference is being planned and members and those thinking of joining can help sustain and continue to build on the maintaining this great organization by being an officers and serving on the board of directors. Please visit the website for details on joininging as well as applying to be on the board.

6/16/11, Rich Coleman, Leg. L. CPAM

6/15/11~ Internet Safety- Fraud and Scams

Greetings to CPAM members and those interested in crime prevention and or a victim of a crime. We'll provide resources and links on where to get to address the topics discussed in the blog. I've been a member of CPAM since 1989 and served in a variety of roles but the most important in "networking" and providing resources to fellow members and communities. I work for the Pittsfield Twp. Department of Public Safety and coordinate our crime prevention efforts with our Community Patrol Officers who are now members of CPAM.

We have been addressing National Data Privacy (http://www.ncpw.gov/) issues with our local Cyber Citizenship group. You can find more details on ways to protect your personal information.

A great resource is can be found at "Stay Safe Online"- www.staysafeonline.org,  and the "Stop, Think, Connect campaign.

In future posts I'll provide information on resources for Cyber Bullying and current proposed changes to Michigan laws, resources, examples of what schools and communities are doing to address this issue. We have also put our presentations for elementary and middle/high school in a PDF file. So if anyone is interested in getting copies of our efforts we'll forward.

Rich Coleman, Leg. Liaison, CPAM