Question: All the scams make me afraid to use the computer, still yet I would like to learn. My children are grown, and I have grandchildren far away now. I want to stay connected with them, and I like to see the pictures they put up. It seems like we seniors have a dilemma. I wonder if I am the only one who feels this way.
Answer: The need for cybersecurity is true not only among senior citizens, but for anyone who uses the Internet to conduct business or to keep in touch with family and friends. Cybercrime has become so widespread that more Americans are limiting Internet use because of it, indicating a loss of consumer trust that could hamper the U.S. economy, according to an analysis by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Among key findings from the survey of 41,000 U.S. households that use the Internet: 84 percent were concerned about online privacy and security risks; 45 percent therefore avoided certain online activity; and about 20 percent had suffered a security breach, identity theft or similar malicious online activity during the 12 months prior to the survey. The full report is at 808ne.ws/1sdQ889.
So your concern is not unwarranted. Notice too, though, that the majority of households surveyed had not suffered a security breach. You can increase your chances of being in that group by getting some basic instruction. Any decent computer class for beginners should emphasize security; simple precautions include socializing online only with people you know in “real” life, never reusing or sharing passwords and setting strict spam filters.
A free “computer basics” class geared toward senior citizens is enrolling students now, for sessions that meet in Iwilei. Classes are held throughout the summer, starting Wednesday. Internet and email use are taught in a single two-hour class, but you can repeat the session as many times as it takes for you to feel comfortable using the computer. Although there is no fee, reservations are required and fill quickly. Call Rene Mansho at 291-6151 or email her at renemansho@hawaii.rr.com.
Q: I haven’t seen any DUI checkpoints like usual during graduation season. Is HPD doing them?
A: Yes. The Honolulu Police Department has been conducting impaired-driver checkpoints at unannounced times and locations every week since September and will continue to do so through September as part of the federal “52/12” sobriety checkpoint program, according to HPD.
That yearlong period includes graduation season, the Memorial Day holiday and Kamehameha Day and Fourth of July weekends. Motorists of all ages are warned not to drink and drive.
HPD also has a reminder for anyone inclined to supply alcohol to underage revelers: Don’t do it. Promoting intoxicating liquor to a person under the legal drinking age of 21 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail.
Lanikai parking alert
Another holiday weekend means no parking in Lanikai. The oceanside community in Windward Oahu again will become a temporary “special enforcement district,” meaning no parking will be permitted on the shoulders of public roads and streets in Lanikai between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Violators will get tickets or have their cars towed. City officials said enforcement relieved traffic congestion during recent holiday weekends, including Easter, and so they are continuing the pilot program. The ban applies to Lanikai residents as well as to visitors. TheBus Route 70 (Lanikai Shuttle) is an alternative for folks heading to Lanikai Beach or the Lanikai Pillbox Trail.
Mahalo
On May 19 my mom and I were shopping at Marukai Dillingham. My mom fell, and a lady came immediately to assist me as I helped my mom up. Other customers came to help and asked if my mom was OK. I would like to thank everyone for their help and concern. — Many thanks, Debbie K.
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
