Is Your Refrigerator Sharing Your Info?
By the time Edward Slusarski finished talking about cyber scams and device security at the Geauga County Township Association meeting April 9, many of the 130 listeners were disabling their cell phone Bluetooth connections and looking askance at their Apple watches.
By the time Edward Slusarski finished talking about cyber scams and device security at the Geauga County Township Association meeting April 9, many of the 130 listeners were disabling their cell phone Bluetooth connections and looking askance at their Apple watches.
Slusarski, president of Regarding Your Systems and fiscal officer for Chardon Township, warned the crowd that organized crime, various nation states and even some corporations are using a variety of methods to hack into cyber systems and steal social security numbers, bank account information and any other vital data stored on private or company computers.
Phishing, where an entity sends out emails hoping to hook information from naive computer users, has advanced to pharming — where criminals redirect internet users to a fake site to capture passwords or install malware on the victim’s computer in order to steal an identity, he said.
One example is the site Arnizon, which tricks a user into thinking it is Amazon, Slusarski said.
Many people have received a “smishing” notice from the Ohio Turn Pike claiming they owe back fees, he noted.
Slusarski recommended anyone receiving such emails contact the real company to find out if a debt is pending.
“Don’t go to Google — go to the actual site and call. Ask if it is legit,” he said.
When cyber criminals call elderly individuals and pretend they are just verifying information, or claim their records are goofed up, it is called “vishing,” he said.
Slusarski also warned against using ChatGPT.
“It’s still learning from you,” he said. “If you open AI now, you have to worry about it. It can take your voice, overlay your face. Be careful what you put out there.”
Stumbling into the dark web is not likely, but the site is dangerous, Slusarski said.
“You can buy a kidney or a hit on your significant other,” he said. “I strongly recommend you not go there.”
An individual’s whole financial world can be destroyed by actors on the dark web, Slusarski said.
Innocent-appearing, everyday items — Apple watches, cell phones, new coffee makers and refrigerators — are all programmed to collect information that can be hacked by those with criminal intent.
“Smart televisions are listening to what you are doing,” he said. “Look your equipment up and see how to deactivate it.”
Making people and organizations aware of the potential dangers in the cyber world is a mission for Slusarski.
“I do love technology,” he said, adding, however, it requires vigilance.
“Just think about it,” he said.
Other speakers preceding Slusarski included:
- Jen Jones, director of the Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste District, who asked trustees to have their boards pass a resolution in the next 90 days approving the district’s five-year plan;
- Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak, who introduced Amy Bevan, the new county administrator;
- Chester Township Zoning Inspector Chris Alusheff, who said Senate Bill 2 — allowing township to regulate solar and wind farms generating less than 50 mg of electricity — is being considered by the Ohio House;
- And Camp Ho Mita Koda Director Elizabeth Johnson said the camp can be rented for weddings and other gatherings during the off season. Through the summer, the camp in Newbury Township welcomes children with diabetes for weekly sessions.
