Free Cybersecurity Lectures for Older Adults, as part of October National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 9, 2019

As part of October National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Montgomery County departments and agencies are teaming up to provide free training, “ABCs of Staying Safe Online,” throughout the County to protect our most vulnerable residents – older adults.   

“According to the National Council on Aging, Financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they’re now considered the crime of the 21st century, which is why it is so important that we help seniors be aware and learn how to avoid these scams,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich.  Being tricked into downloading Internet scam software, phishing emails and online romance scams are three of the top10 financial scams that primarily occur through online activities. 

“In 2017, identity theft was the second largest type consumer complaint filed at the Federal Trade Commission; and nearly 40 percent of these complaints were filed by people over age 50,” added Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Kleine. 

From shopping to banking to everyday email, it’s important to understand the best practices to stay safe online.  Montgomery County’s Senior Planet Montgomery, Libraries, Recreation Centers, and Senior Villages are partnering with Tech Moxie to offer the “ABCs of Staying Safe Online,” free lectures throughout the County. 

The lecture is designed for older adults and offers practical information about how to avoid computer scams and viruses, best practices for passwords, and what is phishing and how to protect yourself from it. 

To register for a lecture, please call the phone number associated with a site below.

ABCs of Staying Safe Online lecture offerings

• Gaithersburg Library
  18330 Montgomery Village Ave, Gaithersburg
  Friday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  (240) 773-9490
• Chevy Chase Library
  8005 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase
  Tuesday, Oct. 15, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  (240) 773-9590
• East County Community Recreation Center
  3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring
  Wednesday, Oct. 16, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
  (240) 777-8090
• White Oak Library
  11701 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring
  Saturday, Oct. 19, 1 p.m.  – 3 p.m.
  (240) 773-9555
• North Potomac Senior Center
  13850 Travilah Rd, Rockville
  Monday, Oct. 21, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  (240) 773-4800
• Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center
  1000 Forest Glen Rd, Silver Spring
  Tuesday, Oct. 22, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  (240) 777-8085
• Long Branch Senior Center
  8700 Piney Branch Rd, Silver Spring
  Friday, Nov. 1, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  (240) 777-6975

For more information on Tech Moxie, to subscribe to their newsletter, or to inquire about their services, visit tech-moxie.com or call 202-642-5520.

For more information about Senior Planet Montgomery, to sign-up for their newsletter, or to view their fall course and lecture offerings, visit seniorplanet.org/Montgomery, or contact the team at: 240-753-0676 or mocoinfo@seniorplanet.org.

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Release ID: 19-334
Media Contact: Mitsuko Herrera 240-777-2928