SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – On Saturday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m., community members are invited to join “Cybersecurity With Mark: Click Smart, Not Sorry!,” an interactive and practical discussion designed to help everyday internet users recognize online scams and protect themselves from becoming victims.
Scammers don’t need to be computer experts, and you don’t need to be one either to protect yourself. This easy-to-understand program will explore common phishing attempts and online scams delivered through email, text messages, phone calls, websites, and social media. Participants will learn how to spot the warning signs and take simple steps to verify suspicious messages before they cause financial or personal harm.
Participants will learn to recognize common red flags, including unexpected messages, urgent demands, threats or attempts to create fear, requests for money, requests for passwords or verification codes, suspicious links and attachments, and requests to keep things secret.
The program will also examine realistic examples of common scams, including fake bank alerts, package-delivery scams, family-emergency scams, fake government calls, tech support scams, and online romance and investment scams.
Participants will have opportunities to test their scam-detecting skills by voting “Scam or Legit?,” identifying suspicious clues, and discussing what they would do in real-world situations
The message is simple: “Stop. Think. Verify.”
No technical experience is required. Whether you’re highly comfortable online or simply want to feel more confident navigating today’s digital world, you’ll leave with practical information you can use every day.
The program will be presented by Mark, information technology director for the Springfield School District, where he manages the technology infrastructure supporting approximately 1,200 students and 400 staff members.
A certified information systems security professional with a master’s degree in IT management, Mark brings decades of leadership experience in cybersecurity and information technology.
Mark previously served as cybersecurity branch chief for the Air National Guard Readiness Center, overseeing network security for 90 units across all 54 states and territories. He also managed cybersecurity initiatives for the Defense Information Systems Agency.
Before his civilian career, Mark served 24 years in the U.S. Air Force as a communications and network administrator, with assignments throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.
Mark recently relocated to the Lower Valley region with his family from Maryland and is excited to become part of the community.
To sign up for an event reminder, visit www.springfieldtownlibrary.org/calendar.