Master your electronic devices with help from the Cyber Geezers of SIR (Sons in Retirement). Meetings start with a presentation and discussion about using various devices, software, cybersecurity, etc. The presentations are followed by time for those with more tech expertise to help individuals with problems and "how to" questions.  Email Jerry Sabo at <Jlsabo3@comcast.net>.

Two-Factor Authentication - Text Messages and Beyond

Alan Baker,  AARP Fraud Watch Volunteer

Many websites offer two-factor authentication to improve your online security, and most of these use text messaging. Some websites provide even better security, and some no longer need passwords. In this presentation, we will explore methods that are easier and more secure than text messages: authentication apps and hardware security keys. 
 
Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of online security used to ensure that people trying to gain access to an online account are who they say they are. First, a user enters their username and a password. Then, instead of immediately gaining access, they are  required to provide another piece of information.

Alan has spoken about internet security with many SIR branches and other community groups. You can see him in a TV interview on this topic here:  
 
Alan Baker has been a SIR for 12 plus years. He helps branch webmasters around the state and created the new State SIR website. Before retirement, he was a Senior Information Technology Specialist at IBM. Earlier he was a USAF pilot in Vietnam and ran a small business. Nowadays he does education through AARP Fraud Watch, spoken about internet security with many SIR branches and other community groups and helps nonprofits with technology. Alan spends the cool months in California and the warm months in Vermont. Here he helps seniors with income taxes through AARP Tax-Aide. In Vermont he builds trails and plays Pickleball.