As consumers of all ages rely more and more on technology, it’s important to understand how to protect your electronic devices and keep personal information private. That’s the goal of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s new educational initiative on cybersecurity.
The Cybersecurity Help, Information, and Protection Program (CHIPP) informs consumers about staying safe and protecting personal information while browsing the Internet, connecting through social media, and shopping online. CHIPP focuses primarily on security (how to protect your device from malware and hackers) and privacy (how to keep your personal information private) on computers and mobile devices. It also addresses common cyber scams and how to prevent them.
Through CHIPP, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section provides cybersecurity presentations for consumers across the state. Presentations typically last one hour and can be customized for any audience, including junior high and high school students and adult consumers.
Consumers can schedule a CHIPP presentation or other consumer workshops through the
Attorney General’s website or by contacting the Help Center at 800-282-0515.
Attorney General DeWine announced the CHIPP program last week during National Consumer Protection Week, March 2–8. Other highlights of the week:
-
Attorney General DeWine announced winners of the fifth annual Take Action Video Contest, which raises awareness about consumer issues by inviting high school students to create one-minute videos about scams or identity theft. First prize went to Yijia Liang and Eric Dong of Upper Arlington High School, who won a $2,500 scholarship. Congratulations also go to Kelly Murphy and Nick Taylor of Dublin-Jerome High School and Mitch Fogle of Upper Sandusky High School, who finished second and third, respectively. Check out the videos on the Attorney General’s website.
-
The Attorney General’s Office hosted a Consumer Resource Fair in Columbus and staffed various news programs’ phone banks in Columbus, Cleveland, and Toledo.
-
The office worked with organizations that deliver home-based meals to distribute a consumer protection publication to Ohioans in all 88 counties. The publication highlights scams targeting Ohioans, tips for avoiding scams, and helpful resources.