ROTARY CENTRAL MELBOURNE – MEETING REPORT 8th June 2021
Thirty-six people logged into the meeting. Visiting Rotarians: Teresa Carlson (RC Echuca Moama).
President, Therese Robinson opened the meeting with an acknowledgement of country.
Chair, Rob Soros proposed a toast to Rotary International.
Therese welcomed members and visitor, Teresa Carlson (RC Echuca Moama).
Guest Speaker – Rob Soros introduced Darren Park, who presented on the topic - Staying safe from Online Scams, Identity Theft & other Cybercrime
Darren presented on the three interconnected concepts of online scams, identity theft and cybercrime. He began with an illustration of the dangers posed by public WiFi hotspots and provided practical tips on how to guard against them. Darren also explained how home WiFi systems can be better protected against threats.
Darren also explored the complex realm of online scams and provided some practical examples of actual scams. He explained how to guard against them and provided some clues on how to spot these attacks. Finally, Darren explained how identity theft operates and how people can better protect themselves from potential attack.
Here are a few of Darren’s tips on how to strengthen a home WiFi network
(refer to the router’s instruction manual as not all functions/controls may be available to all WiFi router models):
§ Change default connection passcode/password & administrator login
§ Update router firmware, activate firewall
§ Consider using a VPN (virtual private network)
§ Turn on WPA2 encryption
§ Restrict devices that can connect to the network
§ Hide the router name
§ Limit WiFi Protected Setup/Universal Plug & Play
§ Stop remote access to the router
§ Consider central placement of the router in home
§ Try to avoid doing sensitive tasks on WiFi. eg. online banking
§ Turn off router when absent for extended periods
Your reporter noted – if all that fails, ask the grand children (or a teenage acquaintance)
Rob and Therese thanked Darren for presenting this important information about cybercrime, scams and identity theft.
Announcements
- Allan Driver announced birthdays and anniversaries.
Member Birthdays
Nil
Partner Birthdays
Nil
Date Joined Rotary
Cecily Neil 9th June 2015 (6 years)
Stella Avramopoulos 10th June 2014 (7 years)
- Rohan Williams advised that 17 people have volunteered to attend a tree planting event at Philip Island over the weekend of 19 – 20 June (dependant on lockdown update).
- Rob Hines expressed his gratitude to the 32 members who helped raise $10,500 for the purchase of Oxygen Concentrators for use in India. Uttam Ganguli (PDG and PP of our sister club in Kolkata, Rabindra Sarobar) will be managing the purchase to ensure the funds are used appropriately.
- John Ilott reminded members to register for the club changeover on Friday 25th June. A decision will be made next week whether an in-person event is possible.
- Campbell Chambers reminded members that he is still accepting raffle gifts for the club changeover so please contact him if you have something to donate.
- Teresa Carlson advised that their club changeover has been postponed to 20 July. The Rotary Family Day on Saturday 12 June is also postponed due to covid restrictions.
President Therese:
- Encouraged members to reach out to young people in their communities to make sure they are coping with the present lockdown.
- Thanked Rob Hines for his leadership with the raising of funds for oxygen concentrators.
- Reminded all to stay well, keep safe and reach out if assistance is needed during the lockdown.
President Therese closed the meeting thanking everyone for attending.
