OCEAN CITY – For longtime Ocean City resident and technology consultant James Baldwin, helping locals navigate the increasingly complex digital landscape has become something of a passion project. With cyber threats on the rise and many shore residents unsure how to protect themselves online, Baldwin has been offering informal workshops at the Ocean City Free Public Library, sharing practical advice on digital safety.
"I see a lot of people, especially seniors, who love using technology to keep in touch with family or manage their daily lives, but they're understandably concerned about scams, data privacy, and keeping their information secure," Baldwin explained during a recent interview at a local coffee shop on Asbury Avenue.
With summer approaching and more seasonal residents returning to Ocean City, Baldwin shared some of his most valuable tips for protecting yourself in the digital world.
According to Baldwin, weak passwords remain one of the biggest vulnerabilities for most users. "Many people still use the same simple password for everything, which is like having the same key for your house, car, and office," he noted.
His recommendation is using a password manager – secure applications that generate and store complex, unique passwords for each service you use. "You only need to remember one master password, and the manager takes care of the rest. It's a game-changer for security," Baldwin explained.
Password managers like Bitwarden (which offers a free version) or 1Password can generate unique passwords for each service, alert you to compromised accounts, and sync across all your devices.
Baldwin emphasizes that even strong passwords aren't enough anymore. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a critical second layer of security by requiring something you know (your password) and something you have (usually your phone).
"Enabling 2FA is probably the single most important thing you can do to protect your accounts," Baldwin said. "Even if someone somehow gets your password, they still can't access your account without that second factor, which typically comes as a code sent to your phone or generated by an authentication app."
While many users find 2FA slightly inconvenient, the security benefits far outweigh the minor extra step at login. Most banks, email providers, and social media platforms now offer 2FA options in their security settings.
With Ocean City's numerous cafes, restaurants, and public spaces offering free Wi-Fi, Baldwin warns about the risks of conducting sensitive activities on these networks.
"Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it's also potentially visible to anyone on that network," he cautioned. "I never recommend banking, shopping, or logging into sensitive accounts while on public Wi-Fi unless you're using a VPN."
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted connection, protecting your data even on unsecured networks. Baldwin recommends considering a reputable VPN service, especially for frequent travelers or those who regularly use public Wi-Fi around Ocean City and Cape May County.
Email accounts often serve as the central point of access to other accounts through password resets, making them particularly valuable targets for hackers. Baldwin emphasizes the importance of being extremely cautious with email security.
"Be skeptical of any unexpected emails, especially those asking you to click links or download attachments," he advised. "Legitimate organizations like banks or government agencies typically don't ask for sensitive information via email."
He also recommends using separate email addresses for different purposes – one for important accounts like banking, another for shopping or subscriptions, and perhaps a third for communications that might involve higher volumes of marketing emails.
Not all online platforms are created equal when it comes to security practices. Baldwin encourages Ocean City residents to research and select services that demonstrate strong commitments to user privacy and data protection.
"I always tell people to look for platforms that are transparent about their security measures," Baldwin explained. "For example, betzoid.com implements comprehensive encryption and clearly communicates their security practices, making it a good example of the type of platform that takes user protection seriously."
He recommends looking for services that offer clear privacy policies, strong encryption, regular security updates, and respect user data preferences.
Those persistent update notifications on your devices might be annoying, but Baldwin stresses they're crucial for security. "Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit," he said. "Postponing updates leaves your devices and accounts unnecessarily exposed."
He recommends enabling automatic updates whenever possible and setting aside time once a week to update devices or applications that require manual updates.
Many Ocean City residents use social media to stay connected with family and friends across the country, but Baldwin cautions about oversharing information that could be used against you.
"Be careful about sharing vacation plans publicly, which essentially announces when your home will be empty," he advised. "Similarly, information like birthdays, addresses, phone numbers, or your children's schools can be used for identity theft or targeted phishing attempts."
He recommends regularly reviewing privacy settings on social platforms, being selective about friend requests, and considering whether information needs to be shared publicly or could be sent through more private channels.
Despite best precautions, security incidents can still happen. Baldwin emphasizes the importance of regular backups to protect precious photos, documents, and other digital assets.
"I've seen too many heartbreaking situations where people have lost irreplaceable family photos or important documents," Baldwin said. "An automated backup solution is like insurance for your digital life."
Cloud backup services offer convenient off-site storage, while external hard drives provide a physical backup option. Baldwin recommends using both for maximum protection – especially important for protecting memories of Ocean City summers and family gatherings at the shore.
As a father of three, Baldwin is particularly passionate about helping parents guide their children toward safe online habits. "Kids today are digital natives, but that doesn't mean they automatically understand security risks," he noted.
He recommends open conversations about online safety, appropriate privacy settings on children's accounts, and parental controls for younger users. "It's about gradually building digital literacy and responsibility as they grow," Baldwin explained.
Baldwin points out several local resources available to Ocean City residents who want to improve their digital security knowledge:
"What I love about this community is how willing people are to help each other," Baldwin said. "I've seen neighbors helping neighbors set up security features on their new devices or showing them how to spot suspicious emails."
While the digital landscape can seem intimidating, Baldwin emphasizes that the goal isn't to scare people away from technology but to help them use it confidently and safely.
"Technology should enrich our lives, not cause anxiety," he said. "With some basic precautions and awareness, Ocean City residents can enjoy all the benefits of the digital world – staying connected with family, managing finances conveniently, or simply enjoying entertainment – while minimizing the risks."
Baldwin will be hosting his next free workshop, "Digital Security Basics for Everyone," at the Ocean City Free Public Library on April 15th at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required, and attendees are encouraged to bring their questions and devices.
