Helpful tips
Protect Your Name
One of the most common mistakes made on the Internet is using your real name on the websites such as message boards, chat sites and dating sites. This is dangerous because it opens the door to predators who are looking to gain information that they may use to do harm. Using a fictitious user name on Internet sites helps to protect your identify from potential stalkers and criminals and makes your identity harder to reveal. In addition, never disclose the names of your children. This only advertises that you have children at home and intrigues the minds of pedophiles or others who wish to do harm.Shop Secured Sites
Shopping online can be a fast, convenient alternative to shopping in crowded malls or department stores. However, savvy computer criminals can hack into the websites of online stores and steal the credit card information used by customers to place orders. To decrease this possibility, only shop with online stores that are designated as secure. Websites that have security backup will clearly state so on their home pages and will display a symbol that looks like a small golden lock to alert users to their safety. Stores that are not designated as secured are not worth the risk of having your bank information stolen.Use Email Safely
One of the fastest ways that computer viruses are spread is through the use of email. Computer viruses are electronic messages that can harm your computer and cause it to crash, simultaneously causing a loss of your files in the process. To prevent this risk, be selective in giving out your email address. Only disclose it when you feel it is necessary and to people you trust. If you receive an email from a name you do not recognize, do not open it--simply delete it. This will help eliminate the threat of contamination to your computer and prevent predators from soliciting information from your account regarding your identity, sometimes called phishing.Selection of Passwords
Selecting a password for online sites and email accounts should be done carefully. Select a password that will be easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Never use identifying information--such as your social security number or address--because if your account is ever compromised, predators then have access to that information. Ideal passwords should contain a combination of letters, symbols and numbers and should be changed every few months. Once a password is selected, keep it private, and do not disclose the password to anyone.Protection from Hackers
Another important thing you can do to protect your computer from being tapped into online from unauthorized predators--commonly referred to as hackers--is to install a strong computer antivirus security program. Antivirus programs, such as those provided by AVG, protect your computer from viruses and unauthorized access and are often available free of charge. Antivirus programs are simple to download, normally including no more than a few clicks of the mouse to install. It is important to note, however, that because antivirus programs are frequently updated, users should check their system for program upgrades to ensure that their antivirus system continues to operate at peak performance.Protect your child
If you have a child that is going to surf the Internet, you should make sure to set up parental controls on your computer. There are numerous types of software that help your child avoid their own surfing hazards. Again, you can either find them at computer stores, online, or through your Internet provider. But you should always monitor your child’s Internet habits! Do this by having the computer in a high traffic area of your house such as your living room. You will know what your child is doing, and can control how long they use the computer. If you don’t have a child, but don’t want to run into any risque sites, you can find various filters online. Most programs will allow you to block many categories such as pornography, gambling, and spyware. It is very surprising as well as remarkable that these days children are more knowledgeable that their parents. It is a result of the IT revolution and the computers both. It is a common experience that almost every school has provided computers to its students. So, it’s quite natural that children are greatly interested in computers in general and the Internet in particular. But being a parent it’s your duty to make our children acquainted with the pros and cons of Internet. It is not a difficult thing to protect your children from the bad effects of Internet.Links to some child protection programs:
K9 Web Protection « FREE
KIdsWatch « Recommended Free trial/then buy.
- Block internet Chatting and Online Gaming
- Block social networking sites such as Facebook, Youtube and more
- Blocking access to dangerous and inappropriate web sites.
- Alerting the parent immediately when a child steps outside the boundaries of safe surfing. KidsWatch™ will automatically send you e-mail alerts when your child enters or receives a suspect phrase or keyword from any chat conversation. You are alerted to inappropriate conversations, risky situations, child predators, conversations containing sex, suicide, drugs, guns and more.
