We all know we need to stay safe while using the Internet, but we may not know just how to do that. In the past, Internet Safety was mostly about protecting your computer from viruses. But today, the Internet's vast reach, constantly changing technologies and growing social nature have made users more vulnerable to identity theft, privacy violations and even harassment.
This lesson will introduce you to the types of threats you may encounter while online. It will teach you basic strategies like how to Google yourself and create strong passwords, in addition to encouraging you to adopt a safer mindset toward using the Internet.
This lesson will introduce you to the types of threats you may encounter while online. It will teach you basic strategies like how to Google yourself and create strong passwords, in addition to encouraging you to adopt a safer mindset toward using the Internet.
When it comes to the Internet, people generally think they are safer than they actually are. Why? Well, often the impersonal nature of technology can give us a false sense of security. After all, no one can physically attack us through a computer screen.
We tend to have an it-won't-happen-to-me attitude. We may even believe that our computer programs and the powers-that-be are automatically taking care of all that Internet security stuff for us. Sometimes we just avoid it altogether because, to be frank, we just don't get it. Does this sound like you? Consider the following the questions:
We tend to have an it-won't-happen-to-me attitude. We may even believe that our computer programs and the powers-that-be are automatically taking care of all that Internet security stuff for us. Sometimes we just avoid it altogether because, to be frank, we just don't get it. Does this sound like you? Consider the following the questions:
1: Have you ever Googled yourself to see what information can be found on
you?
2: Have you set your computer's security program to make sure you are getting
regular updates?
3: Do you have an external back-up source for your computer?
4: Are you enticed by emails or advertisements with special discount
offers?
5: When shopping online, do you check a website's security status before
entering your billing information?
6: Have you customized your privacy settings for your social networking accounts like Facebook, MySpace, Skype, etc.?
you?
2: Have you set your computer's security program to make sure you are getting
regular updates?
3: Do you have an external back-up source for your computer?
4: Are you enticed by emails or advertisements with special discount
offers?
5: When shopping online, do you check a website's security status before
entering your billing information?
6: Have you customized your privacy settings for your social networking accounts like Facebook, MySpace, Skype, etc.?
Passwords - The First Step to Safety
Most people don't put a lot of thought into creating a password. It's usually easiest just to create a short, easy-to-remember password, or even just to use the same password for every account you have. After all, the average person probably won't be able to guess your password. However, hackers often use password-cracking software that can keep testing many different passwords until they find the correct one, and they can easily crack weak passwords. By creating strong passwords, you can greatly reduce the chance that your personal or financial information will be stolen.
Tips For Creating Strong Passwords:
Tips For Creating Strong Passwords:
Don't use the same password for
each account. If someone does discover your password for one account,
all of your other accounts will be vulnerable
Random
passwords are the strongest. Use a password generator instead of trying to think of your own.
Use a longer password. Your password should be at least six characters long, and for extra security it should ideally be at least twelve characters (if the site allows it).
each account. If someone does discover your password for one account,
all of your other accounts will be vulnerable
Random
passwords are the strongest. Use a password generator instead of trying to think of your own.
Use a longer password. Your password should be at least six characters long, and for extra security it should ideally be at least twelve characters (if the site allows it).
Try to include numbers, symbols and both uppercase and lowercase letters, but be aware that sites may vary in their password requirements
Never use personal information such as your name, birthday, or spouse's name. Personal information is often publically available, which makes it much easier for someone to guess your password.
Avoid using predictable patterns such as "susan123".
Never use personal information such as your name, birthday, or spouse's name. Personal information is often publically available, which makes it much easier for someone to guess your password.
Avoid using predictable patterns such as "susan123".