Consumer's Guide to Computer Privacy and Security
The internet offers many ways to connect with friends, research places to visit, and find out the latest news. Aside
from the millions of websites and things to do, the internet can become a pitfall for common users looking to occupy
their time. Not only can it be a total waste of time, it can lead its users to the wrong areas where predators or
criminals lurk.
To stay safe online, you need to protect sensitive data including payment numbers and personally
identifiable information.
The dangers of the internet have grown since its inception, placing children and adults at a great risk. This means
that parents and teachers need to educate children about ways to recognize and prevent themselves from becoming a
target of criminal activity. It also means that you need to remain vigilant of common ploys found on the Internet,
such as fraud, social media scams, spam, phishing, and cyberbullying predators.
For more information on some of the latest online crimes that are circulating, please review the following
information. Please feel free to share the information with family, friends and others that can benefit from
the information:
Internet and Computer Fraud
Identity theft and other types of fraud have affected tens of thousands of computer owners worldwide since the late
1990s. Many modern identity thieves target younger computer users, and early education can help to limit risks.
These links provide detailed identity theft resources including contact information for reporting potential
incidences of fraud.
Social Media Safety
The rise in popularity of websites like Twitter and Facebook has opened up entirely new methods of communication.
However, scammers and fraudsters often prey on uneducated social media users, using various methods to collect and
use personal information. These resources are intended to provide social media education for users of all ages.
E-Mail Safety
By clicking on the wrong email attachment or failing to recognize the warning signs of a phishing attempt, you could
unintentionally give scammers access to your personal information. Use the links below to learn how to safely use
email without taking unnecessary risks. Includes specialized tips for teenagers and younger children.
Phishing
Some emails are not what they appear. Phishing attacks are typically performed via emails that include harmful links,
often presented as safe, well-known websites. To avoid becoming a victim of these attacks, you need to know how to
recognize them and when to report them to your email provider. The links below contain tips for staying safe and
avoiding phishing attempts.
Reducing Spam
While most unwanted email is not dangerous, it can still waste time and create an unnecessary annoyance. Email
clients typically have built-in spam filters, but in order to substantially reduce the amount of junk messages you
receive, you can use better browsing practices to prevent spammers from obtaining your email address in the first
place. These resources will help you get started.
Keeping Children Safe
As soon as children begin using computers, they should be regularly monitored and informed about the potential
dangers of the Internet. Parents often have trouble deciding when to introduce certain information to their children
or how to lay appropriate boundaries for Internet usage. The articles below provide excellent starting points along
with valuable resources that limit risks.