Surfing the net: Ways to protect yourself

1. Surfing the net: Ways to protect yourself

2. Internet Safety Look into safeguarding programs or options your online service provider might offer. These may include monitoring or filtering capabilities. Always read a web site's privacy policy before giving any personal information. Also make sure that a web site offers a secure connection before giving credit-card information.

3. Online Safety • All things are not ‘free’ on the Internet. If it is too good to be true it probably is. • Think twice before you click or download something when online – even if it looks authentic. • Be alert of any new scams that are reported in the media. • Take note of any strange phone calls, emails or other communications that may be happening.

4. Online Safety • Check your bank details and phone accounts regularly for any irregularities Do not post information that will identify you, including: • Your full name • Your home address or phone number. • Your Social Security number • Password • Names of family members or friends

5. Online Safety • Your workplace or favorite hangout • Names of clubs or organizations to which you belong • Historical information that could identify your past residences • Do not use a nickname that can be used to identify you (for example, “CharlestonLawyer,” “CindyFromTulsa” or “KyWildcatMom”)

6. Online Safety • Shut down your computer when it is not in use — especially in public • Places, such as Internet cafes, coffeehouses or airports • Keep your antivirus and antispyware programs, other software and operating systems updated to protect against new attacks • Consider using a firewall on your system to protect against hackers accessing your system remotely

7. Social Networking • It is important to remember that the rules of behavior that apply in “real life” apply to your “cyber life,” too. • Think about how your e-mail message will be read by others. Do not say anything online that is cruel or may damage someone’s reputation. Doing so puts you at risk of being accused of slander or defamation, or may cause a dangerous escalation of hostilities.

8. Social Networking • Do not give out personal information about someone else. • Do not forward another individual’s e-mail without their permission. • Never allow anyone to photograph you in an embarrassing or compromising situation.

9. Social Networking • Never post anything that would cause you embarrassment or shame. The Internet is the most public of forums — once you have posted a comment, a photo or a video, it cannot be erased or taken back. You cannot control its duplication and it may be used against you.

10. Social Networking • Do not send photos of yourself or family members to Internet acquaintances. • Photos can be altered and sent to others, and elements in photos — a landmark or a street name, for example — can be used to identify your location.

11. Social Networking • Remember that, once posted, the information can be seen by anyone with a computer and an Internet connection: family and friends, employers or potential employers, admissions officers at schools you might like to attend — even police and other law-enforcement authorities.

12. Be smart, Be safe: meeting someone you met online • People misrepresent themselves online. Often the lies are small and harmless. But sometimes they are not. It is very easy for an individual with criminal intentions to mislead potential victims over the Internet. • Perhaps you have connected with someone you met online and want to meet in person. Here are some basic safety tips:

13. Be smart, Be safe: meeting someone you met online • Speak by phone before agreeing to a meeting. Often, hearing an individual’s voice and engaging in verbal conversation is very revealing. • Learn as much as you can about the individual and verify that information. • Do not go alone. Take along a trusted friend.

14. Be smart, Be safe: meeting someone you met online • Arrange to meet in a public place — a restaurant, a coffee shop or even a museum. If your online friend is a trustworthy individual, he/she will understand and welcome your caution. If your plan for a public meeting is met with objections, immediately terminate further conversation.

15. Be smart, Be safe: meeting someone you met online • Never give out your address. Make arrangements to arrive separately. • Park a few blocks away and walk to where you are meeting, or take a cab. That way the individual will not know where you parked, your license plate number or the make and model of your vehicle.

16. Be smart, Be safe: meeting someone you met online • Make sure family members and friends (someone other than the friend you take with you) knows where you are going, who you are meeting and how long you will be gone. Check in with someone when you arrive, and arrange to call when you are safely home. • Never leave with the individual. If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or public location for help.