Computer / Internet Safety

Educate Yourself and Be Smart

Understanding how you can get infected and what to avoid when using the Internet will be the most important step in keeping your computer clean and secure. The majority of people who have infections on their machines were infected due to lack of knowledge and clicking on things that they should not.

Secure Your Wireless Network

If you don't secure your network, you provide an entrance point to everything on your network, including personal information.

Don't let strangers use your network

Turn on WEP (wired equivalency privacy) or WPA (Wi-Fi protected access) on all of your devices, including your router

Move your wireless router

Place the wireless access point away from windows and near the center of your house to decrease the signal strength outside of the intended coverage area.

Retiring your old computer ?

• Eradicate personal data stored on its hard drive before unplugging it for the last time.

• Remove the files yourself at home using disk-cleaning software.

• Take your hard drive to a local reputable computer supplier to have them safely overwrite your files.

Primary Threats to Computer Security

Viruses/Worms
Software programs designed to invade your computer, and copy, damage, or delete your data.

Trojans
Viruses that pretend to be helpful programs while destroying your data, damaging your computer, and stealing your personal information.

Spyware
Software that tracks your online activities or displays endless ads.

Primary Online Risks for Children

Cyberbullies
Both children and adults may use the Internet to harass or intimidate other people.


Predators
These people use the Internet to trick children into meeting with them in person.

File-share Abuse
Unauthorized sharing of music, video, and other files may be illegal, and download malicious software.

Disturbing Content
If kids explore unsupervised, they could stumble upon images or information you may not want them exposed to.

Invasion of Privacy
If kids fill out online forms, they may share information you don’t want strangers to have about them or your family.


Primary Threats to Personal Online Safety

Phishing
E-mail sent by online criminals to trick you into going to fake Web sites and revealing personal information

Identity Theft
A crime where con artists get your personal information and access your cash and/or credit

Hoaxes
E-mail sent by online criminals to trick you into giving them money

Spam
Unwanted e-mail, instant messages, and other online communication



Steps You Can Take

Your computer

• Turn on Windows Internet firewall.

• Use Microsoft Update to keep Windows up-to-date automatically.

• Install and maintain antivirus software.

• Install and maintain Microsoft Windows Defender.

Your family

• Talk with your kids about what they do online.

• Set clear rules for Internet use.

• Keep personal information private.

• Use family safety settings in Microsoft software

Yourself

• Practice Internet behavior that lowers your risk.

• Manage your personal information carefully.

• Use anti-phishing and anti-spam
  

Four Steps to Help Protect Your Computer

1. Turn on Windows Internet firewall
2. Use Microsoft Update to keep Windows up-to-date automatically
3. Install and maintain antivirus software
4. Install and maintain antispyware software