Internet Safety

The number of people using the Internet has grown to staggering numbers in the past few years. With this increased popularity, the threat of Internet crime is on the rise.

ONLINE SHOPPING
(e-commerce)
Shopping online is one of the quickest growing resources on the Internet. The popularity of shopping online is booming, mainly due to its convenience. A wide variety of products and services are now available for sale online. E-commerce sites sell books, compact discs, clothing and toys. These sites also include stock and bond transactions, as well as purchasing and downloading software.

When shopping online, here are some tips to remember:

Make sure the browser you currently use is a secure browser.
Check the site you plan to shop at to ensure it is a secure site; a "lock" icon on the screen will inform you that you are at a secure site.
Do not give out passwords, social security numbers or personal bank account information.
Pay by credit card.
Keep a record of all transactions.

KIDS AND THE INTERNET
The Internet can be a fun and educational resource for children. As a parent, you should speak to your children on what is acceptable and what is not when your child is online. By speaking with your children about the Internet, you are helping to empower them against the potential dangers lurking on the Internet.

To help protect your child:

Monitor your child's use on the Internet.
Teach your child not to give out personal information.
Use filtering software.
Check the lists of sites that may advocate child abuse or pedophilia by searching on CyberAngels web site (cyberangels.com).


E-MAIL SAFETY
E-mail is an easy and affordable way to stay in touch with relatives, keep up to date with friends and communicate with business associates. Unfortunately, the increased incidents of crime involving e-mail are on the rise. In addition to scams, computer viruses are another rising threat involving e-mail.

Here are some simple rules to follow in protecting yourself when using e-mail:

If you do not recognize the sender of the email, do not open it. Simply delete the message.
Check with your Online Service Provider about their rules and regulations regarding unwanted e-mails, or if they offer a way to "block" unwanted e-mail.
If you receive an e-mail of a violent or offensive nature, report it to your Internet Service Provider. If the problem persists, contact your local law enforcement agency.


CHAT ROOM
Chat rooms can be a fun experience. You can share views on politics, TV shows, music, etc. However, you should exercise caution when participating in chats.

Be sure to log into a chat room using an alias as opposed to your user name. Also, do not give out personal information, such as your address, place of employment, etc. Keep in mind that the person you are speaking to is a stranger and may not be who he or she claims they are. Do not answer Instant Messages unless they are from someone you know.

The Internet has opened up many possibilities. Along with this progress come safety concerns. We hope you find these tips useful in helping to protect you and your family. By practicing some of the safety tips mentioned, you may reduce the risk of becoming victimized by the dangers that lurk in cyberspace.