Project NetWise
KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER SAFE
Internet Safety
for Seniors
Overview
 Computer Protection
 Medical Records Online
 Identity Theft
 Socializing On Line
 Communicating Online
 Safe Practices
 Spending & Saving Online
 Computing on the Go
 Bullying On Line
 Buying Prescriptions
Online
Computer Protection
 Key Terms:

Firewall – Blocks outside access to a computer

Antivirus – Prevents most destructive
programs (viruses) from accessing a computer

Cookies – Stores and transmits information
to parent websites

Passwords – Allows access to online accounts
Computer Protection
 Online:
Internet
Connected to the Internet
 Disconnect when not in use

 Firewall:
Limits the information sent to
and from your computer
 Barrier from the internet
 Examples of firewall programs:

Zonealarm
 Comodo
 Norton

Your
Computer
Computer Protection
 Antivirus Protection:

Prevents viruses from effecting your computer

Can only prevent what it recognizes


Important to keep software updated
Examples of antivirus programs:
McAfee
 Norton
 AVG Anti-virus

Computer Protection
 Cookies
Allow companies to store information
on your machine
 Collect information on your use
 Sell information gathered
to 3rd parties
 Create profiles based on
information gathered
 Set computer to accept
different level of cookies

I’ve been to
this site!
Computer Protection
 Keep Your Password Safe!

Passwords are keys to
personal information

Increase password security by using:
Capital letters, lowercase letters,
symbols, and numbers
 Abbreviations not whole words
Example: s0uth*ern ILL-in0is


Change your password frequently
NOTE: These precautions will not protect your computer 100%
Identity Theft
 Key Terms:

Email – Messages sent via the internet

Websites – Locations
on the internet
Identity Theft
Scamming: Tricking or deceiving a person
or group of people to obtain information
Phishing Email


A common avenue
for virtual scam artist.
False email can appear
obvious or subtle.
Phishing Website


Another common venue for virtual scam artist.
Attempt to gather personal information
Email Scam: Clear Example
Email Scam: Subtle Example
Southern Illinois Bank
Email
 Follow these guidelines when using email:

Sent messages are
uncontrollable.

Do not open emails
from email addresses
you do not recognize!

Treat online situations
the same way you would
personal situations.
Identity Theft: Websites
 Check out the legitimacy of a website
o Key icons and web addresses
 Well-known site
 Check for misspellings
 Do not give out personal information
 Set information to private if possible
 If you are unsure just remember to:

Stop… Look… Call!
Communicating Online
 Information you may want to consider before
sharing with others online:




Your name and the
names of family members
and friends

Age and gender of
yourself, your children,
or grandchildren

E-mail addresses,
user IDs, nicknames,
and domain names
Address




Locations of others
close to you
Phone numbers
Passwords
Personal numbers
Photos
Information about others
Spending And Saving Online
 Consider the following before buying anything online:

Do you know the store from the brick mortar world?

What is the site’s reputation?

Is the website secure?

Is the offer too good to be true?

Does the merchant collect more information than is needed to
complete the sale?

Use a payment service or credit card for payment.

Review the company's shipping method.
Spending and Saving Online
 Protect yourself when banking or paying bills online:



Make sure your computer
has up-to-date versions of
anti-virus and anti-spyware
and install all updates.
Check that your new
bank is legitimate and
your deposits are insured.
Never conduct personal
transactions from a public
computer.






Keep all personal
information secure.
Create strong passwords.
Be alert to e-mail scams.
Ensure that you are dealing
with your bank.
Always type in your bank’s
URL yourself.
Monitor your account
activity by requesting online
credit reports .
Computing On The Go
 Using public computers safely
 Using mobile phones
Bullying On Line
 What to do if you are “cyber-bullied.”
 Safety tips to avoid or deal with online bullying.
 Keep personal information private.
 Use technology tools to block inappropriate or
threatening behavior.
 Do not answer phone calls or read messages, e-mails or
comments from “cyber-bullies.” Set them aside in case
they are needed by authorities for evidence.
Buying Prescriptions On Line
 Know your source to make sure it’s safe
 Make sure a website is a state-licensed pharmacy
located in the United States.
 Find a list at http://www.nabp.net and
http://www.vipps.info.
 Look for websites with practices
that protect you.
Be sure your privacy is protected.
 If you are suspicious or have complaints about a service
or transaction, report the website!

Electronic Medical Records
 The advantages of Electronic Medical Records
 Recommended online storage services for
Electronic Medical Records.
Socializing Online
 Online Dating
 Blogging
 Social Networking
 Chat discussion boards and forums
 Online quizzes and surveys
Sharing Photos, Images & Video
 Sharing Photos Safely
 Image copyright infringement
 Sharing videos online
 Using webcams
Defensive Computing
 Browsing and searching
 Ads on search engines and sponsored
search results.
 Identifying secure/trusted websites
 Understand the risks in sharing information.
 Browser settings and filtering software.
Safe Practices
 Remember these helpful tips when using a computer
for “web surfing” or online transactions:

Treat your computer
like your home.

Never give out
personal information!

Talk to your kids about
Internet safety.

If it sounds too good
to be true… it usually is!
Remember: The Benefits Out Weigh The Risks
 The Internet can be a valuable
resource for you and your family:

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http://www.siuc.edu
http://www.netsmartzkids.org
http://www.thinkfinity.org
http://www.accesssi.org
http://www.jalc.edu
http://www.shawneetourism.com
http://www.illinoisworknet.com
http://www.connectsi.us.com