Surfing the net:
Ways to protect
yourself
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.
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.

Online Safety
 Check your bank details and phone accounts
regularly for any irregularities
Do not post information that will identify you,
including:

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
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Your full name
Your home address or phone number.
Your Social Security number
Password
Names of family members or friends
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”)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Be smart, Be safe: meeting
someone you met online
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.
 Arrange
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.
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.