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When I log onto the computer for the first time each day I have a security feature that tells me if there are issues that need to be addressed. This could be something as small as downloading a new update or performing a routine scan. The system can even alert me if an attack on my system is launched.
Every business needs security. For brick and mortar stores that typically means either a security guard and/or motion sensing alarms. For online business it means software solutions that eliminate spyware and adware. The solutions go further in providing anti-virus protection and firewall features.
It may amaze you, but attacks on small businesses are much more prevalent than large businesses. Why? Primarily because the small business owner does not think of themselves as a target. After all, they are small, so the thinking insists a larger business is more desirable for hacking purposes.
Larger businesses understand the need for security and hackers have come to recognize that larger businesses do not make attractive targets because they work hard to keep their information secure. Some of the more sophisticated hackers have developed their own software that will continuously scan the Internet to find a vulnerable site. Once discovered, this is the type of site the hacker will explore.
With the wide acceptance of lap top computers in wi-fi hot zones there is a lot of business being done on the go. However, in a wi-fi hot zone the signal for your computer (and its contents) is not sent via a protected line, but by radio waves. These waves can be much easier to intercept and used to a hacker's advantage. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection can help secure your on-the-go business correspondence and transactions.
Many motels and hotels provide free Internet connections (usually wi-fi) so be careful using this as well. Interestingly there are some motels that provide an Internet based computer for their guests to use. Many times that computer is in a common area where anyone can view what you are looking at. Most motels do provide a system that seeks to erase any sites you have visited for your protection, but you should be careful if others can observe the sites or password keystrokes you may be using.
This may sound a little like a James Bond movie and it may seem as though this article is designed with scare tactics in mind, but when it comes to the security of your business and related transactions you should always err on the side of caution.
Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects.
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Isn't life grand? Most everyone is somehow able to move into this new century with technology sitting in their laps... It's a new found crush for misunderstanding simple things. What I mean by that is when you were little, one touch told you not to paw at the stove. As a teenager, one car accident may have put seat belts on your mind. Now you have a wireless network at home! What will it take to consider networking safely?
Think of all the strange and forgotten information in your computer - some of it, not surprisingly, you've forgotten about. Sure you delete your cookies and wipe the Internet History clean from time to time. You ask your computer not to remember passwords too, but you're still a target in two possible ways that are as easy to fix as not touching hot things and putting on a seat belt.
Briefly, wireless networks consist of three things: The signals, the broadcaster and the receiver. Your Internet connection is the signal. Your modem feeds into the router which acts as the broadcaster. The network adapter in your computer is then the receiver. With those items, you can surf the Internet without inhibitions; and with no passwords or hurdles for novice hackers to stumble on, they can surf your computer without inhibition.
The open door, even for modest hackers, is that broadcaster. It says, "here I am!" Your receiver is tuned in to it. Other receivers can be tuned in to it from beyond your walls. Once on the same router, they can query for other computers (that's YOU) on that router. Your defense is simple but certainly not fool-proof for real professional cyber evil-doers. When you set up your wireless network, 9 times out of 10, you're asked to create a password so that users may sign on - it's often called a WEP.
This is not a busy-task to waste your time. If a casual user with an infected computer shares your router, your computer too will share in the joy of infection with zero hacking required on the part of the casual user. They were just looking for a free ride that you offered by NOT creating that WEP. You don't need a hard word but definitely don't use an easy word that creates the 'key'...
The computers in the router and in your lap will most likely do the rest. This is a one-time procedure UNLESS your router is reset. To reset the router is to force it to forget everything it knew. All your Internet Settings and magic high speed Internet access numbers will have to be re-entered. A router is reset internally or externally by pushing a button generally on the back. It's labeled too.
Internal settings can be accessed by entering the IP of the gateway which will soon be common knowledge. If you've not placed a password there, anyone can change anything - especially that computer-savvy kid coming home from school who always messes your stuff up as a thank you for room and board. Change the default password to avoid the thanks. And in extreme cases, you can physically HIDE the router to keep that reset button from being pushed thereby defeating all your modest counter measures!
The strongest reason to employ any simple safety here is to eliminate neighborly free-rides from machines that may be infected. Like buckling up, ten seconds setting a router with passwords can save you a lot of grief.
Bryan Applegate spends his time with Dinarius, Inc. repairing networks that were never secured. While the money's good, there's other things in life like teaching. Other free lessons and advice can be found at Dinarius.com
This article is primarily intended for travellers on their round the world trip, Gap Year or Sabbatical. Travellers are often the most vulnerable, being in a foreign land with limited funds with only the use of public internet facilities to contact family and friends. They are often advised by travel websites and fellow travellers to take copies of their itineraries, photo copy of passwords, emergency contact numbers, travellers cheques numbers, etc. in their email accounts so in the case of an emergency these details are available.
Internet Cafe's are often frequented by travellers and normal folk alike to update their blogs, pay bills and keep in touch with friends and family. Hopefully over the course of this article, it will educate the traveller and other users of public internet services about some of the possible risks associated with using these services.
so what are the potential risks?
Hackers can easily exploit public internet facilities where the desktop machines are not hardened (i.e. not fully patched with the latest security updates, anti-virus products, firewalls, unrestricted admin access etc).
In vulnerable environments hackers can install keylogging software / hardware keyloggers to capture keystrokes typed on a keyboard. If you enter credentials to log into email, the keystrokes entered into the keyboard whilst entering the credentials are logged. This allows the hackers to review the keylogger logs to extract your credentials. The hacker can then log into you email and peruse at their leisure sifting through your emails for sensitive data that can be used for criminal activity (identity theft etc). There is a suggestion that using a virtual keyboard can be used to defeat keyloggers. Whilst this may be true for hardware keyloggers, sophisticated software keyloggers can still capture the keyboard input of virtual keyboards.
Another tool hackers can install are Network Sniffers / Protocol analysers. This software will capture data packets to and from the workstation (data on the wire!). Therefore if you are using Instant Messaging / Email and are sending and receiving messages, the sent messages is converted to data packets if sent, and converted from data packets to messages if received (simplified view of what happens). This happens as the messages leave or enters the computer. Network sniffers capture the data while they are in the form of data packets. Anything not encrypted can be read by the hacker. Therefore a email / Instant messaging conversation that exchange sensitive information can be captured and sifted through by the hacker (to glean information to support criminal activities).
The non technical scam used by the the hacker is shoulder surfing, where your the hacker looks at your keyboard while you are entering your credentials when logging into a website or bank to uncover the password.
These are just some of the many techniques used by hackers to extract sensitive data. Some practical countermeasures are discussed in cyber cafe safety. Also accompany this with safe travel advice to ensure you are safe both online and offline whilst travelling.
More and more individuals are greatly appreciating the ease and pleasure that online shopping can provide. For them, its 24/7 availability and the chance it provides for customers to choose exactly the product they want is something that exemplifies flexibility and ease of use. This is one of the reasons why shopping through the internet has become a global practice that is earning more and more acceptance as Internet technology introduces numerous development for the benefit of online consumers. Indeed, the advantages of shopping online has grown to numbers but the sad thing is the fact that while there are benefits, there are also risks that come with this kind of shopping option.
There are different intrinsic flaws that might happen causing some problems including cyber criminals who are always lying in waiting for the chance to take advantage of the innocence and carelessness of some online shoppers with the sole purpose of cheating them. Although there have been developments initiated with the goal to protect online shopping enthusiasts, it is still undeniable that some things can still go wrong. This is why all online shoppers should follow safe strategies to make their online shopping experience a secure and satisfying one.
1. Gain benefits from the usefulness of antivirus software programs and firewalls.
It is important and a must that you carry out your online shopping activities using a secured computer completely protected by anti-virus software and firewall installation. Make sure that these protecting agents are up to date so as to ensure your protection from malicious programs as you carry out your transactions.
2. Never buy from "spam" or unsolicited email offers.
For sure, you will always get spam offers sent through your email inbox. No matter how interested you are, it is safer that you do not open these mails, more than that click on the link even if appears so inviting. Emails like these are the most common activities performed by online scammers who are out just to "phish" information from you. Before you knew it, your bank accounts or even your identity has been stolen from you just because of clicking on those links.
3. Shop only from trusted and secure websites.
To make sure that you are dealing with a secure website, make it a point to read through their privacy policy that states that they are legally bound to keep your private information confidential. Without this, it would be easier to confirm that they will not be held responsible in case your private information leaked to third party. When this happens, you are sure bound to encounter problems that are not easy to resolve.
4. Never share your personal information
There is no reason for you to provide your Social Security Number when you are shopping online. Making sure that your privacy is not invaded when online shopping is a must that should not be disregarded; giving this information will put you in jeopardy caused by identity thieves.
5. It is wiser to pay through credit cards.
Credit card payment is the best way to go when you are shopping online. Credit cards have features that ensure security on your part compared to debit cards.
6. Print out the Order Confirmation Page
After the order has been placed, you will receive an Order Confirmation Page that includes the product you bought, personal information you supplied them with, charges, and a confirmation order number; print this out and save a copy of the confirmation email that was sent in your inbox. It may be of use in case some concerns would arise like non-delivery, late delivery and product complaints.
Make sure that you follow these useful strategies to make sure that your online shopping pleasure is both rewarding and safe.
Tono has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. His latest interest is about body building. So come visit his latest website that discusses about different weight bench and weights including adjustable weight bench which help people meet their body building goals.
WebSafetyTips is a comprehensive site where people can find tips on how to protect themselves and their family from online dangers. Millions of people are subject to identity theft, cyber crimes, and hacking every year. Put a couple of our recommendations in place and reduce your risk of being a victim.
TIP 1: Take Security Measures
The best way to keep yourself and your family secure online is to take general preventative measures. The best way to do that is to subscribe to a service that was built to protect people against very specific dangers online.
Child Safety: We recommend signing up for SafetyWeb, which is designed to help parents monitor their child's computer and cell phone usage. Get instant text messages and e-mail alerts directly to your phone every time your child does something online that might put him or her in danger.
Computer Safety - The best two product available on the market today are Norton's Symantic Anti-Virus 2010, and AVG. For a 1 time cost of $200 you will be completely protected against SPAM, Phising, Hackers, and other online predators.
Identity Protection - Identity theft is quickly becoming the greatest threat to the American consumer. Even the most careful consumer can have their Identity Stolen without ever knowing it. We recommend TrustedID which monitors your credit, identity and has a guarantee up to $1,000,000 in damages.
TIP 2: Proceed with Caution
Make sure you do your research before you download a new program or application. A basic Google search of the program will tell you whether or not the program is trusted. If other consumers have had issues in the past there will be blog posts and comments. Anything mentioning a "virus" or fake program should be an immediate red flag not to download.
When purchasing products online always make sure that the merchant has seals of approval from Verisign, Better Business Bureau, or a consumer advocate website such as BizRate.
TIP 3: Beware of E-mail
Your e-mail inbox is a breeding ground for hackers and cyber criminals to attack your computer and personal information. In addition to the endless amounts of SPAM you receive on a daily basis you also need to follow a couple general rules to maintain your security.
Never share your e-mail password with anyone
Change your password frequently and always log out of your e-mail when you are finished
Reputable companies will never as of personal identifiable information over e-mail - NEVER share it
Never open an attachment from an unknown source
Never respond to an e-mail from an unknown source
Use SPAM filters such as MailWasher.net
TIP 4: Social Network Safety
The most important rule of social network safety is: Don't post anything about yourself that you don't want the whole world to know or see. Social networks are the largest sources of personal information and gives immediate access to future employers, police, teachers, strangers, and predators.
Children are at a greater risk than adults when it comes to social networking. Parents need to make sure that their children follow a couple of general rules to help keep them safe.
Never let your teen post an explicit photo of themselves
Keep your status as hidden and only approve known friends
Create groups for friends, family, school, etc.
Do not post your address and full location details
NEVER meet anyone that you met on a social network
Children need to make sure that their social network identity is kept clean and free of drinking, sex, and drugs. Colleges and future employers will search for their profiles before accepting of hiring a child. If there is something they can find on your network that you don't want them to see - remove it.
TIP 5: Child Safety
Parents have a lot to worry about when it comes to their children's use of computers, social networks, and their mobile phones. One of the biggest dangers is the sexual exploitation of children. Any child with unrestricted access to their computer can access pornographic material at any time. All parents should enable parental controls on their PC's to restrict their kids from accessing pornographic material online.
The Internet also gives sexual predators unprecedented access to children online via chat rooms, gaming, and social networks. Make sure your children are aware of online dangers and subscribe to services like SafetyWeb to keep your children safe at all time.
TIP 6: What's the Password?
Passwords are very tricky because it's important to keep different passwords for every new website you subscribe too, but very hard to remember all of them. There are websites like http://www.Billeo.com, which is a toolbar that automatically stores and remembers all of your passwords.
Make sure that you never store a file on your computer with all of your passwords on it. If you do, never name the file "passwords" as hackers are always looking to steal those files. Try and come up with your own password scheme that only you and your family knows.
TIP 7: Always Lock your Computer
Hackers and Identity Thieves are looking to steal your files in all types of ways. The easiest is to steal your computer or extract the files that they need quickly. When using a public computer always make sure you log out so that the next person cannot access your information. When using your computer in public (like Starbucks) always lock it so that someone cannot access your files while you are getting coffee, etc. Simple tips will go a long way.
TIP 8: Protect your Wireless Network
Wireless connections are great but they can compromise your safety without you ever knowing it. Always make sure that your home wireless network is safe by having it password protected. Do not share that password with anyone other than the people who use that particular network every day. An experienced hacker can access all of your files from your wireless network once they have access. Contact your wireless network provider to make sure your network is secure.
Your home wireless connection is not all you have to worry about. Never connect to a wireless network that isn't yours and isn't password protected. Once your computer connects to a public network it gives hackers easier access to your files.
TIP 9: Protect against Identity Theft
The fastest growing threat for today's consumer is having their identity stolen. Over 30 million Americans have been victims of identity theft in the past 5 years. Following our tips can help protect you against identity thief's but it's impossible to prevent sometimes. For example, lets say your favorite clothing store just had their credit card database compromised, your identity was stolen and you didn't do anything wrong.
The only way to stop Identity Theft is to pay for it. Companies like LifeLock and TrustedID has software that monitors your credit report, social security number, and full personal history to make sure nobody can steal your identity. These companies also come with a $1,000,000 insurance guarantee in the event that you suffer a financial loss due to identity theft.
TIP 10: Set Safety Guidelines for your Family
It's important to talk with your kids and family members to set important guidelines when it comes to computers use. Give them general rules to abide by that will cause them to think twice in the event that they need to make an important decision. The two most important would be never to engage in any sexual related conversations with strangers, never share or post something on a social network that you don't want the whole world to see, and never under any circumstances meet someone that you met online.
The National Retail Foundation reports due to the technological advances of today more and more people are using the internet to do their online shopping especially during the holiday season. When it comes to shopping in the digital marketplace all the necessary safety precautions must be followed to avoid the probable of a scam. Below are four safety tips to practice when shopping digitally.
Always shop from a computer that is fully secure, particularly those who do Canadian online shopping at a internet cafe this can be dangerous because these PCs often times are infected with spy-ware which steal all you information such as passwords and user names. It is always better to shop from a private computer that has a functional up-to-date anti-virus software, for additional protect you use a firewall to block unauthorized access to and from the computer.
If shopping for a new electronics device for example dell computers it is always best to with from a website that's trusted and has positive reviews from customers, it's always advisable to stick with merchants that have a good track record. It is equally important to also check the merchant's shipping and return protocols prior to making that final purchase, don't worry about missing discounts, just ensure that the fine prints and disclaimer are read properly.
Be sure to keep a printed copy for each confirmation email or receipt received. Secure all receipts in a single folder and store them in a safe location, never purchase from a unknown email address that's advertising or recommending a product because these offers are nearly always a scam.
Many cyber criminals setup up attractive store fronts that shuts down days after the unsuspecting shopper completes a purchase order, if not familiar with a merchant it is best to conduct a quick search to check the integrity of that business.
Ripoff Report and the Better Business Bureau normally has a lot of information about consumer complaints from legitimate online companies For those who do Canada online shopping it is always best to shop from a credit card even if debit cards are accepted reason being federal law states that those who issue credit cards can make a customer liable for the first $50 on fraudulent charges and many issuers will even waive this amount.
Although debit card insurers adopt the same approach, your back account may get overdrawn while in the process of disputing any fraudulent charges especially when they aren't detect immediately. Experts claim that credit cards present the least amount of hassle when disputing with any financial institution in the event any unauthorized charges that may show up on your monthly statement at a later date.
For maximum security and protection consider alternative methods of payment when buying online, there are many websites online that you can use to create a virtual account that you have use to conduct your digital transactions, some of which can be specified for a single transaction after which the account becomes unable hence securing the customers.
Canadian online shopping with hundreds of brand names at popular stores such as Dell Computers.
Introduction
I shall be covering five topics in this article, all are interlinked, and all are forms of 'Cyber-Bullying'. Just because you do not see your aggressor, face-to-face does not diminish the impact they can have on a victim or victims as an 'Invisible' perpetrator. No one is exempt from the tactics used by the 'Cyber-Bullies', young or old, experienced or not in the ways of the Internet. Everyone is a target, only experience, shared and then applied information, observations passed to the correct authoritative parties and applied diligence by each of us that use the Internet, can finally slow, halt, stop and then begin to reverse this trend, that is seemingly out of control but this is not so.
It is not my intention to preach to the converted, or suggest tips to experts in the computer field, rather brass tack information that is easily applied by most people. The bulk of the suggestions here do not need any programming skills at all, just a bit of common sense.
Everyday a constant battle waging against such people, everyday perpetrators are caught, everyday new methods to avoid detection are created, and everyday methods to avoid detection are destroyed, blocked from ever being used again by them.
This Battle goes on behind the scenes; the perpetrators do not carry a sign saying, "Hey, I'm an Internet Bully". Likewise, those hunting them do not carry a sign saying, "I hunt Internet Criminals". No, it is a cloak and dagger business. As an ordinary user of the Internet, you play a key role in this daily battle. Simply by applying some of the advice given below to your web activity will help to make the Internet safer and harder for the 'Cyber-Bullies' to achieve their goals, easier for the Internet crime fighters to catch the offenders.
One of the biggest sources of information to the 'Cyber-Bully/ Criminal' is your 'Hard drive' yes, the one you got rid of when you trashed your old computer. The one you threw in the rubbish when you upgraded to a bigger one. The one you sold so that you could afford the brand new super-duper better computer that could do everything but make a cup-of-tea. Okay you wiped it / formatted it / clever you! Rather a case of 'Stupid you' every hard drive contains a range of personal information on it, from the cat's birthday to Aunt Edna's home address, from your email address book to your personal Bank details, all very useful information to the 'Cyber-Bully/ Criminal'. All recoverable by software you can only dream about, guess who has it? That is right you guessed correctly. Passing on your old hard drive also allows the illegal copying of legal 'Operating Systems'. As each illegal copy comes to the attention of Microsoft', they are locked + the original copy as well from any further updates. This is not a 'make money' move it is a 'make safer' the Internet move, all pirate software has flaws that allow bugs, viruses etc onto the offending computer far easier than a 'legal' up to date secure 'Operating System' does.
Do not sell on your computer with the hard drive in it.
Do not trash your old computer + hard drive at the local dump.
Do not leave it out + hard drive for the bin men.
Do not pass it on + hard drive as a present to someone else.
Do not sell add on hard drives or give away etc for the same reasons.
Do remove your hard drive and store in a safe place.
Do destroy your hard drive if no longer needed by you.
How to destroy the old hard drive: With a hammer, embed it in concrete, or lose it in the Sea. Nothing else will destroy the drive or any of the contents on it.
Every hard drive removed by the rightful owner is one less the 'Cyber-Criminal' can buy in bulk; literally, container loads of old computers are regularly purchased to further their activities. The hard drive you got rid of last week could be ripping of umpteen friends and Aunt Edna in a day or so from now. The method to do so was on 'Your old hard drive!'
Your recorded CDs etc with data, personal details on etc, should be shredded or at the very least scratched heavily to destroy the readability of the CD for exactly the same reasons.
Email Precautions
You have not won anything: One of the Cyber-Criminals favourite bullying tactics is the 'Lottery' prize awards. 'Microsoft' do not run lotteries at all, National Lotteries of various countries etc rarely if ever run such events to online persons, the chance of winning is way below 'Zero'. All emails are designed to fool you, 'Bogus' Telephone numbers routed to another country, Plausible false names, along with extremely bad English are all methods used to fool the 'fools' amongst us.
Junk mail: Do not open it 'ever' check it has not been 'spammed' by mistake from a genuine sender by reading the header only. In the event that this is not the case then delete straight away, (More reasons for this are further on in this article).
Do not use your name as an email address: Unless you absolutely have to, never use your real name in an email address, no ordinary email user needs to do this. By using your 'Real Name', you supply all sorts of traceable help to 'Cyber-Bullies'. Failing to use your real name on the web was frowned upon a while back, now it is becoming a necessary step to protect ones self from Identity theft, the higher your web profile the more chance of being a victim of the 'Cyber-Nastiness' on the Internet.
You email address is yours: Email allows you to send mail to everyone at the click of the mouse; the click sends everyone the entire list of recipients as well. Meaning that everyone gets to know 'so-and-so's' email address, that they did not know before or your best friend did not want known in the first place, silly you! Next time you send a blanket email, use the BCC facility, then your friends, associates or family will not get everyone's address just yours and their own. You do not share your home phone number or home address with everyone you do not know. So why do you believe you have the right to share everyone's email address without the owner's permission?
Never open unknown received mail: Just because an email has not gone into the 'Spam' file does not mean it is safe, if in doubt do not open it, instead instantly delete it. In the seconds it takes to open it, a 'Trojan', 'Virus' or 'Key logger' can become active, trawling your address book and hard drive passing itself on invisibly to other people you know or do not know. Doing the same to their computer as the 'Bug' is doing to your computer now. The latter will sit there on your hard drive recording and sending information to an unknown to you at all computers somewhere else in 'Cyber-World.'
Never open unknown received attachments: The reason above also applies. In the second it takes to open it, a 'Trojan' or 'Virus' can be active, trawling your address book and hard drive passing itself on invisibly to other people you know. Some viruses sit for months like time bombs before becoming active, making them hard to locate or trace back to source.
Always use reputable valid and up to date 'Anti-Virus' and 'Spyware' programs and also 'Legal' computer 'Operating Systems' and 'Software' programs - the crucial bits missing from pirate software, make it much easier for others to get into your computer from the other side of the world (or even next door!).
Chat Precautions
Log all chats: Each 'Chat' program has the facility to record onto the hard drive every typed word and most pictures (or references) and emoticons used by both parties. Please activate it and keep a copy of every chat (Parents, activate it and store everyone's chats in your own partition, for everyone's peace of mind. Trusting your siblings is one thing, making sure they are safe is another). Would you let them have a total stranger in your home? This is what you are doing now. The chat record could be very useful if a loved one ever goes missing for no apparent reason, it may help find them faster and in a healthy condition again.
Be aware of meeting others: The stranger you are going to meet, you know the one you let into your home and life everyday, sometimes several times a day, the one who has not shared a true photograph of themselves. Told you little about them apart from what you wanted to know, possibly later than direct a response to your questions. Please take these wise steps before going to meet them for the first few times.
Arrange a public place to meet, never meet in a secluded place or building.
Take a friend with you, or arrange to meet them later at said place.
Ring a friend regularly to let them know you are all right (this can be coded if you wish) never txt anyone as there is no proof it is 'You' sending the txt on the mobile.
If you do not take a friend with you, arrange a time to meet and place before leaving home and do not leave this spot no matter how much your 'New friend' wants you to.
Any suspicions you may have make your excuses and leave fast.
Your teenage friend could so easily be someone much older.
If everything is okay, great, have a good time but remember to follow the safety rules above.
Habits of chatter: We all have a limited command of our own language and each language has a limited number of ways to use a particular phrase. By reading a chat message, it is possible to see something that you do not know or understand, just as if you are listening to someone speaking. Just as you would ask 'what do you mean' verbally, you can do the same in a chat message as well. In the event that you do not understand the response, or it seems to indicate an 'exciting' do this answer, be careful it may not be someone in your own age group or someone who can be trusted. Parents, if your sibling starts talking in words above their own natural ability to date, or showing an interest in something far too old for them, listen and take note, flying off the handle too quickly could easily push this issue away and become a secret to be kept from you. A sudden change in vocabulary may be a sign of an interaction outside siblings known friend and adult associations. It is much better to observe, listen, and discuss than to 'shut the stable door' after the horse has bolted.
Watch for grooming: All the clues to this are visible in changes in a persons behaviour, be they young or old, taking on 'new' words wanting to do 'this' or 'that'. Dress code may change as well, when you hear words like - 'so-and-so' does this... 'Does that' or 'I want...? Etc' the selling pitch is like an advert to millions on TV, except here it is aimed at a perceptively naïve youngster. The fact they are starting to trust and believe an 'Invisible' electronic friend more than someone in the 'Real' world is another subject, nevertheless just as big a problem.
Infatuation: Very similar in many ways to the above paragraph and very closely associated to 'normal' everyday life. Changes in behaviour may slip in and free usage of names etc easily linked to friends, films or TV and 'natural' growing up, quite possibly the same as known 'for real' go un-noticed as similes' with net activity and 'real' friends are not usually noticed in many cases. Some habit changes may go un-noticed at first, accepted as just a part of growing-up.
Secrecy: We all like to have and keep secrets from others, with the intention of dishing out a surprise 'gift' or 'treat' at the appropriate time. The secrets I refer to are neither of these, rather the secrets laid in by 'devious' manipulation of a youngsters mind. These secrets may become evident due to a 'slip-of-the-tongue', do not press for an answer, instead wait patiently and introduce it another way. A one parent firing squad is 'out' bring the matter up gently as if a 'secret of yours as a teenager' for example may be a way to dig it out, if you know your sibling well, this will not pose a problem. However, in the event that you are too busy with your own life... No matter how little you know your child, you will be aware of habits, care or not will have noticed changes taking place.
Changes of habit: See grooming and infatuation as well. Habit changes are noticeable in many ways, but not as easy if the youngster is a loner or has only a few friends. Eating habits could be a clue here, suddenly loving peas or carrots for example, or, not eating fruit, maybe wanting a curry every day. Over many centuries, foodstuffs have been a weapon used against others in many ways; this is simply a variation on a theme, wishing to cook or lay the table could be links, or are they? 'One Swallow does not make a summer.'
Groomer likes / dislikes; this is where you can learn to use your memory, linking the above four entries together, may provide many clues to who your siblings' 'Mystery person' is. Habits, clothing, and food are some, along with films, music, or TV Heroes. The liking of black things is a phase most youngsters go through, this may not be a help. However it is a clue, just as for example 'Strawberries' are suddenly a favourite dish whereas they did not like them till recently, could be the clue needed to enable the authorities to catch an offender and return a loved one back to the family fold safe and sound.
Photographs: Posted photographs and shared photographs may not be the person or persons in them at all. In several cases where a youngster has gone to meet the 'new friend' for the first time, the 'new friend' has turned out to be a lot older than photographs posted on chat etc, sometimes the excuse given is that 'so-and-so' is doing... 'So I have come to meet you in their place and will take you to meet them 'X' asked me to apologise for not being here.' (Or words similar to this example)
Lack of photographs: Why? Maybe they are new to 'chat'. In the event a picture never appears after talking them through the methods or you have doubts, end the 'electronic' relationship, it is better to be safe than sorry at the end of the day.
Webcams: Does the other person on chat have a software problem? Is the chat set up correctly, is a webcam actually attached, settings may show one is present but actually is not. Which ever applies it does not matter who it is at the other end, never put on a 'floor show' for the other person. Especially if you never see them at all on their webcam, or accept invitations to do so by unknown parties, you never know who could be watching. Many children are tempted this way by 'groomers'. Near enough, every webcam has a USB, remove, and lock it away when not needed or record its activity in your partition most can be. This is another variation on the 'safe than sorry' rule.
Any noted suspicions are worth noting down, any clues are worth remembering, and be it an observation of yours, a friend, or even a sibling. In the event of something going horribly wrong, then a clue like so-and-so likes / dislikes 'tomato's' could be the very clue needed to apprehend and get a loved one returned safely home. Literally any suspicions should be reported to the correct authorities, let them decide it is their job not yours.
Fraud Email
No one is exempt: Everyone gets junk and scam emails, be it Mr 'Microsoft' Bill Gates, your favourite film star or singer, even me, efforts are made to curb this daily threat but without employing many of the suggestions in this article, it is a hard battle to win. Now my own spam emails received is low at around five or six items a week. If your IP address gets hi-jacked, you can send spam unknowingly. A few months ago whilst on holiday I found that despite not being on the Internet during the 5 days away that 1000+ spam emails had been sent using my IP address. The matter was resolved 6 weeks later and the offender caught, literally, no one is exempt from the 'Cyber-Bully' or Internet nastiness out there today.
Bank emails: There are always plausible reasons given to get you to respond to them, many are from banks that you do not have an account with at all. Never open or respond to them at all, if it is from your bank, go to the nearest branch and sort it out there, not over the Internet or phone, many bogus emails use false logos, and ghost embedded addresses to fool the recipients into responding. In the time it takes to re-read this paragraph, a computer operator elsewhere in another part of the world could electronically rob your bank account!
EBay emails: Have you brought anything in the last few days? Has anyone brought anything from you? Apart from the odd promotional email from 'EBay' or maybe a follow up question from a buyer or seller - You know who they are; there is no need for 'EBay' to contact you at all. Any such emails can be deleted without a second thought. The contents look good and the links work to bogus sites - not 'EBay' - they usually contain 'bugs' of various descriptions, all designed to get into your computer and feed back any useful information found on it. Want to see EBay's latest offers, go to the EBay website much safer than opening the 'offer you can not refuse' email.
PayPal emails: The scenario is very similar to 'EBay', again they look good and just like all scam emails they contain false links, sometimes phone numbers, impressive reproduced layout and a lot of 'English' spelling mistakes. (A fact many non-native 'English' speakers miss completely when responding to 'scam' emails.) Along with other poorly educated people, they happily answer all questions asked and lose thousands every day to these 'Cyber-Bullies'. The same rule for PayPal special offers applies as well.
Phone numbers are not: It is possible to buy phone numbers for other countries and many do this for genuine legally accepted reasons. Just because it is a 'UK', 'USA' etc number to ring, does not mean your call (along with the bogus contact name) is going to that country. Invariably the call never does, answered in a completely different country to the one dialled on your phone. In the event that you find such a number in an email, there is a very high chance that is an attempt to reassure that the email is genuine.
Lottery winner: Bin them! Do not waste a second opening them, each one is aimed at making you a lot poorer and the 'Cyber-Bully/ Criminal' a lot richer. You have not won anything at all. Your lottery winnings are false, every lottery has a ticket with 'Your' chosen numbers on it that will be in your possession, not faceless individual, - Foreign lotteries; do not normally sell outside their own national borders. Again badly written 'English' gets thousands of greedy individuals to empty their bank accounts chasing the mythical money they have not won, not only not won - The winnings never exist at all! - If the email were on paper, the paper would be worth more than the contents written on it.
Inheritance emails: Again bin them without opening them, the wording in the mailbox as to 'From' and 'Header' contents usually give them away first, if any is present in the header that is. As with any unknown names if in doubt - 'Delete' without opening. The header usually wants you to contact someone; this someone has a false name and phone number and is only intent on passing you along a chain of fraudsters getting you to part with as much money as possible on the way. Later after a few months respite they get in touch with you again and go through the whole rip-off process again. Think about this: 'Why they do not know your name if you are actually inheriting such a large sum of money?'
Microsoft Junk emails: Microsoft do not, repeat do not send junk emails, nowadays nearly all Microsoft emails are by subscription only, only sent by request. You can happily delete any you have not asked them to send, as they are unlikely to be from Microsoft at all.
Password request emails: If your mate across the street, a stranger in the bar where you have a beer, or a bus passenger asked for your password, bank details etc, would you give them to them. No! So why do people happily do so to an unknown plausible electronic inquiry? These details are yours and yours alone not for Jo/ Joe Public - Keep them safe!
Passwords
Never write them down; Use a clue to remind you, never write the password down just write the clue down. Anyone can find it in your absence or even in front of you without you knowing.
Use different on each website: Try to group your site passwords so that in the event that you have many of them if a password is found, the password will not give access to all of the websites that you use, just a few. If there are several passwords on one site make sure that every password is different, adding a figure at the end of the main password is not a good idea.
Change each month: Regularly change your passwords; it is in your own interest to do so and prior to this if you suspect someone else may know a password. A second option exists; if you do not use particular websites regularly, use the sites password reminder service, yes it takes a few minutes of your time but is well worth the effort involved.
Never share them: All the items in this section apply to this portion of advice.
Never email them: Not even to yourself (many do this) as there are no sure ways of keeping the contents safe from prying electronic eyes if a key-logger gets into your computer. (More on this subject later)
Ignore requests to others: The passwords that you use to access 'Chat', 'Windows', your various accounts etc are yours and 'Unique' to you! No one else needs or needs to know them, not even the company website that you use, only their computers do. In every case, individuals are 'locked out' from this information and no one has any right to ask you for it. Electronic reminders are just that, no human is involved in the reminder at all. Many systems do not send it; they send a temporary replacement instead, so that you can re-access your account. (A step that stops interception of the email whilst in transit to you)
Naughty Websites:
All are lockable: Every 'web site' is lockable from your browser, just as every unwanted 'email' or 'chat individual' may be locked on the relevant provider. All responsible parents on every computer in the home should take these actions, before any problems start in the future.
Sell your web address: That token fee of 1 Euro / $1 / £1 etc is more than just a means of verifying the users age, in many cases it is a 'Yippee' another sucker has given us permission to go on a spending spree at their expense. Result; loads of extra expenses many will go un-noticed by you as the Credit Card is usually paid by Direct Debit, with no questions asked by the Card owner at all.
Tracker cookies implanted: Cookies are useful aids that enable regularly visited websites to open faster. Unfortunately, there are also 'malicious' cookies; these tend to turn up in emails and some downloaded programs as well. Employing the email precautions above will help reduce them, as will regular virus and spyware scans and updates of said programs. Another precaution you can take is to 'Save' rather than 'Run' a new program that you download, this will enable you virus and spyware programs to scan and remove any problems before they get the chance to 'hide in your computers registry. Many new 'Bugs' self-duplicate, meaning you will get it back within seconds of removal as its clone left behind elsewhere in the registry reproduces itself.
Key-loggers implanted; Key-loggers sit there on your hard drive recording every keystroke and mouse click that you make. Then your computer sends this information to another (Unknown to you at all) computer in 'Cyber-World'.
Conclusion:
At the time of writing, There are sadly still several thousand missing children in the world related to 'chat' and other instant message issues. There were a little over 4,100 recognised frauds in progress and a list of 419 recognised Internet Fraudsters at large, with 420,000 frauds deleted from the Internet. A large number of hi-jacked IP addresses by unknown parties. With your help in adopting as many of the above advice items, larger numbers of Internet crimes will be solved and the perpetrators caught and punished. Even better still thousands of children will be re-united unharmed with their families and the 'groomers' will not be able to lead many more astray in the future.
Another point not yet clarified as 'a fact' is 'chat' systems being used as an extension to street and playground bullying, to incite violence or crime on the victim against other victims, keeping the 'actual' aggressor/ perpetrator safe and sound.
Websites to note:
Internet fraud - http://www.fraudwatchinternational.com/
Child web safety - http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
There are many more, most countries have them, in some form. Your first priority should be to contact your local Police in the event of personal issues and missing persons, they can help far quicker and will take all the necessary steps needed both where you are and contact more specialised units/ teams as needed.
Please enjoy the Internet it has a wealth of information on it and the vast majority of users are genuine, the minority spoil things in the 'Cyber-World', as well as the 'Real World'. Be safe not sorry, together we can stamp out 'Cyber-Crime' - 'Cyber-Bullying' and develop a safe 'Cyber-World' for all.
Enjoy your life and help others to enjoy theirs, together we can make this border free Internet safer, together Internet crime will be reduced. Everyday people like me are working behind the scenes to give you a better safer Internet, everyday the Internet gets a bit safer for all. With your help, we can all be winners and stop the minority from running our lives, fuelling our fears and feeding our limited knowledge to blame those who are not guilty in any way for the minorities actions against us all. By Dr. Peter James - Independent researcher, writer, and web tactician.
Dr. Peter James aka Boffin1157 was born in the late 1950's in the United Kingdom. He is currently living, working and tutoring in Northern Romania and is engaged to Dr.Cristina Felea, daughter of Romanian writer Victor Felea (1923-1993).
Among his numerous qualifications to-date are a degree in Psychology and another in Forensic Psychology, the latter is his speciality.
Dr. Peter James wrote a book covering the topic of self-help entitled A Better Life For You! - Your New Independence Day? (ISBN: 142086811X; 13 9781420868111), published in August 2005 and widely available in a 'Print-to-Order' format as well as electronically.
Boffin1157 is currently engaged in further studies on everyday behaviour and in tutoring privately and as an ancillary advisor for a Romanian University. He is also involved in translation work with/for various persons.
He has a keen interest in photography and has produced a number of photovideos using only stills taken on his Olympus E500 camera, these can be found at various locations on the web by searching 'Googling' etc, his alias 'Boffin1157
Isn't life grand? Most everyone is somehow able to move into this new century with technology sitting in their laps... It's a new found crush for misunderstanding simple things. What I mean by that is when you were little, one touch told you not to paw at the stove. As a teenager, one car accident may have put seat belts on your mind. Now you have a wireless network at home! What will it take to consider networking safely?
Think of all the strange and forgotten information in your computer - some of it, not surprisingly, you've forgotten about. Sure you delete your cookies and wipe the Internet History clean from time to time. You ask your computer not to remember passwords too, but you're still a target in two possible ways that are as easy to fix as not touching hot things and putting on a seat belt.
Briefly, wireless networks consist of three things: The signals, the broadcaster and the receiver. Your Internet connection is the signal. Your modem feeds into the router which acts as the broadcaster. The network adapter in your computer is then the receiver. With those items, you can surf the Internet without inhibitions; and with no passwords or hurdles for novice hackers to stumble on, they can surf your computer without inhibition.
The open door, even for modest hackers, is that broadcaster. It says, "here I am!" Your receiver is tuned in to it. Other receivers can be tuned in to it from beyond your walls. Once on the same router, they can query for other computers (that's YOU) on that router. Your defense is simple but certainly not fool-proof for real professional cyber evil-doers. When you set up your wireless network, 9 times out of 10, you're asked to create a password so that users may sign on - it's often called a WEP.
This is not a busy-task to waste your time. If a casual user with an infected computer shares your router, your computer too will share in the joy of infection with zero hacking required on the part of the casual user. They were just looking for a free ride that you offered by NOT creating that WEP. You don't need a hard word but definitely don't use an easy word that creates the 'key'...
The computers in the router and in your lap will most likely do the rest. This is a one-time procedure UNLESS your router is reset. To reset the router is to force it to forget everything it knew. All your Internet Settings and magic high speed Internet access numbers will have to be re-entered. A router is reset internally or externally by pushing a button generally on the back. It's labeled too.
Internal settings can be accessed by entering the IP of the gateway which will soon be common knowledge. If you've not placed a password there, anyone can change anything - especially that computer-savvy kid coming home from school who always messes your stuff up as a thank you for room and board. Change the default password to avoid the thanks. And in extreme cases, you can physically HIDE the router to keep that reset button from being pushed thereby defeating all your modest counter measures!
The strongest reason to employ any simple safety here is to eliminate neighborly free-rides from machines that may be infected. Like buckling up, ten seconds setting a router with passwords can save you a lot of grief.
Bryan Applegate spends his time with Dinarius, Inc. repairing networks that were never secured. While the money's good, there's other things in life like teaching. Other free lessons and advice can be found at Dinarius.com
WebSafetyTips is a comprehensive site where people can find tips on how to protect themselves and their family from online dangers. Millions of people are subject to identity theft, cyber crimes, and hacking every year. Put a couple of our recommendations in place and reduce your risk of being a victim.
TIP 1: Take Security Measures
The best way to keep yourself and your family secure online is to take general preventative measures. The best way to do that is to subscribe to a service that was built to protect people against very specific dangers online.
Child Safety: We recommend signing up for SafetyWeb, which is designed to help parents monitor their child's computer and cell phone usage. Get instant text messages and e-mail alerts directly to your phone every time your child does something online that might put him or her in danger.
Computer Safety - The best two product available on the market today are Norton's Symantic Anti-Virus 2010, and AVG. For a 1 time cost of $200 you will be completely protected against SPAM, Phising, Hackers, and other online predators.
Identity Protection - Identity theft is quickly becoming the greatest threat to the American consumer. Even the most careful consumer can have their Identity Stolen without ever knowing it. We recommend TrustedID which monitors your credit, identity and has a guarantee up to $1,000,000 in damages.
TIP 2: Proceed with Caution
Make sure you do your research before you download a new program or application. A basic Google search of the program will tell you whether or not the program is trusted. If other consumers have had issues in the past there will be blog posts and comments. Anything mentioning a "virus" or fake program should be an immediate red flag not to download.
When purchasing products online always make sure that the merchant has seals of approval from Verisign, Better Business Bureau, or a consumer advocate website such as BizRate.
TIP 3: Beware of E-mail
Your e-mail inbox is a breeding ground for hackers and cyber criminals to attack your computer and personal information. In addition to the endless amounts of SPAM you receive on a daily basis you also need to follow a couple general rules to maintain your security.
Never share your e-mail password with anyone
Change your password frequently and always log out of your e-mail when you are finished
Reputable companies will never as of personal identifiable information over e-mail - NEVER share it
Never open an attachment from an unknown source
Never respond to an e-mail from an unknown source
Use SPAM filters such as MailWasher.net
TIP 4: Social Network Safety
The most important rule of social network safety is: Don't post anything about yourself that you don't want the whole world to know or see. Social networks are the largest sources of personal information and gives immediate access to future employers, police, teachers, strangers, and predators.
Children are at a greater risk than adults when it comes to social networking. Parents need to make sure that their children follow a couple of general rules to help keep them safe.
Never let your teen post an explicit photo of themselves
Keep your status as hidden and only approve known friends
Create groups for friends, family, school, etc.
Do not post your address and full location details
NEVER meet anyone that you met on a social network
Children need to make sure that their social network identity is kept clean and free of drinking, sex, and drugs. Colleges and future employers will search for their profiles before accepting of hiring a child. If there is something they can find on your network that you don't want them to see - remove it.
TIP 5: Child Safety
Parents have a lot to worry about when it comes to their children's use of computers, social networks, and their mobile phones. One of the biggest dangers is the sexual exploitation of children. Any child with unrestricted access to their computer can access pornographic material at any time. All parents should enable parental controls on their PC's to restrict their kids from accessing pornographic material online.
The Internet also gives sexual predators unprecedented access to children online via chat rooms, gaming, and social networks. Make sure your children are aware of online dangers and subscribe to services like SafetyWeb to keep your children safe at all time.
TIP 6: What's the Password?
Passwords are very tricky because it's important to keep different passwords for every new website you subscribe too, but very hard to remember all of them. There are websites like http://www.Billeo.com, which is a toolbar that automatically stores and remembers all of your passwords.
Make sure that you never store a file on your computer with all of your passwords on it. If you do, never name the file "passwords" as hackers are always looking to steal those files. Try and come up with your own password scheme that only you and your family knows.
TIP 7: Always Lock your Computer
Hackers and Identity Thieves are looking to steal your files in all types of ways. The easiest is to steal your computer or extract the files that they need quickly. When using a public computer always make sure you log out so that the next person cannot access your information. When using your computer in public (like Starbucks) always lock it so that someone cannot access your files while you are getting coffee, etc. Simple tips will go a long way.
TIP 8: Protect your Wireless Network
Wireless connections are great but they can compromise your safety without you ever knowing it. Always make sure that your home wireless network is safe by having it password protected. Do not share that password with anyone other than the people who use that particular network every day. An experienced hacker can access all of your files from your wireless network once they have access. Contact your wireless network provider to make sure your network is secure.
Your home wireless connection is not all you have to worry about. Never connect to a wireless network that isn't yours and isn't password protected. Once your computer connects to a public network it gives hackers easier access to your files.
TIP 9: Protect against Identity Theft
The fastest growing threat for today's consumer is having their identity stolen. Over 30 million Americans have been victims of identity theft in the past 5 years. Following our tips can help protect you against identity thief's but it's impossible to prevent sometimes. For example, lets say your favorite clothing store just had their credit card database compromised, your identity was stolen and you didn't do anything wrong.
The only way to stop Identity Theft is to pay for it. Companies like LifeLock and TrustedID has software that monitors your credit report, social security number, and full personal history to make sure nobody can steal your identity. These companies also come with a $1,000,000 insurance guarantee in the event that you suffer a financial loss due to identity theft.
TIP 10: Set Safety Guidelines for your Family
It's important to talk with your kids and family members to set important guidelines when it comes to computers use. Give them general rules to abide by that will cause them to think twice in the event that they need to make an important decision. The two most important would be never to engage in any sexual related conversations with strangers, never share or post something on a social network that you don't want the whole world to see, and never under any circumstances meet someone that you met online.
The Internet exposes children to a whole new world which can contribute greatly to their education and can be very enjoyable. In our dynamic technological world where knowledge is power, parents want their children to surf the Internet, and learn as much as they can. With this wish there is also the desire to protect our children.
The growth in Internet popularity is followed by a growth in immoral and criminal activities on the web. Hackers, crackers, web bullies, identity thieves, children predators all of them and more are out there in the cyber world.
Since this generation of children possess high technological skills, the main problem that parents face is the need to create boundaries for their children in a virtual world where the authenticity of communication is questionable.
In order to protect our children and educate them to safe and productive Internet activities we should become Internet savvy and get familiar with our children's Internet experience. It is not enough to trust our children in the hands of parental control products. These products can give added value only if they are joined with educational efforts and involvement in the child's Internet activities.
Following are a few general guidelines:
Keep the communication channels with your child open. Show an interest in your child's Internet activities. Supervise your child when surfing the Internet. It is important to try to understand your children experience when surfing the web, in order for you to guide and assist them.
Be a role model to your child. Constantly talk with your child on what is right and what is wrong when surfing the web.
Become Internet savvy. If you have knowledge about services and applications that are available on the Internet , you will be more effective when guiding your children. Sit with your children when they are surfing and try to learn as much you can about their habits. If you feel you don't have enough knowledge you can use Internet security websites in order to gain more knowledge and confidence. In addition, you can also talk with other parents.
Create a list of suitable websites. Give your children a list of websites that you find suitable for their age and that may interest them. Update this list on a regular basis with new websites in order to keep your kids interested. Once in a while, check if the websites you have selected are still suitable.
Make sure that the PC your child is using is in a family space, so you can supervise them.
Define clear guidelines for your children regarding Internet use. Different families may have different guidelines, but it is important that your children are aware of what you expect from them. Define the guidelines according to the child's age group. You can also define an Internet use policy that your child will be obligated to.
Instruct your child not to give away private information online. Private information may include: name, last name, home address, email address, home phone number, parents' work phone number or place of work, school, passwords etc. This private information should not be exposed on any of the online communication tools that the child is using, such as: email, IM (Instant Message), chatrooms, forums, virtual worlds etc.
Help your children to create a safe username. If your children encounter websites which require using a username or a nickname, help them to create a nickname that will not reveal private information. For example, never use year of birth in a nickname which can reveal age ("Sara1995").
Supervise upload of personal photos. Instruct your child not to send or upload to the web personal photos or family photos without adult approval.
Encourage your children to let you know if they encounter any strange behavior or behavior that caused them an uncomfortable feeling, when they surf the Internet.
You can use parental control products that filter and/or monitor Internet surfing in order to control your children's Internet activities.
Install and use firewall and anti-virus programs that protects the PC from installation of malicious software.
For more information on how to protect your children in the cyber world see - In3Go Internet Security Information
The internet is undoubtedly a very brilliant and a progressively more vital source of information distribution and communication. It has remarkably ministered to the development of a lot of economies creating businesses, job opportunities, educational options and a whole lot more which are yet to start. It has also made a way of educating people in ways that never even existed before.
Everything about the internet and the technologies dependent and based on it may seem all amazing and good. Unfortunately, the internet also has its flaws. Nowadays, the internet is also used for the likes of cyber bullying, threats, and child pornography; thus, the increase in the sexual exploitation and harassment of children and the youth. Everyday, predators of such behavior and actions also increases in number and continuously lurk in the cyber space, making it unsafe for children and the youth to stay online.
The days of what used to be regular or normal schoolyard hearsay and fights have reached a height that has become more accessible and dangerous. And the internet has sadly taken part of this deadly trend of victimization. It has reached a level of harassment that involves both threatening and sexual which has begun to be uncontrollable and difficult to eliminate.
A mere posting could include threats, hazing and sexual content that are too easily sent and distributed. These could be easily accessed by a child or young individual who has the liberty to use a computer either at home or outside the house. A simply post of their photo could lead predators to use it for their own personally indecent motives. In these cases, a child's access to a computer and basically the internet is no longer safe as we think it would be. Though the internet thus proves to be a danger for our young ones, it is a given fact that the internet and internet-based technologies has aided a lot in education and researching, and is continuously a big factor in our everyday life. This concept has made it difficult and impossible for us to prevent our young ones from using the internet.
But this doesn't mean that these dangers and predators cannot be stopped or eliminated. It always starts in your own home. It always a plus to educate your children or the young ones inside your home about the dangers they could encounter through the net and educate them on how to prevent being victims. It is also advisable to have the computer at an area in ones home where it is easily seen by everyone at home. Another preventive means is to be aware of the actions of the children and young ones using the computer and accessing the internet: be cautious of how they react towards using the internet and any changes in action that may have been caused by constant use of the computer and internet. If any of these have been proven to be happening, make sure to make the necessary actions such as monitoring the predators, have them reported and make sure that the children or young ones involved are properly spoken to and taught of the lesson to be learned and how to prevent them from happening again.
The safety of children and the youth in general is not only limited to things that are visible and happening outside the home. It is also very much present in homes through the internet and it will always be unless we are aware of it and learn to beat it.
Neoko Cortwell is a freelance writer and web designer. If you want to start your own creative journey to becoming a freelance designer yourself, visit Sitegrinder for more information.
Unprotected computer or computer without any security tool is always vulnerable to cyber criminals, hackers, spammers and identity thieves. So, to avoid such security problems and identity theft, you should always have security software with some essential features such as firewall, antivirus etc.
If knowledge is power, then after you have finished this article, you will be feel like Mighty Man when this subject is brought up in casual conversation.
The next 12 essential security tools can help you to safeguard your identity, special information and figures on your computer, so that you can breakers the internet without any terror of identity theft, hacking, viruses, spywares etc.
Firewall is essential to hinder the unauthorized access to your computer figures. It monitors the inbound and outbound transfer from your computer to the internet and hinders any suspicious transfer. complex and code firewall is mandatory to hinder the uncertain transfer and working method firewall is crucial to safeguard your working method and your figures.
1. complex and code firewall:
Do you feel as though you have a firm grasp of the basics of this subject? If so, then you are ready to read the next part.
Complex and code firewall safeguards your system and computer from suspicious transfer and safeguard your codes from malware. For high turn of security, it should be a multi-layer firewall or with several layers of security.
2. working method firewall:
Some internet security software also affords working method firewall to safeguard your working method. This security tool hinders any malicious software from causing wound to archive in your sample windows working method. It also hinders account of hard to detach spyware with kernel-turn threats to computer to safeguard your working method from any wound.
3. broad secrecy method:
broad secrecy method is mandatory to make you unnoticed to hackers, even when you are united to net, so that you can access the internet without any terror of receiving hacked.
4. defiant virus:
defiant virus is crucial to safeguard your computer from wounds by viruses, worms and trojans. Viruses and worms reach from one computer to another both through e-packages or from archive downloaded from internet. Viruses and worms can wreck your archive and erase figures on your computer. So, to safeguard your figures and your hard diskette, you should always have efficient opposing virus code with the hottest definition archive.
5. defiant spyware:
defiant spyware safeguards your computer from spywares and intruders to safeguard your special information. Spywares get installed on your computer without your consent or erudition and take monitor of your computer, collect your special figures, information, web activities and web locates you stay and transmit that figures to others.
6. entire Spy position Blocking:
Spyware distribution web locates are the chief supply for spywares. sanctuary software with broad spy locate hindering include can hinder these weblocates and also hinders you from staying these locates by accident.
7. character theft safe guardion:
today, identity theft is a chief challenge on internet. With redouble in e-export, online exchange and praise license running on internet, safeguardion against identity theft is crucial to safeguard your identity and special information on your computer. So, identity theft safe guardion is a must security tool while accessing the internet.
8. honestly time updates:
Your computer should have hottest updates or unfeigned time updates against viruses, spywares and any new probable strikes.
9. defiant Spam, defiant Phishing, forward safe guardion:
Phishing packages is a sting, which looks like a correspondence from a lean or institution to collect your special information or lean facts. defiant spam, opposing phishing and epackages safe guardion is crucial to safeguard you from phishing e-packagess and e-packages fraud.
10. time messaging safe guardion:
Hackers, spammers, spywares and viruses can strike your minute messaging sitting. IM messaging safe guardion safeguards your minute messaging sitting from these strikes. You can also use this tool to curb your kid to use minute messengers only with trusted people.
11. Parental monitor:
This include is crucial to check your kids from accessing inappropriate web locates and objectionable content on web locates.
12. esteem license Monitoring alerts:
Some internet security software also afford praise license monitoring alerts which alert you if your praise license number appears online. This tool is very helpful if you use your praise license on internet for transactions.
The next time you have questions regarding this subject, you can refer back to this article as a handy guide.
There are hundreds of Adware deletion programs on the push. Your best bet is to go to a place like Spybot Download It lists the best Adware Removers presently on the push. Or just google the speak "adware remover". Like I said, you'll find hundreds. Some are good, some aren't. Free Spybot is a great situate for you to see which ones work, but I know some of you just like to google, and that's approval too ;). Just get one, I feel bad having to current so wholly for something so nominal.
Get Your Independent Guide to Spybot Downloads
Isn't life grand? Most everyone is somehow able to move into this new century with technology sitting in their laps... It's a new found crush for misunderstanding simple things. What I mean by that is when you were little, one touch told you not to paw at the stove. As a teenager, one car accident may have put seat belts on your mind. Now you have a wireless network at home! What will it take to consider networking safely?
Think of all the strange and forgotten information in your computer - some of it, not surprisingly, you've forgotten about. Sure you delete your cookies and wipe the Internet History clean from time to time. You ask your computer not to remember passwords too, but you're still a target in two possible ways that are as easy to fix as not touching hot things and putting on a seat belt.
Briefly, wireless networks consist of three things: The signals, the broadcaster and the receiver. Your Internet connection is the signal. Your modem feeds into the router which acts as the broadcaster. The network adapter in your computer is then the receiver. With those items, you can surf the Internet without inhibitions; and with no passwords or hurdles for novice hackers to stumble on, they can surf your computer without inhibition.
The open door, even for modest hackers, is that broadcaster. It says, "here I am!" Your receiver is tuned in to it. Other receivers can be tuned in to it from beyond your walls. Once on the same router, they can query for other computers (that's YOU) on that router. Your defense is simple but certainly not fool-proof for real professional cyber evil-doers. When you set up your wireless network, 9 times out of 10, you're asked to create a password so that users may sign on - it's often called a WEP.
This is not a busy-task to waste your time. If a casual user with an infected computer shares your router, your computer too will share in the joy of infection with zero hacking required on the part of the casual user. They were just looking for a free ride that you offered by NOT creating that WEP. You don't need a hard word but definitely don't use an easy word that creates the 'key'...
The computers in the router and in your lap will most likely do the rest. This is a one-time procedure UNLESS your router is reset. To reset the router is to force it to forget everything it knew. All your Internet Settings and magic high speed Internet access numbers will have to be re-entered. A router is reset internally or externally by pushing a button generally on the back. It's labeled too.
Internal settings can be accessed by entering the IP of the gateway which will soon be common knowledge. If you've not placed a password there, anyone can change anything - especially that computer-savvy kid coming home from school who always messes your stuff up as a thank you for room and board. Change the default password to avoid the thanks. And in extreme cases, you can physically HIDE the router to keep that reset button from being pushed thereby defeating all your modest counter measures!
The strongest reason to employ any simple safety here is to eliminate neighborly free-rides from machines that may be infected. Like buckling up, ten seconds setting a router with passwords can save you a lot of grief.
Bryan Applegate spends his time with Dinarius, Inc. repairing networks that were never secured. While the money's good, there's other things in life like teaching. Other free lessons and advice can be found at Dinarius.com
WebSafetyTips is a comprehensive site where people can find tips on how to protect themselves and their family from online dangers. Millions of people are subject to identity theft, cyber crimes, and hacking every year. Put a couple of our recommendations in place and reduce your risk of being a victim.
TIP 1: Take Security Measures
The best way to keep yourself and your family secure online is to take general preventative measures. The best way to do that is to subscribe to a service that was built to protect people against very specific dangers online.
Child Safety: We recommend signing up for SafetyWeb, which is designed to help parents monitor their child's computer and cell phone usage. Get instant text messages and e-mail alerts directly to your phone every time your child does something online that might put him or her in danger.
Computer Safety - The best two product available on the market today are Norton's Symantic Anti-Virus 2010, and AVG. For a 1 time cost of $200 you will be completely protected against SPAM, Phising, Hackers, and other online predators.
Identity Protection - Identity theft is quickly becoming the greatest threat to the American consumer. Even the most careful consumer can have their Identity Stolen without ever knowing it. We recommend TrustedID which monitors your credit, identity and has a guarantee up to $1,000,000 in damages.
TIP 2: Proceed with Caution
Make sure you do your research before you download a new program or application. A basic Google search of the program will tell you whether or not the program is trusted. If other consumers have had issues in the past there will be blog posts and comments. Anything mentioning a "virus" or fake program should be an immediate red flag not to download.
When purchasing products online always make sure that the merchant has seals of approval from Verisign, Better Business Bureau, or a consumer advocate website such as BizRate.
TIP 3: Beware of E-mail
Your e-mail inbox is a breeding ground for hackers and cyber criminals to attack your computer and personal information. In addition to the endless amounts of SPAM you receive on a daily basis you also need to follow a couple general rules to maintain your security.
Never share your e-mail password with anyone
Change your password frequently and always log out of your e-mail when you are finished
Reputable companies will never as of personal identifiable information over e-mail - NEVER share it
Never open an attachment from an unknown source
Never respond to an e-mail from an unknown source
Use SPAM filters such as MailWasher.net
TIP 4: Social Network Safety
The most important rule of social network safety is: Don't post anything about yourself that you don't want the whole world to know or see. Social networks are the largest sources of personal information and gives immediate access to future employers, police, teachers, strangers, and predators.
Children are at a greater risk than adults when it comes to social networking. Parents need to make sure that their children follow a couple of general rules to help keep them safe.
Never let your teen post an explicit photo of themselves
Keep your status as hidden and only approve known friends
Create groups for friends, family, school, etc.
Do not post your address and full location details
NEVER meet anyone that you met on a social network
Children need to make sure that their social network identity is kept clean and free of drinking, sex, and drugs. Colleges and future employers will search for their profiles before accepting of hiring a child. If there is something they can find on your network that you don't want them to see - remove it.
TIP 5: Child Safety
Parents have a lot to worry about when it comes to their children's use of computers, social networks, and their mobile phones. One of the biggest dangers is the sexual exploitation of children. Any child with unrestricted access to their computer can access pornographic material at any time. All parents should enable parental controls on their PC's to restrict their kids from accessing pornographic material online.
The Internet also gives sexual predators unprecedented access to children online via chat rooms, gaming, and social networks. Make sure your children are aware of online dangers and subscribe to services like SafetyWeb to keep your children safe at all time.
TIP 6: What's the Password?
Passwords are very tricky because it's important to keep different passwords for every new website you subscribe too, but very hard to remember all of them. There are websites like http://www.Billeo.com, which is a toolbar that automatically stores and remembers all of your passwords.
Make sure that you never store a file on your computer with all of your passwords on it. If you do, never name the file "passwords" as hackers are always looking to steal those files. Try and come up with your own password scheme that only you and your family knows.
TIP 7: Always Lock your Computer
Hackers and Identity Thieves are looking to steal your files in all types of ways. The easiest is to steal your computer or extract the files that they need quickly. When using a public computer always make sure you log out so that the next person cannot access your information. When using your computer in public (like Starbucks) always lock it so that someone cannot access your files while you are getting coffee, etc. Simple tips will go a long way.
TIP 8: Protect your Wireless Network
Wireless connections are great but they can compromise your safety without you ever knowing it. Always make sure that your home wireless network is safe by having it password protected. Do not share that password with anyone other than the people who use that particular network every day. An experienced hacker can access all of your files from your wireless network once they have access. Contact your wireless network provider to make sure your network is secure.
Your home wireless connection is not all you have to worry about. Never connect to a wireless network that isn't yours and isn't password protected. Once your computer connects to a public network it gives hackers easier access to your files.
TIP 9: Protect against Identity Theft
The fastest growing threat for today's consumer is having their identity stolen. Over 30 million Americans have been victims of identity theft in the past 5 years. Following our tips can help protect you against identity thief's but it's impossible to prevent sometimes. For example, lets say your favorite clothing store just had their credit card database compromised, your identity was stolen and you didn't do anything wrong.
The only way to stop Identity Theft is to pay for it. Companies like LifeLock and TrustedID has software that monitors your credit report, social security number, and full personal history to make sure nobody can steal your identity. These companies also come with a $1,000,000 insurance guarantee in the event that you suffer a financial loss due to identity theft.
TIP 10: Set Safety Guidelines for your Family
It's important to talk with your kids and family members to set important guidelines when it comes to computers use. Give them general rules to abide by that will cause them to think twice in the event that they need to make an important decision. The two most important would be never to engage in any sexual related conversations with strangers, never share or post something on a social network that you don't want the whole world to see, and never under any circumstances meet someone that you met online.
The day by day advancement in the technology and online world has only served to fuel further the rising concern for safety on the internet for kids, why? Aren't we suppose to be in a better condition now that our lives are surrounded by facilities enabled by the latest technologies, which were a dream for others few years back?
Whether we like it or not, fact is that we are at the stage where for most of us cannot live without computers and internet anymore, indeed. The present cyber age which we and our children live in is a fast paced modern world where we are becoming more and more dependent on the use of computers and internet to get most things done.
Computers and internet indeed make our life easier. We are able to get many things done in no time at all which otherwise use to be considered difficult tasks. Children not only depend on it for their school research project works but also loves spending time on the internet surfing and also for entertainment like gaming. They frequent online chat rooms and social networking sites exposing themselves and revealing personal information online.
In the present times many parents rest oblivious of the fact that the online world can present threats and dangers to their kids. The possibility of harm to their kids from a medium which is purely online seems a far fetched possibility which they do not give it a thought even. This is the reason why many parents do not take the right steps to ensure safety on the internet for kids, which is critical.
The time has come when every parents must be aware and educate themselves of the threats and dangers online. Then only will they be in a position to guide their kids and teens in safe practice online. In todays times parenting is incomplete without ensuring safety on the internet for kids, indeed.
The parents of the kids who became victim of cyber bullying, some kids who very unfortunately ended their lives even, would surely have wished that had they been better aware of the happenings in the online world they could have taken necessary precautionary steps in time.
The fact is, every parents would do everything they can, in fact would not leave out anything, to keep their children safe and secure. It is important for them to realize that when it comes to the online world, why should it be any different? for the threats and dangers are very real. And it is in this very world where online predators lurks around, that children innocently go about their activities online.
If you are a parent, first of all know this that parenting today is incomplete without you being educated and well aware in the areas of the latest happenings in the online world, especially the threats and dangers to kids, also what children really does during their time online.
Please understand that their innocent activities, due to lack of proper guidance, can not only put themselves in danger, but can put the whole family in a very difficult and embarrassing situation.
Learn today how you can ensure internet safety for kids by educating yourself and taking the right steps, including using tools like internet safety software, so that your most important duty as a parent is taken care of, that of safety of your kids, including safety on the internet.
The National Retail Foundation reports due to the technological advances of today more and more people are using the internet to do their online shopping especially during the holiday season. When it comes to shopping in the digital marketplace all the necessary safety precautions must be followed to avoid the probable of a scam. Below are four safety tips to practice when shopping digitally.
Always shop from a computer that is fully secure, particularly those who do Canadian online shopping at a internet cafe this can be dangerous because these PCs often times are infected with spy-ware which steal all you information such as passwords and user names. It is always better to shop from a private computer that has a functional up-to-date anti-virus software, for additional protect you use a firewall to block unauthorized access to and from the computer.
If shopping for a new electronics device for example dell computers it is always best to with from a website that's trusted and has positive reviews from customers, it's always advisable to stick with merchants that have a good track record. It is equally important to also check the merchant's shipping and return protocols prior to making that final purchase, don't worry about missing discounts, just ensure that the fine prints and disclaimer are read properly.
Be sure to keep a printed copy for each confirmation email or receipt received. Secure all receipts in a single folder and store them in a safe location, never purchase from a unknown email address that's advertising or recommending a product because these offers are nearly always a scam.
Many cyber criminals setup up attractive store fronts that shuts down days after the unsuspecting shopper completes a purchase order, if not familiar with a merchant it is best to conduct a quick search to check the integrity of that business.
Ripoff Report and the Better Business Bureau normally has a lot of information about consumer complaints from legitimate online companies For those who do Canada online shopping it is always best to shop from a credit card even if debit cards are accepted reason being federal law states that those who issue credit cards can make a customer liable for the first $50 on fraudulent charges and many issuers will even waive this amount.
Although debit card insurers adopt the same approach, your back account may get overdrawn while in the process of disputing any fraudulent charges especially when they aren't detect immediately. Experts claim that credit cards present the least amount of hassle when disputing with any financial institution in the event any unauthorized charges that may show up on your monthly statement at a later date.
For maximum security and protection consider alternative methods of payment when buying online, there are many websites online that you can use to create a virtual account that you have use to conduct your digital transactions, some of which can be specified for a single transaction after which the account becomes unable hence securing the customers.
Canadian online shopping with hundreds of brand names at popular stores such as Dell Computers.
The day by day advancement in the technology and online world has only served to fuel further the rising concern for safety on the internet for kids, why? Aren't we suppose to be in a better condition now that our lives are surrounded by facilities enabled by the latest technologies, which were a dream for others few years back?
Whether we like it or not, fact is that we are at the stage where for most of us cannot live without computers and internet anymore, indeed. The present cyber age which we and our children live in is a fast paced modern world where we are becoming more and more dependent on the use of computers and internet to get most things done.
Computers and internet indeed make our life easier. We are able to get many things done in no time at all which otherwise use to be considered difficult tasks. Children not only depend on it for their school research project works but also loves spending time on the internet surfing and also for entertainment like gaming. They frequent online chat rooms and social networking sites exposing themselves and revealing personal information online.
In the present times many parents rest oblivious of the fact that the online world can present threats and dangers to their kids. The possibility of harm to their kids from a medium which is purely online seems a far fetched possibility which they do not give it a thought even. This is the reason why many parents do not take the right steps to ensure safety on the internet for kids, which is critical.
The time has come when every parents must be aware and educate themselves of the threats and dangers online. Then only will they be in a position to guide their kids and teens in safe practice online. In todays times parenting is incomplete without ensuring safety on the internet for kids, indeed.
The parents of the kids who became victim of cyber bullying, some kids who very unfortunately ended their lives even, would surely have wished that had they been better aware of the happenings in the online world they could have taken necessary precautionary steps in time.
The fact is, every parents would do everything they can, in fact would not leave out anything, to keep their children safe and secure. It is important for them to realize that when it comes to the online world, why should it be any different? for the threats and dangers are very real. And it is in this very world where online predators lurks around, that children innocently go about their activities online.
If you are a parent, first of all know this that parenting today is incomplete without you being educated and well aware in the areas of the latest happenings in the online world, especially the threats and dangers to kids, also what children really does during their time online.
Please understand that their innocent activities, due to lack of proper guidance, can not only put themselves in danger, but can put the whole family in a very difficult and embarrassing situation.
Learn today how you can ensure internet safety for kids by educating yourself and taking the right steps, including using tools like internet safety software, so that your most important duty as a parent is taken care of, that of safety of your kids, including safety on the internet.
