Mouse around with us!
Mouse
around with us!
Find What You Are Looking For:
|
April 2004
Newsletter: Stay safe in cyberspace! April is internet safety month - a time to give a little more emphasis on how you protect yourself and your family when connected to the internet. Of course there is not a 100% guarantee of safety just as there is not a guarantee with our everyday lives even when we do "everything correctly". However, we can take precautions to avoid putting ourselves and our families in compromising situations. But first, a few comments. There is not yet a standard for software quality in the USA as there is with vehicles or construction materials. There is also not yet a standard for safety guidelines using the tool of the internet as there is for other tools such as a power tool or silverware. Each user must learn how to use the tool properly and safely. The National Cyber Security Partnership (NCSP) is composed of government and industry leaders working together to establish national security guidelines for internet use. Should these guidelines be recommended to become law, it is our responsibility as citizens to provide our elected representatives with our opinions so they can vote in our behalf. However, whether or not you agree with the need for standards and guidelines, it remains apparent that each and every computer and internet user is ultimately responsible for their own safety and the safety of their family. We do not expect a law enforcement officer to miraculously appear each time a citizen runs into the street without looking for moving vehicles. The same is true with the internet except it is not always apparent that the vehicle is approaching that you should avoid. Here are a few basic safety reminders: 1. Do not leave both the electricity and broadband/modem connections plugged in at the same time when you are not using your computer. 2. Use anti-virus, encryption, and firewall software. 3. Don't share your passwords, even with your best friend unless you are a minor. Then it is a good idea to let only your parent or guardian have a copy of the websites you visit along with your usernames and passwords 4. Install regularly the security patches and fixes from every software vendor for every operating system and program that are on your computer. 5. Watch your children online. Be aware of the online persons trying to be your child's best friend but do not want you to know about them. 6. Check first (by telephone or a separate email) if the sender of the email attachment actually did send you the attachment before opening. 7. Ignore the emails: from all persons you do not know; that promise quick money; and, need you to verify/correct/supply any account, personal, or financial information. These you can forward to the Federal Trade Commission at uce@ftc.gov 8. When meeting someone you met online for the first time, regardless of your age and gender, bring a few friends both male and female along and arrange activities in a public place with many people around. Minors should NEVER meet online friends without a parent or guardian being there. 9. Keep copies of the information and programs in your computer on removable media. Let your family and friends know that April is Internet Safety Month. Ask them what they do to remain safe, to be aware of and prevent online crime. Share with them what you do. Remember that internet activities are no more and no less dangerous than everyday activities. If you would not "talk this way" or "do that" in everyday situations, do not do it because: you may think people who use computers are more honest; you'll never meet the person so you can pretend anything; or, no one knows who I really am online. These are all misconceptions. Every personality in the everyday world is available online. They are the very same people except that you can meet many more from anywhere in much less time. Computers and the internet are tools. Use them properly and safely. Get your jobs and tasks done. Have a good time. Enjoy yourself. But, don't take chances that you would not take in your everyday life. Cyber Criminals Most Wanted LLC publishes in-house books. The four 'Stay Safe in Cyberspace' books provide the basics about internet safety. There is no required level of computer experience needed to understand and benefit from these books. The workbook/coloring book for ages 6-8 concentrates on keeping family secrets, identifying strangers, and the importance of usernames and passwords. There is a Certificate of Completion the child can display. The kids' guide for ages 8-13 (also an ebook) concentrates on saying "NO" to strangers, obeying family rules, infectors, and proper etiquette & safety in chatrooms and with instant messaging. The book for families is organized into major topics some of which are fraud, infectors, identity theft, reporting online problems, and parental online concerns. These books can be found at your favorite online bookstore, from your usual book supplier, and at Cyber Criminals Most Wanted LLC's book website. For the month of April, 2004, there will be no shipping charges when your order from Cyber Criminals Most Wanted LLC's website. You can also protect yourself and your online privacy from illegal things referenced on your computer (when you unintentionally open emails with illegal content or when someone deliberately uses your computer for storage of illegal files without your knowledge) by using CyberscrubR. Now, when you are ready to sell or replace your home computer, or if your business needs to be HIPAA compliant for file deletion, use cyberCideR. These are two effective products for removing evidence and traces of computer activity. You will not be able to "undelete" and restore your evidence. And, if you are a parent or guardian who wants to monitor your children's online activity, Guardian Monitor not only records all keystrokes, downloads, websites visited, incoming and outgoing information, but also both sides of conversations in chatrooms and instant messaging. Remember that your computer and the internet are tools to be used to accomplish tasks. The tasks can be talking with family or friends, shopping, doing business, or doing homework. Use them properly and safely. Refer to the Safety Guide for a quick review. Keeping yourself and your family safe online and in the everyday world helps keep your neighborhood, state and country safe. |
Copyright 2004