Internet Safety Tips

The Internet can give you access to information, entertainment, job opportunities, travel experiences, and much more. At the same time, it can leave you vulnerable to online scammers, identity thieves, and more.

Here are 7 tips for staying safe on the Internet:

1. Protect your personal information. It's valuable.
2. Know who you're dealing with.
3. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.
4. Make sure your operating system and Web browser are set up properly and update them regularly.
5. Protect your passwords.
6. Back up important files.
7. Learn who to contact if something goes wrong online.

The library encourages parents to be involved in their children and teens’ use of the Internet. Here are 4 tips for youth for staying safe:

1. Don’t post your name, your age or your hometown on any website.
2. Always tell your parents if someone online asks for your information or asks to meet you.
3. Never share your passwords with anyone but your parents.
4. Follow your parents’ rules for using the Internet.

The following sites provide in-depth information on Internet safety:

• Federal Trade Commission
  The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them.
• GetNet Wise
  GetNetWise is a public service sponsored by Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations to help ensure that Internet users have safe online experiences.
• Internet Keep Safe Coalition
  iKeepSafe.org is a coalition of 49 governors/first spouses and other associations dedicated to teaching children the safe and healthy use of technology.
• i-Safe
  i-SAFE is a non-profit foundation endorsed by Congress. They are dedicated to protecting the online experiences of youth everywhere.
• National Cyber Security Alliance
  NCSA is a non-profit organization that provides tools and resources to empower Internet users to stay safe online. NCSA members include the Department of Homeland Security, the FTC, and private-sector corporations and organizations.
• Netsmartz
  The NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational safety resource to teach kids and teens how to stay safer on the Internet.
• Staysafe
  Staysafe.org is an educational site intended to help consumers understand both the positive aspects of the Internet as well as how to manage a variety of safety and security issues that exist online. staysafe.org has websites specifically for children (www.staysafe.org/kids) and for teens (www.staysaft.org/teens).
• Wired Safety
  WiredSafety.org is an Internet safety and help group. Comprised of unpaid volunteers around the world, WiredSafety.org provides education and assistance on cybercrime, abuse, privacy, security, and responsible technology use for all ages.