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Today is international Safer Internet Day 2013. Take a few moments and think about the online safety and security of you and your family.
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Nine tips to help you get started:
Tip #1 – Know who is on the other side of the conversation: Know with whom you are engaged online (the true identity with whom you are exchanging data)
Tip #2 – Security Software: Keep your security software updated
Tip #3 – Passwords: Practice good cyber-hygiene – Passwords are like toothbrushes – you should not share them with others and you should change them often (every 90-120 days or when they are exposed).
Tip #4 – Guidance & Direction: Guide your young. The internet is to receive information only and not to be used to share information. Only Mom & Dad share information over the internet.
Tip #5 – Browser Settings: If available configure your browser log-in to HTTPS (S=secure) and avoid having your password sniffed and grabbed when connecting via an open (not secure) network connection. Always look for this option when configuring Facebook, Google Mail, etc. — Where are you the most vulnerable – those open wireless connections your local shopping center or coffee shop.
Tip #6 – Tagging: If you tag your pictures, do not tag with your child’s name, a location where they may be today, tomorrow or the past, never with your house number.
Tip #7 – E-mail: If a retailer or vendor asks you to “email your credit or debit card data” – Say “Absolutely Not” and don’t do it.
Tip #8 – Computer Settings: Disable Auto-Run – just like putting your safety-belt on when you take your seat in the car, take a primary safety step and anti-virus scan all media being introduced to your PC, even if you received it from a trusted source, their USB/CD/DVD may be ill and contain malware/crimeware and why allow it to infect yours?
Tip #9 – Public Computers: Use an internet connection at the library, airport, etc? Clear the browser’s history and cache’s when you are finished to remove “easy” accessibility to the websites you visited (and your personal data).
Video re Safer Internet Day – Nice video from the organizers.
Resources:
A list of Safer Internet Committees for various countries: