SAFETY 101

Learn what you need to know to keep yourself and your family safe on the internet. Why are you here?

To learn:  About the type of threats you may encounter online  To gain a safer mindset towards using the internet  Precautions we should all be taking on a regular basis  How to protect yourself and your device Google Yourself

 The easiest way to track your digital footprint

 Try searching for:

 Variations of your name

 Email address

 Home address

 Work address

 Phone number

 Found something you would like taken down?

 Alter your privacy settings on social media accounts.

 Deactivate old and unused accounts.

 Go through sites on an individual basis to see if you can delete your information from their listings or request to have it removed. Safe Browsing Practices

 Look at your browser’s built in security settings

 “Sandboxing” – Each tab is run in a separate application environment. If harmful content is discovered in one tab, it will not spread any further.

 Always keep browser updated for latest security features

Downloading Content

 Treat all downloads as suspicious until proven safe.

 Always SAVE files, don’t RUN them. This will give your system a chance to check for threats.

 No one wants to do it, but read the terms and conditions.

 Freeware and P2P files should be treated with extreme caution. Safe Browsing Practices Continued…

Pop-Ups

 Always keep your pop-up blockers ON

 Usually contain unwanted advertisements or

 “Malware” – any software specifically intended to damage your computer system

 Some pop-ups are legitimate. Use icon in the address bar to allow safe pop-ups.

Websites Tracking and Collecting Your Data

 Why do they do this?

 Suggestions, easier browsing next time, providing data for companies, etc.

 Delete your browsing history

 Use Private Browsing

 Anything you do while incognito will not be tracked or remembered, with the exception of your computer’s IP address.

IF YOU DON’T TRUST IT 100%, DON’T CLICK. Use Strong Passwords

DO USE DO NOT USE • 8 or more characters • 1 password for every account • both letters and numbers • any personal information • special characters and symbols -Names, hobbies, dates • upper and lowercase letters • full words • patterns LEET / 1337

 An internet language in which letters are commonly replaced by numbers or symbols. Try altering a phrase that is easy for you to remember, but hard for others to guess Good examples:

 “Best Series Ever: Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth” = B5e:tg’Sot

 “So long and thanks for all the fish” = 5L@tf@tF www.bu.edu Bad examples:

 Sparky123

 abc123abc Use Strong Passwords Continued… Password Management Tool

 Remember 1 strong master password and the program will store and encrypt all the others

 “Encryption” – the translation of data into secret code that cannot be easily understood

 PC Magazine recommends Dashlane 3

 Free for single device use / $39.99 annual for multi-device paid version Email Tips Spam

 Spam blockers - automatically filter detected spam emails away from main inbox

 Turn off images and/or automatic preview pane

 Never reply to or click on links from spam emails

 “” – process of defrauding an online target by posing as a legitimate party

 Never trust any email that asks you for your:

 Bank Account #

 Passwords

 Birthday

 Personal Address Email Attachments

 Can contain malware or viruses that will automatically install when opened

 Do you trust the source 100% ?

 Use scan attachments option Financial Safety Secure Sites

 Encrypt and protect your information

 Never enter financial information on a site that is not secure!

 http: vs https:

Online Shopping

 Never enter financial info while on a public network

 Pay with a credit card, not a debit card

 If you must, use a service like PayPal

 Keep records of all transactions

 Issue? Contact the seller directly first. If that gets you nowhere, then contact your credit card company to withhold payment until the issue is resolved.

 Be cautious when using the browser’s back button during a transaction. You could be charged twice. Financial Safety Continued… Online Banking

 Ensure the site is legitimate and secure

 Use a very strong password

 2 Step Verification

 Log in and check transaction history often. Report anomalies to your bank immediately. Social Networking

 Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see.

 Damaging info can spread very quickly online

 Never share personal information, unless you control who can see it.

 Birthday

 Address (work or home)

 License plate numbers

 Turn off any type of geo location services

 Only accept friend requests from people you know and like personally

 Public image

 Refrain from posting demeaning or suggestive content that could make you or others a target for internet predators. Social Networking Continued… Nettiquette  “Nettiquette” – the acceptable way of communicating on the internet

 Be respectful

 Don’t be too quick to take offense.

 Protect the privacy of others

 Do not use foul or offensive language  “Flame War” – intentionally insulting or personal attacks by internet users to provoke one another.

 Avoid controversial topics

 Think before you type  If you have been the target of or bullying:

 Check options for blocking and reporting users

 Never respond, just ignore

 Keep records of all interactions

 If you are concerned with your personal safety, contact law enforcement Social Networking Continued… Online Dating / Any face to face meeting

 Call or chat before meeting in person

 Protect yourself. Remember not to post any personal information.

 Calling? Consider blocking your number

 Chatting? If you can, do not use your own name or a suggestive screen name Meeting IRL?

 Tell someone where, when, and who you are meeting. Schedule a follow-up.

 Take a friend with you

 Always meet in a public space

 Do this as many times as you need to, until you feel comfortable and trust the other person.

 Trust your instincts. Protect Your Computer Anti-Virus Software

 Many to choose from. Make sure it has:

 Anti-Virus – protects against viruses

 Anti- – prevents malicious software from gathering your info

 Firewall – screens threats from the internet

 Both Windows and Apple computers come with a built in firewall. Make sure it is on.

 Free and Paid for Programs

 Free versions are typically scaled back versions of the full suite and will prompt you to pay for the full-version.

 Popular programs:

 Norton / Avast / Kaspersky / McAfee

 Yes, you need anti-virus even if you are using a Mac computer!

 Always keep your antivirus up to date so it can catch the newest threats

 “Scareware” – messages/warnings that mimic anti-virus, prompting you to download potentially harmful software

 Restart your computer regularly, do regular software updates, create a backup Protect Your Mobile Device Mobile Anti-Virus Programs

 Research, they could cause your device to run slowly

Best Practices

 Always use a password/passcode

 Never leave your device unattended in public

 Keep your device updated

 Be cautious when downloading apps and programs

 Read reviews

 Read terms of service (I know, I know…) Don’t be scared! Be educated.

Common sense and intuition will get you far.