INTERNET 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
“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
“Phishing” – 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 harassment 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-Spyware – 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.