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. .