Internet Safety

Adopting a safer mindset

When it comes to the Internet, people generally believe they are safer than they actually are. Why? Well, often the impersonal nature of technology can give us a false sense of security. After all, no one can physically attack us through a computer screen.

We tend to have an it-won't-happen-to-me attitude. We may even believe that our computer programs and the powers that be are automatically taking care of all that Internet security stuff for us. Sometimes we just avoid it all together because, to be frank, we just don't get it. Does this sound like you? Consider the following the questions:

• Have you ever Googled yourself to see what information can be found on you?
• Have you set your computer's security program to make sure you are getting regular updates?
• Do you have an external backup source for your computer?
• Are you enticed by emails or advertisements with special discount offers?
• When shopping online, do you check a website's security status before entering your billing information?
• Have you customized your privacy settings for your social networking accounts like Facebook, MySpace, and Skype?

Do these questions make you nervous? Don't worry, this tutorial is not meant to scold or scare you but instead to make you realize that there are precautions we should all be taking on a regular basis to maintain our personal safety and protect our computer while using the Internet.

Think of the Internet as you would a shopping mall

Generally, a mall is not considered a dangerous place. We go there to shop, run errands, and meet people, but we also take precautions while there. We wouldn't leave our car unlocked in the parking lot or walk around with our wallet hanging out of our purse. We wouldn't tell a sales clerk our Social Security Number or give our address to a stranger we just met.

The same applies when we are on the Internet. We need not fear our every mouse click, but we should take precautions to ensure our safety.