Online Safety for Adults and Kids

While the Internet offers users a wealth of resources, it can also be a dangerous place. Many people have suffered damage to their computers, finances, and even their physical well being at the hands of Internet scammers and predators. Both parents and kids need to educate themselves about online dangers and how to protect themselves. Armed with this information, Internet users can take steps to protect themselves against Internet threats such as viruses, identity theft and cyberbullying. Informed users can also more quickly and appropriately take action if they fall victim to Internet scams or a virus infection.

Identity Theft

• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC): Identity Theft - A portal site containing videos and links to online resources on identity theft.
• Identity Theft is a Crime - Detailed information from the federal government for identity theft victims.
• Social Security Administration (SSA): Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number - Tips on protecting your Social Security number.
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Identity Theft and Data Breaches - Links to fact sheets and articles on identity theft issues.

Online Scams and Fraud

• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Internet Fraud - Information on various investment scams.
• Online Scams that Impersonate the IRS - This site describes how scammers claiming to work for the IRS con their victims.
• Looks Too Good to be True - A site administered by several federal agencies that educates consumers about scams and fraud.
• Scambusters - Comprehensive website on scams and how to avoid them.

Cyberbullying

• StopBullying.gov: Cyberbullying - Tips and resources on cyberbullying.
• GirlsHealth.gov: Cyberbullying - Information on cyberbullying targeted to girls.
• Cyberbullying: The Evolution of Bullying from the Hallways into the Home - Discusses the evolution of bullying with the incorporation of technology.
• KidsHealth.org: Cyberbullying - Detailed article on cyberbullying from a law enforcement perspective.

Online Predators

• A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety - Information from the FBI on how parents can protect their children from online predators.
• A Safety Net for the Internet: Protecting Our Children - Article on the threat that predators pose to children.
• Health One Sky Ridge Medical Center: Internet Predators - Practical tips for protecting kids online.
• The Facts About Online Predators- Information about online child predators along with tips for keeping kids safe.
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: Make a Cybertipline Report - Information on providing information about suspected child predators to government agencies.
• Online Predators: What Do We Know, and What Can We Do? - Child predator demographics and ways to protect children.

File Sharing and Downloads

• Risks of File-Sharing Technology - Fact sheet on the risks of file sharing from the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team.
• U.S. Copyright Office: Copyright and Digital Files - Information on computer software sharing for consumers.
• Defensive Computing - Information on the risks of various online behaviors, including file sharing.
• Tips to Avoid File Sharing Risks - Safety tips for those who choose to engage in file sharing.

Social Networking

• The Dangers of Friending Strangers: the Robin Sage Experiment - A case study on the dangers of social networking.
• Do You Know Who Your True “Friends” Are? - Tips for protecting one's privacy when using social networking sites.
• Facebook.com and Other Internet Social Networking Sites - Basic information on social networking sites and how their use can be dangerous.
• Online Social Networking Dangers and Benefits Social Networking Site Dangers - Geared toward college students, this article describes the risks and benefits of using social networking sites.

Phishing

• Phishing Quick Facts - This site explains "phishing" and how can avoid losing sensitive information to those who operate these scams.
• Indiana Attorney General: Phishing - Tips for phishing prevention and taking action if one believes they have fallen for a phishing scam.
• OnGuardOnline.gov: Phishing - Information for consumers on phishing and how to recognize
• Consumer Advice: What To Do If You've Given Out Your Personal Financial Information - Tips for phishing victims.

Pharming

• Avoid Becoming a Victim of “Pharming” - Tips for interacting with banking services sites online.
• Pharming - Information on how to avoid pharming sites.
• Online Fraud: Pharming - Details about how pharming works.
• What is Pharming? - A definition of pharming along with information on how consumers can protect themselves.

Spam

• Spam: Unwanted Text Messages and Email - Information on the nature of spam as well as laws and regulations that protect consumers.
• U.S. Department of Justice: To Report Unsolicited Commercial Email ("Spam") - Information on different types of spam and the law agencies that handle spam complaints.
• Reducing Spam - Advice for email users who want to reduce the amount of spam they receive.
• Tips to Reduce SPAM or Junk E-Mail - Ways for consumers to protect themselves against spam.

Spyware

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Spyware - An explanation of spyware, how it works and how to avoid it.
• Spyware: The Next Worse Thing to a Virus - How to Deal With It - Detailed information on spyware and adware and how to remove it from a computer.
• Viruses, Worms, Spyware, and Parental Control - Information about computer security risks and products that can protect consumers.
• The Definition of Spam - A detailed definition of "spam" and the consequences of sending it.

Viruses and Worms

• Protect Your Privacy Online - Information from the federal government about viruses and worms and how computer users can protect their machines from infection.
• How Computer Viruses Work - An explanation of computer viruses.
• Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses - Definitions of various computer dangers and links to relevant news stories and sites for further research.
• What Is the Difference: Viruses, Worms, Trojans, and Bots? - Comprehensive guide to viruses, worms, Trojans and other online threats to privacy and technology.

Password Security

• Create Strong Passwords - A detailed guide on creating strong passwords.
• Schneider on Security: Password Advice - Tips from an Internet security expert on creating strong passwords.
• Your Passwords Aren’t As Secure As You Think; Here’s How to Fix That - An article on addressing password security issues.
• Password Tips & Security - Tips for creating, updating, and protecting passwords.