KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER SAFE Internet Safety for Seniors Project NetWise

Overview Computer Protection Identity Theft Communicating Online Spending & Saving Online Computing on the Go Bullying On Line Buying Prescriptions Online Medical Records Online Socializing On Line Safe Practices

Computer Protection Key Terms: Firewall – Blocks outside access to a computer Antivirus – Prevents most destructive programs (viruses) from accessing a computer Cookies – Stores and transmits information to parent websites Passwords – Allows access to online accounts

Computer Protection Online: Connected to the Internet Disconnect when not in use Firewall: Limits the information sent to and from your computer Barrier from the internet Examples of firewall programs: Zonealarm Comodo Norton Internet Your Computer

Computer Protection Antivirus Protection: Prevents viruses from effecting your computer Can only prevent what it recognizes Important to keep software updated Examples of antivirus programs: McAfee Norton AVG Anti-virus

Computer Protection Cookies Allow companies to store information on your machine Collect information on your use Sell information gathered to 3 rd parties Create profiles based on information gathered Set computer to accept different level of cookies Ive been to this site!

Computer Protection Keep Your Password Safe! Passwords are keys to personal information Increase password security by using: Capital letters, lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers Abbreviations not whole words Example: s 0 uth*ern ILL-in 0 is Change your password frequently NOTE: These precautions will not protect your computer 100%

Identity Theft Key Terms: – Messages sent via the internet Websites – Locations on the internet

Identity Theft Scamming: Tricking or deceiving a person or group of people to obtain information Phishing A common avenue for virtual scam artist. False can appear obvious or subtle. Phishing Website Another common venue for virtual scam artist. Attempt to gather personal information

Scam: Clear Example

Scam: Subtle Example

Southern Illinois Bank

Follow these guidelines when using Sent messages are uncontrollable. Do not open s from addresses you do not recognize! Treat online situations the same way you would personal situations.

Identity Theft: Websites Check out the legitimacy of a website o Key icons and web addresses Well-known site Check for misspellings Do not give out personal information Set information to private if possible If you are unsure just remember to: Stop… Look… Call!

Communicating Online Information you may want to consider beforesharing with others online: Your name and thenames of family membersand friends Age and gender ofyourself, your children,or grandchildren addresses,user IDs, nicknames,and domain names Address Locations of othersclose to you Phone numbers Passwords Personal numbers Photos Information about others

Spending And Saving Online Consider the following before buying anything online: Do you know the store from the brick mortar world? What is the sites reputation? Is the website secure? Is the offer too good to be true? Does the merchant collect more information than is needed tocomplete the sale? Use a payment service or credit card for payment. Review the company's shipping method.

Spending and Saving Online Protect yourself when banking or paying bills online: Make sure your computerhas up-to-date versions ofanti-virus and anti-spywareand install all updates. Check that your newbank is legitimate andyour deposits are insured. Never conduct personaltransactions from a publiccomputer. Keep all personalinformation secure. Create strong passwords. Be alert to scams. Ensure that you are dealingwith your bank. Always type in your banksURL yourself. Monitor your accountactivity by requesting onlinecredit reports.

Computing On The Go Using public computers safely Using mobile phones

Bullying On Line What to do if you are cyber-bullied. Safety tips to avoid or deal with online bullying. Keep personal information private. Use technology tools to block inappropriate orthreatening behavior. Do not answer phone calls or read messages, s orcomments from cyber-bullies. Set them aside in case they are needed by authorities for evidence.

Buying Prescriptions On Line Know your source to make sure its safe Make sure a website is a state-licensed pharmacylocated in the United States. Find a list at and Look for websites with practicesthat protect you. Be sure your privacy is protected. If you are suspicious or have complaints about a serviceor transaction, report the website!

Electronic Medical Records The advantages of Electronic Medical Records Recommended online storage services forElectronic Medical Records.

Socializing Online Online Dating Blogging Social Networking Chat discussion boards and forums Online quizzes and surveys

Sharing Photos, Images & Video Sharing Photos Safely Image copyright infringement Sharing videos online Using webcams

Defensive Computing Browsing and searching Ads on search engines and sponsoredsearch results. Identifying secure/trusted websites Understand the risks in sharing information. Browser settings and filtering software.

Safe Practices Remember these helpful tips when using a computer for web surfing or online transactions: Treat your computer like your home. Never give out personal information! Talk to your kids about Internet safety. If it sounds too good to be true… it usually is!

Remember: The Benefits Out Weigh The Risks The Internet can be a valuableresource for you and your family: