Safeguarding your Identity While Online i-Safe, Inc.

Online ID – What can you tell?  Look at the screen names below. What does each one say about that person? Put the names in order from least informative to most informative. 1.Jessica4dance 2.Smithstealshome 3.Bayareababe 4.Dancinfun 5.Fred14

Think About It  What does your screen name say about you?  When you choose a screen name you want something that allows you to remain anonymous, or unknown. Don’t include personal information.  Why do you think you shouldn’t include personal information?  What are some of the dangers?

Screen Names  Screen names should never contain or refer to:  First and/or last names  Address  Phone number  Date of birth (complete or partial) or age  Social Security number  address  Combinations of personal information such as those listed above  Combinations of personal information plus descriptions of such information as, but not limited to gender, school name, favorite sport, favorite celebrity, family member names

Password Protection  Look at the information about each person below. What are some common and obvious guesses as to what their passwords might be? 1.John – John lives in the Tampa Bay area where the Bucs play. He is a really big fan. He loves football. 2.Jessica – Jessica loves all the popular music groups. She is head over heels in love with Justin Timberlake. 3.Ali – Ali is afraid to forget her password. She wanted something simple she could always remember.

Think About It  Think about your own password.  Is it something obvious? Could someone easily guess it? Does anyone else know it?  When someone knows or can guess your password you could be in trouble. This allows them access to you. They could pretend to be you.  What types of dangers are involved when others know or can guess your password?

Passwords  Follow these rules for creating safe passwords:  Be lengthy – at least 8 characters  Contain a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols  Change it if you think its secrecy is in doubt  Remember it should not contain personal information, be shared, be easily guessed, or be put in an .

Remember  It is important to select safe and secure screen names and passwords.