Computer Security: How to Protect Yourself, Your Family & Your Computer

Posted on 05/12/2018 by Jonathan O'Brien

Using the Internet can be beneficial, educational, and fun but things are not always as they appear. Your bank may send an email explaining that for security reasons you need to change your password which in fact, can prove to be a criminal trying to access your information. Files attached to emails from friends could end up being a computer virus. The new friend your child meets online could turn out to be a child predator. These types of things happen to Internet users on a regular basis but with knowledge you will gain the power to protect your computer, your family, and yourself.

Personal Security

For personal security it's always best to create a password which would be very difficult for anyone to figure out. You should also not give your password to anyone or write it down in a place where someone could easily access it. Another great way to protect your online experience is by making sure your computer has an anti-virus program installed in order to catch any attacks. Some websites will collect data through cookies in order to gain information about your interests based on the websites you visit. You should also be aware of different cyber threats.

Cyber Threats

There are various cyber-threats on the Internet that everyone should be aware of. One of these threats is something known as phishing. Phishing is when people are sent to fraudulent websites, sent emails which contain false company logos or anything that would make a person believe the email was legitimate. Spyware is a cyber-threat in which information is collected through a computing system without the individual user's consent. This method of data collection is used by hackers, marketing organizations, and can even be used as a key-logging program installed on your personal computer by your spouse or other family member.

Personal Information and Internet Security

Personal information is always at risk with the convenience of online shopping and paying household bills online. Any personal information such as social security numbers, bank account information, passwords, etc., can easily be stolen. The best way to protect yourself online is to be aware of potential scams and Internet security issues. Make sure you use strong passwords and try not to use the same password for everything or change your password frequently. Always read the websites privacy policy and be sure that the payments you are making are secured. Using a public computer to make any type of financial transactions online is also never a good idea.

Keeping Children Safe When Using the Computer

Children enjoy time on the computer as much, if not more, than adults do. There are many educational benefits as well as the typical fun things they enjoy such as games, social networking websites, and chatting with their friends. Children face security issues online as well and parents should take precautions to protect them without compromising their children's Internet use. The first thing a parent can do in order to help protect a child online is to be open and honest with them about the dangers. A parent should also know the signs to be aware of, such as the child being online late into the night or receiving phone calls from unknown, older individuals. This may mean they are unwittingly communicating with a child predator. Parents may also want to utilize parental privacy controls as well as make sure the computer is in a room in which an adult can monitor a child's online activity. Internet safety should be a concern for our family no matter what their age.

Cyber-Bullying

Cyber-bullying is a growing concern when it comes to Internet safety. Cyber-bullying, in simple terms, is bullying taken to the Internet. Many people have dealt with a bully at some point in their life, though it is typically face-to-face communication. Recent years have shown an increase in bullies using the Internet to torment their victim. The victim can be sought out because the bully is seeking attention from their peers, seeking revenge because they too have been bullied, or because the bully feels it’s necessary to protect their friends. Being cyber-bullied can be emotionally damaging for the victim. In some instances it has led to the victim committing suicide.

Parents can protect children from cyber-bullies by keeping parent/child communication lines open. It is important to teach your child to ignore the bully. Discuss solutions with the child and if the bullying continues try blocking the bully from making any further contact. Keep a log of when and how often the incidents occur and, if all else fails, contact law enforcement.

Remember to create strong passwords, use a good anti-virus, and secure your wireless network. Gain a better understanding of malicious programs or emails that can harm your computer and steal personal information and prepare accordingly. Remain aware of the dangers children face online and monitor their online activities without compromising their space and privacy. The Internet can be a safe, fun place as long as precautions are taken to protect your computer, your family, and yourself.