There are so many risks when using the Internet, even though it is a wealth of information, it can also mean the end of your privacy, your identify and could cause a host of problems with your job, home, and so much more. Follow these 5 great tips to protect your family online.
We’ve solved a lot of problems such as viruses – and hopefully most of us have installed virus protection. We got tired of all of those pop-ups, and most browsers and computers offer pop-up blockers. Many of us have lost all of our data a time or two with computers crashing, and we’ve learned that backing up is worth the trouble.
But we’ve yet to find an efficient way to block identity theft, or privacy invasion in an easy to use and effective format. It seems that each time a company comes up with some type of protective software, those hackers find a way around it – inevitably.
This probably explains the fact that in America alone in 2011 –1 in 10 people had their identity stolen, to the tune of $31 billion dollars.
But in this unsure and dangerous world of the World Wide Web, there are some precautions you can take to protect yourself and your family from crime.
1. Don’t Disclose
If you’re visiting a site that requires too much information, fill in only the required fields. Make sure you find out their privacy policy before clicking that final button. Most have a checkbox near the bottom that asks if you’d be OK if they share your information – definitely check no.
2. When in Doubt – Fib
If you want to register or sign-up with a site or service, don’t disclose all of the correct information. Give them a bogus cell phone number, as well as any other information that won’t deter your transaction. Obviously your name, email and credit card information must be accurate, but the rest can just be filled in with fairy tales to confuse anyone who might be ready to pounce on your info.
Make sure your children are not providing your information as well. Many children’s sites require a registration. Go through the sign up process with your children and explain that it is never okay to use your information without permission.
3. Look for Secure Sites
Make sure that the websites start with https because the‘s’ at the end of that oh so familiar http means security. If you’re doing any shopping or any other financial transaction be certain that the ‘s’ is there – as well as the familiar lock that generally appears on most browsers, indicating a secure site. If the‘s’ or lock isn’t on that site, there is no security and you are open to thieves.
Most sites your children are most likely to use will have the lock symbol at the end. Double check the sites your children are on if you are not supervising by checking the web history. If the sites are not secure talk with your children and explain the risks of an unsecure site: identity theft to predator type situations!
4. Safe Site Add Ons
Most browsers offer the option to question sites that are not completely safe and ask you if you’d like to continue. It can be set up in your browser preferences. Make sure that when that browser pops up something questionable, it probably is. Avoid it and go to another more secure site for your needs. Advise your children to always ask for permission to proceed if a pop up advisor appear.
5. Identity Protection Applications
There are several out there, the most popular being IdentityFinder – which protects your identity by encrypting and deleting unsecure information on your computer. If you have a social security or credit card number lurking on your computer that could easily be accessed – this software will hunt it out, and either encrypt it, or delete it so that nobody else can gain access.
The best way to keep your information safe is to keep informed about the latest trends in identity theft, and other Internet crimes. PC Magazine has some information that might be useful, in “Identity Theft: What, Me Worry?” – or “Defending Your Identity.”
Never open emails that you are unsure of – educate your kids because they are usually the ones who open something interesting, and let a virus or spyware onto your computer. And best possible practice? Trust no one.
This article was written by Kristy Ramirez – a frugal mom who loves protects her children from the new dangers the internet faces. .
