This blog is intended to "Educate" parents, students and teachers on cyber safety. These seven pages have introduced many of the issues concerning cyber safety or the lack there of. Now is time, for all of us, parents, students and teachers to become more "Engaged" in all aspects of cyber safety. We have all become cyber citizens, like it or not. Just like in our physical communities, the process of becoming and staying good ethical cyber citizens demands that we become "Empowered" through education and true diligence to be personally safe in the online world and to encourage others, especially children, in these areas of responsibilities. Following you will find some parting information to help stay current on cyber issues, to help protect yourself, children and equipment, and reminders about reporting cyber concerns.
The US Department of Justice sums up everything this blog covers by saying,
"We live in an exciting time in history. The widespread availability of computers and Internet connections provides unprecedented opportunities to communicate and learn. Unfortunately, although most people use the Internet as a powerful and beneficial tool for communication and education, some individuals exploit the power of the Internet for criminal or terrorist purposes.
We can minimize the harm that such individuals do by learning ourselves, and teaching young people, how to use the Internet safely and responsibly. The term "cyberethics" refers to a code of safe and responsible behavior for the Internet community. Practicing good cyberethics involves understanding the risks of harmful and illegal behavior online and learning how to protect ourselves, and other Internet users, from such behavior. It also involves teaching young people, who may not realize the potential for harm to themselves and others, how to use the Internet safely and responsibly." Source:
http://www.cybercrime.gov/cyberethics.htm (emphasis added)
Up to Date Research on Dangers
Everyday new cyber issues arise; hackers, identity theft involving children, viruses, cellphone dangers, etc. To help keep the importance of being cyber safe, it is essential to know the latest dangers. There are many websites on the Internet that can give you information. Some of the best are the national news sites, like NBC or CBS. Here is a current story of cyberbullying, MSN Cyberbullying Affects Parents .
This website, Latest Computer Crime News , lists current computer issues by date and gives snippets of information so you can decide which ones you want to read completely. Read a few and set up a reminder to periodically check back here for more information.
Other resources for current cyber concerns:
US Department of Justice Site - discusses the latest crimes and the penalties imposed on offenders. These types of details should make all of us more cyber-conscience.
Kaspersky.com - an excellent site for everything dealing with cyber safety and security.
Realistic Tips and Resources to Help Manage the Internet, Bar Intrusions and Promote Cyber Safety
This blog has covered many tips for parents, students and teachers. To summarize, these are the things we should all remember:
- Follow the AUP at school and consider having a similar contract for home use
- Keep operating systems and security software up to date
- Keep computers in open spaces in your home
- Use, protect and periodically change well-made passwords
- Do not give out personal information on the Internet, general websites as well as social networking sites
- Report any suspicious activity; know where and how to report
A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety
Be sure to read this, Rules for CyberSpace list of 7 "Do's" and 8 Don'ts" for children. It also links to other safe and useful sites for children. This site also discusses a cyber crime committed by a student hacker and the consequences he faced.
This Stay Safe Online site has a tremendous amount of information about cyber security for parents, educators and students. It includes tips for users as well as interactive games, quizzes, and lesson plan information for the classroom. Another excellent source.
Two other great websites, previously mentioned in this blog are the GetNetWise and NetSmatz.org for tips, games, and lesson plans.
For tips to help stay safe while surfing away from home, see this article, Safely Surf the Internet From a Public Wireless Network .
Stay Up-To-Date on Internet Law
Please see this site to read the latest information about laws concerning Internet safety, security, rights and responsibilities, Internet Law .
This site is made for the everyday user, Be Crime Smart . It also has excellent links to much useful information.
For general definitions of cyber terms, see this CyberSmart Glossary .
Steps for Protecting One's Technology Equipment
This website, http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/ gives the following as a good review of responsibilities for protecting your equipment as previously discussed:
"What Should I Do To Secure My Home Computer?
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| Courtesy; Google Images |
Task 1 - Install and use anti-virus programs
Task 2 - Keep your system patched
Task 3 - Use care when reading email with attachments
Task 4 - Install and use a firewall program
Task 5 - Make backups of important files and folders
Task 6 - Use strong passwords
Task 7 - Use care when downloading and installing programs
Task 8 - Install and use a hardware firewall
Task 9 - Install and use a file encryption program and access controls"
To keep your computer operating system current, check their websites periodically:
Task 2 - Keep your system patched
Task 3 - Use care when reading email with attachments
Task 4 - Install and use a firewall program
Task 5 - Make backups of important files and folders
Task 6 - Use strong passwords
Task 7 - Use care when downloading and installing programs
Task 8 - Install and use a hardware firewall
Task 9 - Install and use a file encryption program and access controls"
To keep your computer operating system current, check their websites periodically:
Microsoft Windows update: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
Apple: http://www.apple.com/support
For a review of home computer security, watch this video, Internet Security , which includes reminders about firewalls and anti-virus software.
For a review of home computer security, watch this video, Internet Security , which includes reminders about firewalls and anti-virus software.
Checking Cyber Issues and Reporting Concerns
CyberCrime.gov is an excellent site that summarizes various types of cyber concerns/crimes and lists where to report them. It contains actual links to reporting places such as the FBI local offices, US Secret Service Offices, states' Attorney General offices, and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
So, what does it C.O.S.T. you to be cyber safe?????.......not nearly as much as it might C.O.S.T. you if you are not!
