With the World Wide Web, we can now explore the world from the comfort of home. But, that doesn't mean we've left all the dangers behind. Just like regular tourists, we need to take precautions: to protect our computers from hackers and viruses, our children from predators and our identity from theft.

General online safety
Most people use a dial-up connection to access the Internet, and the following tips can help prevent or minimize damage.

· Use antivirus software.
· Update antivirus software regularly.
· Don't fall for e-mail deceptions - don't open attachments unless you know what they are, even if you know the sender. And if you send an attachment, include text explaining it.
· Use strong passwords with at least eight characters and some numbers or symbols.
· Use your software's security features.
· Back up important files.
· Act immediately if your computer becomes infected.
· Report serious incidents to your Internet provider.

If you're planning to upgrade to high-speed Internet access or have sensitive information on your computer, you should:

· Install a firewall to block access to your computer.
· Turn off software features you don't use.

For more information, visit the following sites:

http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/net_safety.html Internet Safety

http://www.safekids.com/  SafeKids.com 

www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/spam/index.html Spam e-mail web site

Protecting kids online
If you're a parent or teacher, you want to protect your children. To help, rules were established for web site operators. Web sites for children must post their privacy policy. And, if they collect information from kids under 13, they must post their collection practices including:
· Any personal information they ask for,
· How they will use that information,
· If they will forward that information to advertisers or third parties, and
· How to contact someone at their site.

In addition, in many cases a site must obtain parental consent before collecting, using or disclosing personal information about a child. However, consent is not required to respond to one-time requests, provide notice to the parent, ensure the safety of the child or the site, or send regular information or newsletters as long as the parent has been notified.

Parents should monitor children on the Internet and look for the privacy policy on children's sites. Read this policy closely to learn:
· what personal information may be collected,
· how it will be used, and
· if it will be passed on.
Then, decide whether to give your consent. Often you can give consent to information collection and still say no to passing information to a third party.

Guard Against Identity Theft
And finally, be sure to protect your identity. By using your name, Social Security number (SSN), credit card number or another personal identifier, someone can commit fraud or theft. For example, thieves can:

· Open a new credit card account with your name, SSN, and birth date; then stick you with the bills and a bad credit report.
· Call your credit card issuer, pretend to be you and change the mailing address on your account. Unless you're watching for your statement, you may not realize there's a problem immediately.
· Establish cellular phone service in your name.
· Open a bank account in your name and write fraudulent checks.

Protect your personal information by making sure you know how it will be used and if it will be kept confidential. The following steps can also help:
· Provide your SSN only when absolutely necessary; use other identifiers when possible.
· Watch for bills and follow up with creditors if bills don't arrive on time.
· Carry only the identification and credit cards you actually need.
· Put strong passwords on credit cards, bank and phone accounts.
· Store personal information in a safe place, and tear or shred statements, forms or checks and credit offers before discarding.
· Order a copy of your credit report annually.
· Use a secure browser when shopping online, and look for the lock icon when submitting purchase information.

Check the following resources for further details on protecting your identity.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/ Identity Theft

http://www.k12science.org/internetsafety.html Internet Safety for Teachers and Students