Privacy Online

Keep personal information private.

Birthdates, addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers are private! Yes, that’s right… do not provide this information online unless you are certain the site is safe, better yet, check with a responsible adult. Of course passwords should never be shared.

Keep two email accounts

Set up one account for friends and family and another for providing to merchants or businesses. That way you can keep your personal email from filling up with spam or junk emails.

Never open Spam emails

Do not open or reply to unfamiliar emails. These emails could contain harmful files or viruses. Simply mark these emails as spam. Change your email address if you begin to receive a large number of spam.

Be careful when you click.

Ads such as “you’ve won” or “it’s free,” could contain harmful files which could hurt your computer. Also some free games may come with spyware or webbugs which can track your web usage to gain private information.

Look for Privacy Policies and Seals.

McAfee Site advisor offers a free browser plug-in that offers advice on the safety of websites before you click. Take a minute to read the privacy policy of any unfamiliar sites.

Cookies can be bad for you

Cookies are tidbits of information the web stores in your computer. This information can be helpful, i.e. passwords or user ids, but cookies also can be used to track web usage. Make sure your web browser includes a good cookie management system.

Turn off your computer

Do not allow your computer to run 24/7 unattended. Even with firewalls and security an unattended computer can be an open invitation to a computer invader.

View online information with a critical eye.

Realize that anything can be copied, pasted, or forwarded with a few clicks. Gossip can be spread easily.

Use Privacy Settings on Facebook and other social networks.

Do you really want everyone in cyberspace to be able to see your pictures and information? Limit access to close friends and people you know

Think before you post

Digital life is both, public and permanent. Are you aware that parents, colleges or potential employers may be reading what you post?