Top Ten Cyber Security Tips for Teens, Teachers and Families
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Be a responsible cyber citizen. |
If you use the Internet, you're a citizen of a global
community-a cyber citizen. Just like being a citizen of
your local community, being a cyber citizen has responsibilities.
Use the Internet to share knowledge that makes people's
lives better. Keep safe, use good manners and respect
the laws.
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Use anti-virus software. |
A computer virus is a program that can invade your computer
and damage or destroy information. Anti-virus software
is designed to protect you and your computer against known
viruses. But with new viruses emerging daily, anti-virus
programs need to be updated regularly. Check with the
web site of your anti-virus software company to see some
sample descriptions of viruses and to get regular updates
for your software. Stop viruses in their tracks!
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Do not open email from unknown sources. |
Delete email from unknown sources. Watch out for files
attached to e-mails, particularly those with an "exe"
extension-even if people you know sent them to you. Some
files transport and distribute viruses and other programs
that can permanently destroy files and damage computers
and Web sites. Do not forward e-mail if you are not completely
sure that any attached files are safe.
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Use hard-to-guess passwords and keep
them private. |
Do not write passwords down on small pieces of paper taped
to your computer. You would be surprised how many people
are sloppy about keeping their passwords private. Passwords
that are easy to-guess are a bad choice. In other words,
if your name is "Dan" do not make your password "Dan."
Change your passwords regularly and don't give your passwords
to anyone! Tell your family that combinations of letters,
numbers and symbols are harder to crack than just words.
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Protect computers with firewalls. |
Install firewalls for your family-it is not difficult.
A firewall helps prevent hackers from breaking into your
computer or the computers that belong to your family.
Firewalls help prevent thieves from stealing and using
private information including your phone number and credit
card numbers, which may be stored on a family computer.
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Do not share access to your computers
with strangers. Learn about file sharing risks. |
Your computer operating system may allow other computers
on a network, including the Internet, to access the hard-drive
of your computer in order to "share files". This ability
to share files can be used to infect your computer with
a virus or look at the files on your computer if you do
not pay close attention. Check your operating system and
other program help files to learn how to disable file
sharing. Do not share access to your computer with strangers!
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Disconnect from the Internet when
not in use. |
The Internet is a two-way road. You get information and
also send information. Turning off the Internet makes
sure that someone else on the Internet can't enter your
computer and cause harm. Disconnecting your computer from
the Internet when you are not online lessens the chance
that someone will be able to access your computer.
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Back-up your computer regularly. |
Help your family back up all household computers onto
external media such as CD's or diskettes.
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Regularly download security protection
update "patches". |
Security flaws are regularly found in operating systems
and application software. Companies that make software
release quick fixes called "patches" that you should install
to correct the latest software flaw. It is a good idea
to check for security updates on the publisher's Web site
for all the software you own.
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Help your family to check computer
security on a regular basis. |
Evaluate computer security at least twice a year. To help
remember, do it when you change the clocks for daylight-savings
time! Check for all of the items listed previously.
