We all know we need to stay safe while using the Internet, but we may not know just how to do that. In the past, Internet safety was mostly about protecting your computer from viruses. But today, the Internet's vast reach, constantly changing technologies, and growing social nature have made users more vulnerable to identity theft, privacy violations, and even harassment.



Adopting a safer mindset

When it comes to the Internet, people generally believe they are safer than they actually are. Why? Well, often the impersonal nature of technology can give us a false sense of security. After all, no one can physically attack us through a computer screen.

We tend to have an it-won't-happen-to-me attitude. We may even believe that our computer programs and the powers that be are automatically taking care of all that Internet security stuff for us. Sometimes we just avoid it all together because, to be frank, we just don't get it. Does this sound like you? Consider the following the questions:


Have you ever Googled yourself to see what information can be found on you?
Have you set your computer's security program to make sure you are getting regular updates?
Do you have an external backup source for your computer?
Are you enticed by emails or advertisements with special discount offers?
When shopping online, do you check a website's security status before entering your billing information?
Have you customized your privacy settings for your social networking accounts like Facebook, MySpace, and Skype?
Do these questions make you nervous? Don't worry, this tutorial is not meant to scold or scare you but instead to make you realize that there are precautions we should all be taking on a regular basis to maintain our personal safety and protect our computer while using the Internet.

Think of the Internet as you would a shopping mall


Generally, a mall is not considered a dangerous place. We go there to shop, run errands, and meet people, but we also take precautions while there. We wouldn't leave our car unlocked in the parking lot or walk around with our wallet hanging out of our purse. We wouldn't tell a sales clerk our Social Security Number or give our address to a stranger we just met.

The same applies when we are on the Internet. We need not fear our every mouse click, but we should take precautions to ensure our safety.



Understanding Internet threats

Before we can learn how to protect ourselves, we need to understand what the threats are on the Internet. Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn common Internet safety terms that pertain to our computers and identity theft.



Internet safety and privacy

In the past, Internet safety generally referred to threats to computer hardware or identity theft, but now with the Internet becoming more and more social, privacy has become a significant safety concern. Privacy violations can especially affect our mental and physical well-being, thus creating distress or harm from the following:

Undesired advertisements that can be annoying
Embarrassing or humiliating photos or videos
Legal entanglements from libelous posts
Cyber-harassment or cyber-stalking
Identity theft
Offline or real-world crimes



Googling yourself

Do you know how much anyone can quickly find out about you and your background just by conducting a simple web search? Most people don't know that personal records such as their address, phone number, and sometimes even pictures can be easily accessible to anyone online. While this information may not be harmful, in some situations you could put yourself at risk by not knowing what is out there. For instance, someone only needs to find out your home phone number, and they can find your address and directions to your house just by doing a simple online search. Google yourself regularly to find out which websites and public databases share information about you.

Make the most out of your search

Googling Yourself
Enter search terms such as your name, email address, home and work address, and phone number in a variety of ways to get the most accurate and complete results. Also, putting quotes around your search terms tells the search engine to find a specific phrase just how you wrote it. This will make your search more efficient.

First name and last name: "Will Bolding”
First, middle, and last name: “Will Edward Bolding”
Last name followed by a comma and then your first name: “Bolding, Will”
Last name followed by a comma, your first name, and middle name: “Bolding, Will Edward”
Street address: “2521 Street Address Lane”
Phone number (using no spaces or hyphens searches all instances of your number): “9195554444”
Email address: “boldingsoccer@email.com”
Removing your information from websites

You can ask a website to remove your information. Keep in mind that they are not always obligated to comply with your request. If the information posted about you is a direct threat to your safety and you need help negotiating with a website to remove the content, you can contact WiredSafety.org. They will be able to advise you on your specific case.

You can also pay an outside service like Reputation.com to remove your personal information online. For most people, this kind of service is unnecessary, but keep in mind that it is an option.