Why Is it Important to Be Safe Online?

The Internet provides resources, opportunities, and information that contemporary culture has learned to rely on, but it can still be dangerous terrain for the unwary. There are reasons for both children and adults to take steps to be safe online.

Cyber-Bullying

Cyber-bullying pairs old-fashioned threats, harassment, and humiliation with technology that allows children to attack each other quickly, persistently, and somewhat anonymously from what should be the safety of home. Bullying usually takes place on social media sites like Facebook and MySpace, creating emotional distress for its targets. There have been suicides and physical altercations associated with cyber-bullying in recent years.

Internet Predators

Both adults and children can be the targets of online predators. The aims of these predators generally include sexual violence or molestation, with rarer cases of other types of physical violence and abuse, including murder. Minors and women are often targeted for these crimes.

Identity Theft

Identity theft involves culling enough details of a person's digital thumbprint in order to gain access to financial services and personal records. Identity thieves amass debt in another person's name by using existing credit cards or applying for new ones, soliciting loans, and writing checks.

Phishing

"Phishing" is a branch of identity theft that gains access to personally identifiable information, such as user names and passwords, by sending email messages prompting you to enter information in order to gain access to your account. They strive to look like a legitimate site from a company you already do business with, and they learn your log-in information when you comply with their directions.

Malware

"Malware" is the shorthand name for malicious software. This includes viruses, Trojan horses, worms, and other applications intended to corrupt or destroy the information stored on your computer. Software download sites and pornography sites often become the unwitting carriers of malware to their users.

References

• Internet Dangers Report blog
• Safety Clicks blog