What Are the Dangers of Internet Safety?
The Internet can be a valuable source of information. With the endless amounts of resources and information that can be sought out and exchanged online, the risk for Internet danger is heightened, and web security becomes a necessity to virtual life. Not only are there inappropriate images and promotions that may reach children, but there are also online predators, viruses and scams that may become prevalent through common web searches.
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Children and The Internet
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The online world offers children access to virtual experiences that are educational and recreational. However, at the click of a button, the Internet can pose a huge threat to children, as online predators, cyber-bullies and scam artists become much closer to home. To continue to make surfing theweb educational and entertaining for children, parents are strongly encouraged to use preventative measures to avoid online catastrophes. There are several guides, manuals and books that online security experts have created for parents to help prevent children from becoming victims of Internet crime. SafeOnline 101 is one such book, written by Benjamin Halpert.
Internet Fraud
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Because of the enormity of the Internet, precaution and common sense about potential fraud is integral to a functioning online life. According to the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation, approximately 60 percent of reported fraud cases originate online. The most common types of Internet fraud cases involve online auctions and undelivered merchandise. To help avoid potential threats, federal investigators highly recommend understanding as much as possible about how an online auction works, finding out what your obligations are as a merchant (seller) or as a buyer. Additionally, it is wise to learn as much as you can about a seller before doing business with them. Things to check for successful business transactions in the past, preferred methods of payment and where the seller is located; it is not advised to do business with a person outside of the United States, as it is harder to track information if needed.
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Online Viruses
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To avoid online viruses attacking your PC, download an Internet security program. Internet security programs (for example, Norton Antivirus, and McAfee) help block viruses, trojan horses, spyware, malware and ad hackers from harming and destroying your computer and gaining access to your personal information. Internet security programs also offer parental control options so that it is easier to monitor children's online activity. Internet security software should be updated often to help protect your files and information.
Shared Information
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Sharing information over the Internet threatens personal security. If you are interacting with others online, it is best to keep details about yourself and your life private. Do not give out personal information, such as addresses, phone numbers, full names, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers and bank information. Scam artists and hackers can easily use your information to rack up faulty charges at your expense, and even steal your identity. Be wary of unfamiliar emails that show up in your email in-box. Scam artists have started to target personal email addresses as a way to have people transfer funds for fraudulent causes.
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References
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