You do everything from work to date to bank on the Internet, so it's no surprise that criminals, con artists and sexual predators use the Web to target their victims. Shady Internet users can gain access to your personal computer or use your email's address and information you think isn't important to gain access to your life. They can also pretend they're someone they're not, like a teen, to target your children for sexual crimes. It's important to be mindful of Internet safety each time you log on.
Computer Protection
Make sure your Internet virus protection and personal firewall are up to date and functioning properly. Identity thieves can gain access to your computer and get your private financial or personal information if you leave your system open to intrusion.
Personal Information
If you like to chat with people in forums or game rooms, or if you like to frequent online dating sites, make sure you're hyper-vigilant about the information you give strangers. "Online Dating Magazine" points out that it takes very little information for a smart criminal to gain access to your personal information. Set up an email address you only use for online communications that isn't associated with your school, work or finances. Don't mention your specific neighborhood, your children's names or any other identifying information.
Meeting
If you've established a friendship or potential romantic partner online, "Online Dating Magazine" recommends meeting in a public place. Crowds provide witnesses and a sense of safety when meeting someone who could be a potential predator. Make plans to meet in person as soon as you're comfortable. Prolonging an Internet-only relationship gives the other person more time to build your trust, manipulate you and subtly gain access to your information. You can continue the relationship online after you've met, but meeting is critical for making sure a person is who he claims to be online.
Kids
Talk to your children about Internet safety and monitor their use whenever possible. Use parental control and monitoring software if you're unable to monitor your children's Internet activity by yourself. Create strict rules and guidelines for Internet use, and insist that your kids don't talk to people they don't know and don't agree to meet anyone they met online, cautions the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Monitor social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook to see who your kids' online contacts are.
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