Safety and Privacy

Why is Being Safe Online Important?

Internet safety is every ones responsibility. It’s all about being able to have fun online – to be able to chat with your friends, to post a video that you’ve made or a song that you’ve written, to be free to find out more about information you’re interested in and check out the latest trends - without being bullied, annoyed or scammed, or having your ideas stolen including identity theft.

Internet safety is a lot more than just ensuring that your computer has the latest anti-virus and firewall software installed. It’s about being smart about how you handle yourself online and savvy about how you deal with other people (especially strangers who you meet online), and not falling prey to an online scam artist who takes advantage of your ignorance

The way you teach children about safety when they leave the house (i.e. look both ways before crossing the road), is equally as important as teaching children how to stay safe online. These are skills that will stay with you for life time.

Topics Covered on this page include:

Why is Being Safe Online Important?

Safety Tips

Tips to Avoid Phishing

How Private Are You?

Resources about Privacy

Privacy in Libraries and Schools

Safety and You

Safety Tips

How To Protect Your Phone From HackersYour cell phone holds some of your most sensitive personal information. Things like your passwords and account numbers, emails, text messages, photos, and videos.

cyber_secure_a_one_stop_guide_to_stay_safe_online.pdf

Why Staying Safe Online Is More Critical Now Than Ever Before | 2024It's hard to imagine a world without the internet. We use it to stay connected with friends and family, do our shopping, and access information at the touch

Digital Tattoos Photo Credit: IWSMT Jordyn Sparks said it well when she sang, "Like a tattoo, I'll always have you." Most people think of our digita...

Tips to Avoid Phishing

How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing ScamsScammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal and financial information. But there are several ways to protect yourself.

Protect Your Personal Information and Data.
Protect your cell phone by setting software to update automatically.
Protect your accounts by using multi-factor authentication.
Protect your data by backing it up with both your phone and computer.

How Private Are You?

Living a private life is a difficult choice in today's society where social media and the internet are being utilized every second of the day. Metadata is constantly being collected based on what articles you read and what links you click. Providing a digital snapshot of you and your online interests and hobbies. What does your click history say about you? The resources below will educate you on how to take back control of your digital footprint.

Resources about Privacy

Privacy and You Living a private life is a difficult choice in today's society where social media and the internet are being utilized every second of the ...

What do you deem "acceptable"?Today accessing the internet is as simple as reaching into your pocket. Schools are providing one-to-one technology for students to each hav...

Privacy and Information SharingMany Americans say they might provide personal information in commercial settings, depending on the deal being offered and how much risk they face.

Americans and Privacy: Concerned, Confused and Feeling Lack of Control Over Their Personal InformationMajorities of U.S. adults believe their personal data is less secure now, that data collection poses more risks than benefits, and that it is not possible to go through daily life without being tracked.

Privacy in Libraries and Schools

Public entities such as schools and libraries who are working with children are required by law to take extra precautions when children access the internet. Learn more about what rights you have and what actions are taking place to support privacy online.

Safety and You

Children's privacy laws FERPA, COPPA, and CIPA are explained as well as a review of local policies for schools and libraries in Naperville. Resources for parents, caregivers, and educators are inlcuded at the end.

Privacy: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of RightsAll people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use.1 When users recognize or fear that their privacy or confidentiality is compromised, true freedom of inquiry no longer exists. Privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought, and free association. Federal and state courts have established a First Amendment right to receive information in a publicly funded library.2 Further, the courts have upheld the right to privacy based on the U.S. Constitution.All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Protecting user privacy and confidentiality has long been an integral part of the mission of libraries. The American Library Association has affirmed a right to privacy since 1939. Existing ALA policies affirm that confidentiality is crucial to freedom of inquiry.