Has something made you feel unsafe or upset whilst online?
Here are some tips to help you stay safe whilst using it.
Ways to Stay Safe online
Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date. Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
Set strong passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources you are not familiar with
Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, etc. Be wary of requests to connect from people you do not know.
Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending over it.
Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
Read the site’s privacy policies. Though long and complex, privacy policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.
Catfishing
What is it?
A catfish has been defined by WebMD as "a term for a person who pretends to be someone else online."
"A catfish uses fake photos, and sometimes a false persona, to find friends or romantic partners on the internet,"
Signs of Catfishing
The person refuses to show his or her face - Those who catfish usually refuse to go on video chats or send candid selfies as they may have only a handful of photos of the person they're pretending to be. Someone who is catfishing also usually refuses to meet you in person.
Too good to be true life stories - Those who catfish usually make up some too good to be true life stories. There are those who make sure their fake stories also somehow fits the life of the person they're fooling.
They may ask for money - A person you never met in person asking for money is usually up to no good.
How to Protect Yourself
Take control of your online persona. Search yourself online, If you see results showing a lot of personal information about you, it is probably time to lock down your social media accounts, setting them to private. See the links at the bottom of the page for more information on how to do this.
Be careful of online relationships, anything and everything online can be faked, the person you met through the internet, may not be who you think they are.
Be careful when speaking to people online and do not share anything personal with someone unless you are absolutely sure you know who they are.
Welcome to Interland, a game designed to provide lessons for online safety. Play Interland to become a more confident explorer of the online world.
Protect your Health and Wellbeing online
Take a break from your computer screen at least once an hour to change your position and have a screen break
Wear glasses or contact lenses if you need them
Ensure you screen isn't too bright, you can adjust this in the settings for your device
Look away from the screen every 20 minutes using the 20-20-20 rule. This means that you should look away every 20 minutes at something 20 metres away for 20 seconds. This allows the eyes to re-focus and prevent strain.
Check your posture to make sure you are not slumping over your device, your feet should be flat on the floor.
Be aware of the images and content you are seeing, social media and especially influencers do not always provide a realistic portrayal of their life, comparing yourself or trying to compete can lead to anxiety and stress.
Question the content you read, who wrote it and what was their motive? Do not automatically believe everything. There is a lot of 'fake news' online.
Think before you post! Do you really want people to know this? Do you think in ten years time you will still want people to read it?
Remember your future employers and University Admissions Tutors search online to learn more about potential candidates.
If you are unsure DO NOT POST!
Do you want to know more?
Thinuknow - advice from CEOP (The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command )
