Happy Safer Internet Day!

It feels strange that we have a day dedicated to safer Internet when 25 years ago, the Internet was still considered an emerging fad. Times have certainly changed, and the way we use our Internet has changed with it.

My family has a running joke. If you need to know how to set up or fix any device, give it to a grandkid. It seems like nowadays children are so connected to technology. It is not uncommon to see a three-year-old on the iPad. We all use the Internet, but there are those in our household that are vulnerable to scams, hacks, and cyber-attacks.

It feels strange that we have a day dedicated to safer Internet when 25 years ago, the Internet was still considered an emerging fad. Times have certainly changed, and the way we use our Internet has changed with it.

My family has a running joke. If you need to know how to set up or fix any device, give it to a grandkid. It seems like nowadays children are so connected to technology. It is not uncommon to see a three-year-old on the iPad. We all use the Internet, but there are those in our household that are vulnerable to scams, hacks, and cyber-attacks.

Here’s a list of our top 10 tips to keep your family safe while online:

● Create Complex Passwords

Let’s not be that person that uses “password” as their password or 1234. 

Create a complex password that is over ten characters long, includes numbers and unique symbols, such as; # or &. We also suggest using different passwords for each online account you have. Keeping track of each password can get tedious. Using a password manager makes keeping your passwords safe easier.

● Browse Responsibly

You know how they say, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is? The same can be said about scam offers and fake websites. A good rule to remember is: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Only visit websites or click links that you know are safe. If you are unsure, you can always do a quick check via transparencyreport.google.com/safe-browsing/search with the site you want to check before you go to that site.

● Think Twice Before Downloading

DO NOT wait; let’s repeat that, DO NOT download anything including apps or files from websites you do not know, trust, or look suspicious.

● Use Public WiFi Responsibly

Internet access without passwords or free WiFi locations that you find at most coffee shops or restaurants can be dangerous. Public internet access points have been breeding grounds for man-in-the-middle attacks.

Data is sent from point A to point B (the computer and Internet), but people can easily get in between these transmissions with public WiFi. They can see your personal information (i.e., passwords) and slip malware on your device without you knowing.

● Only Purchase From Secure Websites

When you make an online purchase, you trust that company with your credit card or banking information. To check the security of a website, look at the URL or address bar. An easy way to make sure you’re safe shopping is when the URL starts with HTTPS. The “s” in HTTPS stands for secure.

● Remember, the Internet is Forever

Be thoughtful before you post. Social media platforms allow you to delete posts, but does that mean they go away? The short answer is NO. Just because you delete a post does NOT mean it disappears from the Internet. People can keep what you say forever with a simple screenshot. If you don’t want everyone to see it, especially a potential employer, don’t post it.

● Enable Internet Safe Searching and Parental Controls

At InfoWest, your safety and the safety of your children are a priority. InfoWest offers a safe Internet search and parental controls option that allows you to have peace of mind when your children are online. You do not have to be an InfoWest customer to take advantage of this service.

Block specific websites, filter content, disable internet connections to a particular device and have a log of all the sites visited in your home on your cell phone. Manage the way your family interacts with the Internet easily.

● Keep Privacy Settings On

Web browsers offer settings to protect your privacy online. Turn and keep privacy settings on.

● Keep Personal Information Limited

Limit the information you reveal online and on your social media profiles. There is no reason why people should know your exact address.

● Keep Your Internet Security Up To Date

Software companies constantly make tweaks to fix bugs and holes in their systems. Make sure your internet security is up-to-date for the most recent version.

If you have an InfoWest router, these updates are automatically taken care of for you.

The Internet is a fun and exciting place to visit. The information we can access with the Internet is limitless. Let’s make the Internet safer for everyone by keeping ourselves safe online.