Computer Viruses

• A computer virus can compromise your computer's security and integrity by installing dangerous programs on your hard drive that can steal personal information and make the unit unusable. Protecting your computer is an essential safety rule when connecting to the Internet. Different companies can help provide security to your computer that will detect any viruses and scan your hard drive for any other potential threats (see Resources).
  
  

Email Safety

• When using an email account online, it is important to make sure it is password protected. When selecting a password, do not use any personal information, as hackers could gain access to your account and place your computer and personal identity in jeopardy. Most email accounts contain a "spam" system that filters dangerous or unknown messages. Spam is defined as unsolicited emails. Do not open any unknown emails as they can contain viruses, scams and other fraudulent content.
  
  

Instant Messaging

• Participating in online chat forums and instant messaging services can be a fun way of meeting people and developing friendships. Be careful when utilizing these systems as computer hackers can use a chat room or instant message service to download computer viruses and spyware to your hard drive. Spyware is a software program that is secretly installed on your computer to obtain personal information, check the websites you have visited and target you for certain advertising campaigns. If another user messages you to click on a link, delete the communication immediately. Clicking on an unknown link could install a virus into your computer that can compromise your personal information or make your device unusable.
  
  

Parental Controls

• Parental controls can improve your computer's security by protecting your children from gaining access to Internet sites that can be dangerous or unsuitable. Although parental controls are not a substitute for Internet supervision, they can decrease the chance of children clicking on links that could pose a threat to themselves or the computer. Parental controls can be set by visiting your computer's user control settings (see Resources).
  
  

Web Page Security

• When accessing the Internet, never disclose personal information to unverified companies or people. At times, Internet users might be completing an application process, enjoying online shopping or managing a financial account. Before entering any personal information, make sure that the website is secure. A secure website contains special programs that stop hackers from copying or gaining access to your personal information. To determine that a website is secure, look for a padlock or key symbol located on the top right-hand side of the website's URL browser. Another way to determine whether a website is secure is to make sure that there is the letter 's' following 'http' in the site's URL.