How to Stay Safe on the Internet
We invite suggestions as to how we can all stay safe on the Internet because we believe no one person can know everything and that all knowledge that is not shared, is wasted. We will offer information we believe is of value on this vital topic that affects every single person who accesses the Internet. We then encourage you to interact and comment on this information. Add your experiences and views or ask questions, make suppositions based on what you feel might be the answer and in short, get involved.
As we build up a bank of information and experience, the value of the site will grow exponentially, so the sooner we start to chip in, the sooner we will all get far more from this site than any single person can contribute. That, after all, is what the Internet is supposed to be about and not spamming, phishing or scamming people online.
Stay Safe On The Internet – #1 AVOIDANCE
The simplest way to stay safe on the Internet is to not go online. Avoid the danger zone. It is a bit like worrying about being bitten by a shark. If you don’t go swimming in the sea or a river estuary, then the odds of a shark being able to bite you diminish to virtually zero. You can still swim, just do it in a swimming pool. So how do we equate that to the Internet? There is no alternative to the Internet but the Internet, right?
Technically speaking there is only the one Internet. There are ‘intra-nets’ but we are talking about the world wide web, the big guy. There is only one but if you are really worried for your safety then you need to assess your need to go online. If you must have email, then get a secure email service that includes built in spam protection and anti-virus software. Go online, download your mail and then read it offline. Compose your replies and then go back online just long enough to send them, then switch off again.
By minimizing your exposure online you minimize your risk. Simple but effective. When it comes to finding information out, then you have two choices. Avoid using public or shared computers and rely on your own where you know how up to date and thorough the anti-viral software is, or; use a public computer at the library and never input personal details or connect yourself with anything you view in any way.
Avoid using the internet for your banking or any other transactions that expose your finances to risk. Go to the bank or use phone banking, but keep in mind that is hackable, too. The least you use the Internet the least chance it can harm you, providing you are competent in using it when you are online.