How can the internet be a potential risk to your kids |
Viruses and Spyware – Can impact your PC’s performance and in the worse
cases, steal your passwords, credit cards and personal information.
Spammers, Phishers, Pharmers and Scammers – Can make misleading or
deceptive claims and con you or your kids into giving out personal or banking
information which can result in major $$$ loses.
Hackers, Zombies and Bots – Can gain unauthorized access to you or your
kid’s computer and steal personal or banking information or use your
computer to send Spam or attack other computers.
Porn – Pornography is the Internet’s #1 business – more profitable than
Google, Yahoo and EBay combined. Statistics show that teens are first
exposed to internet pornography around age 14; though some say it may be
younger. There are many free porn websites that are frequently the source of
Spyware and rouge dialers which can make expensive international long
distance calls without your knowledge.
Predators – One in three children are sexually solicited online each year.
Social networks, chat rooms and IM are frequently the starting point of these
dangerous relationships. Myspace, Xanga, Facebook, Flickr, del.icio.us and
many others now provide easy access to useful information about potential
“targets”.
Identity Theft – Occurs when someone uses your personal information
without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. The Internet is often
utilized to collect your personal information using many of the tools of the
trade listed above. Your privacy is at risk as well.
What can you do to make your kids safe on the Internet?
- Use Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware and Anti-Spam software plus a Firewall.
- Make sure Windows Update is set to automatic and is working.
- Use a Parental Control Software program.
- Talk to your kids openly and age-appropriately about the risks on the Internet.
- Treat personal identifying information like Gold, giving it out sparingly.
- Don’t enter contests or download “free” things unless you are absolutely certain
the source is legitimate.
- Never ever give out banking information, passwords or pins online to anyone
other than your bank (and make sure it is your bank!). Keep in mind banks will
not ask for your online password or pin through email.
Call us to help you protect your computers at home or office at
(504) 208-9798 or (985) 718-0964 or (877) 623-6996
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