This guide might be very basic for some, but based on the questions I get it
seems there is a lot of confusion out there about some basic
ideas and
principles regarding the internet and internet security. So, let's take a step
back and go over the basics of the internet and protecting your family and
identity when using it.
We will also go over some of the content contained on this site that will hopefully help us understand the internet better and keep our computers, families and identities safe when online. It will also help us to understand some key Michigan laws and how they pertain to your internet security.
The internet is simply a means of communication. Just about every program on your computer communicates over the internet in some way. Either by allowing you to communicate directly with others like through instant messaging or just simply looking for updates from the programs manufacturer. Unfortunately, every one of those routes of communication, as well as others that are left open for future programs to use, allow a means for predators, viruses and spyware to infect your family, your life and your computer.
In contrast to that, I will now tell you to relax. After putting some basic security measures in place, understanding how they work and educating your family, you and your family can use the internet safely, securely and without any more worry than you would have if you were taking a walk to the park or shopping in your local neighborhood store.
Update Microsoft Windows!
No
anti-virus program or firewall in the world will save your computer and private information
if we don't update our operating system regularly. Fortunately, these updates can take
place without you ever having to do a thing and are included with your computer
for free. We just need to make sure the updates are working properly.
Anti-Virus Software, Firewalls and Security Suites
The next step is to make sure we protect our computer from viruses and make sure those routes of communication our programs use ("ports" in computer jargon) are only being used by the programs they should be used by. This is one of those areas in life where you have to make the "right" choice. Having too little, too much or the wrong kind of protection can be disastrous. There are literally thousands of pieces of software and hardware out there that provide these services and each one works a little differently than the other. We will try and help you find the one that works best for you and your family.
Be Careful What you Click!
Most of the time, suprisingly, a virus must have your permission to infect your computer. One of the primary ways this happens is through email attachments and downloaded programs and files. The really bad part is that even email you receive from a friend might be infected with a virus either because they did not realize it or because the virus is a type that actually sends itself out to everyone in your friends address book.
Another threat is pop-up ads. They are slowing becoming less of a nuisance and a threat as technology advances, but these are still a major source of viruses and spyware. The reason is that these messages that pop-up from malicious websites can be very clever at tricking you into thinking it is actually a message produced by your own computer or that it is something you might actually want. It is important that you spend some time scrutinizing these messages before clicking on them even though our own computers often train us to just click "OK" and move on.
Internet Predators and Keeping your Kids Safe on the Internet
There certainly are
predators, sexual or otherwise, on the internet, but studies have shown that the
numbers of predators using the internet to prey on our children is little
different than the number you might find in your own
neighborhood. That may not necessarily be good news, but it does fly in the face of some of the paranoia surrounding kids and the internet. The
difference is that online predators have been provided a new avenue to contact
your children, an avenue that the kids themselves are using to communicate such as instant messaging and social networking. That sounds scary and it should, but the reality is that you need
only take the same precautions on the internet that you would take in your
child's "real" life such as:
- Knowing who your kids are communicating or playing with
- Understanding and approving of the environment they are playing or communicating in
- Making sure they are properly supervised
- Having clear rules for kids and letting them know they are accountable for their actions
- Holding kids accountable according to the standards you set for them
- Click here to read more about how to keep your kids safe on the internet
- Click here to learn about signs that your child might be in danger
Back up your Data!
Everyday we count on our computers and the data on them more and more to preserve precious family memories, record sensitive financial
data and store our music and movies. Fortunately, the means to back up all the important data becomes easier and easier everyday. It can be as simple as buying an external hard drive with a one-click back up button or as complex as setting up an offline data backup service. We will help you figure out which options are best for you.
Michigan Law and Violations
Michigan has a number of laws specifically regarding the internet, internet predators and the use of computers to commit a crime. Also, the Michigan Attorney General's Office has recognized the seriousness of these crimes and the frequency at which they are being committed. They have recently kicked of the Michigan CSI or Cyber Safety Initiative to help parents, kids and your local Deputy stay safe and deal with these crimes.