Internet

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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• Make your passwords difficult to guess
• Never give your password to anyone for any reason, especially if you receive a message online which claims that your Internet provider needs to confirm your password, etc.

Buying something through the Internet:

• Go to the www.internic.net web site to determine who owns the site you’re dealing with
• Check with the Better Business Bureau serving the company’s location for complaints against the company
• Don’t provide your credit card # online unless you are dealing with a reputable company
• Be aware that there is much inaccurate information on the Internet/World Wide Web there are no safeguards to protect you

To increase the chances of getting accurate information:

• Look for the following on the web site:

  • Author(s) name(s), affiliation(s) and credentials
  • References
  • Sources
  • Sponsors/funding sources
  • Date posted/updated

After getting information from the Internet:

• Confirm it through a separate, reliable source

Regularly:

• Change your password

Children:

If your child has access to the Internet:

• Be aware that many child abusers/molesters use the Internet to gain a child’s trust and set up a one-on-one meeting

• Warn your child:

  • About child molesters using the Internet

  • To not give out any personal information on the Internet, e.g.,

    • Where you live
    • Where you go to school

  • To never meet with someone who has contacted them on the Internet without your approval

• Monitor your child’s use of the Internet, including where they spend their time (e.g., specific chat rooms)

• Consider not letting your child:

  • Send E-mails
  • Use the computer unsupervised

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