The Internet has become an integral part of our daily routines be it checking the email, catching up with latest news, downloading music, watching videos, playing games, sharing our thoughts via blogs, or even socializing with people over the net. With every passing day the widespread reach of the Internet technology is expanding but so is the number of menacing elements over the Internet.
What exactly is Internet Safety and why should I be worried about it?
Internet might be perhaps the most extensive resource for information but it is also a place with numerous threats and dangers. Internet safety is a concept that promotes safe web browsing without falling prey to the scams and getting caught in scandals.
Who are the people that I need to watch out for?
There are plenty of people who are waiting for easy victims over the Internet. Here is a list of all such scams scandals and other menacing elements over the Internet.
Hackers: Yes, people can hack your accounts and once they have the access to your account, they have control over all your transactions and can misuse your account for illegal or objectionable purposes. In case the hackers manage to hack your bank accounts or other accounts that have important financial details, you could be virtually robbed as well.
Scammers: Online scams asking you to provide your important information and then misusing it are a huge menace over the Internet. Generally these scams attract people by sending out fake emails saying that you have won a prize or you have been selected as the lucky winner of some contest.
Phishing: Phishing is the activity wherein people fraudulently acquire sensitive information by posing as a trustworthy entity via email or instant messaging.
Spammers: Although the Spam emails are relatively harmless, they can fill up your inbox and be a constant source of irritating and unwanted advertising. Spammers can also pass on your address and phone numbers and bombard you with telemarketing calls and snail mail as well.
Pedophiles: The Internet is no longer safe especially for children with the presence of countless pedophiles hunting for easy victims. They could trap the children via chat, web cams and even bully them into meeting in person. Attack of a pedophile can be a traumatic experience for children.
Pornography: Internet pornography is a major threat for people who frequently keep on posting their pictures and videos over the Internet. Make sure you do not upload your pictures and videos on unreliable sites that do not provide you any privacy guarantees. Misuse of photos and videos in pornographic industry is a huge menace over the Internet.
What are the easiest ways to achieve Internet Safety?
Safe Internet Browsing is the first and most important rule of Internet safety. Maintaining maximum anonymity is always the safest option while browsing the Internet or chatting.
Do not give out your address, telephone number, credit card number, social security number, passwords or even your complete name as long as it is not compulsory.
Do not allow strangers access to your web camera and even while chatting with strangers via n instant messenger, try and block suspicious users.
While shopping on the Internet, make sure you select a reliable website. Avoid shopping on websites that you have never heard of, or seem fishy to you even if they are offering attractive deals.
Do not upload your photographs, videos and your personal information on social networking websites, which do not have privacy settings.
Avoid using the Internet café while carrying out important transactions over the Internet.
For a safe Internet browsing experience equip your personal computer with filtering software, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, firewall detector and a pop-up blocker which will warn you and protect you against possible online perils.