INTERNET: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

A Better YouA Funner YouA More Knowledgeable YouA Popular YouA More Efficient You

Good Things

Just How Good Is The 'Net?

Depends on how it is used.  You use it for school, making you a better, more knowledgeable you:  Searching the web for research Finding out facts on a subjectEasy access to information leads to better grades

 

What Are Some Other Uses of the 'Net? 

You use it for Entertainment, making you a funner more popular you:  Chat, Instant Messaging, Email, MySpace, Facebook, P2P networks, Gaming and YouTube lets you keep up with the new age stuff. 

How About the Downside?

 Things to be aware of while you are on the Internet... 

Social network pitfalls Virus contraction Identity theft  Social engineering Bad guys      

Be Careful with Facebook/MySpace

These places are for fun and socializing but be careful Never post any personally identifiable information about yourself...        These sites are not only popular for young people but they are also popular for online predators!

VIRUS: A computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the owner. Where do viruses come from -Can be transferred through the World Wide Web, e-mail, Instant Messaging and file sharing systems. Anti-Virus Software - Install it BEFORE your computer is infected!

Virus Removal - Can use a tool known as System Restore, which restores the registry and critical system files to a previous checkpoint. Reinstall Operating System -  simple to do, faster than running multiple antivirus scans, and is guaranteed to remove any malware. Downsides -having to reinstall all other software, reconfiguring, restoring user preferences.

How Do You Avoid and Treat Viruses?

Protecting Your Personal Identifiable Information

         What not to post online...                                      Social Security Number                                           Date or Place of Birth                                           Biometric Information                                           Financial Information           Things you can do to be safe...            Use strong passwords           Lock your computer when not in use           Use anti-virus/security software            Turn on the firewall in Windows             Recognize phishing attempts

What is Phishing?

Definition Phishing is only one of several social engineering techniquesused to trick you into divulging information about yourself               Methods                     Through email that looks authentic; directs you                       to websites using pop-ups to get your information                             Guarding against phishing                                     Never divulge confidential information                                    Use anti-virus software and firewalls                                    Do not reply to unsolicited email 

Beware of the Bad Guys!

Hackers                                    Break in to your computer for different reasons                                   Some do it for fun or just because they can                                   Others do it because they want the attention                 Child predators                                     Known to frequent chat rooms, social networks                                    There are literally thousands posing as teens                                    Never agree to meet with people you don't know                                    Tell an adult about suspicious persons

Useful Information

 Other Helpful Resources  ParentsTeachersCounselorsPolice

 Websites  http://www.wiredsafety.org

http://www.ikeepsafe.org

Conclusion 

 Additional Questions

 Or Comments?