The Protection Connection :Protect Yourself, Your Information & Your Computer

The Protection Connection

Protect Yourself

Use privacy settings to restrict who can see and post on your profile. Many social networking sites, chat rooms and blogs have privacy settings. Find out how to turn these settings on, and then do it.

Limit your online friends to people you actually know.

Learn about social mapping. Many mobile phones have GPS technology, and there are applications that allow you to find your friends—and allow them to find you. Use GPS and social mapping apps only with people you know personally and trust. Take advantage of privacy features in apps and on your phone.

Trust your gut if you feel threatened or uncomfortable because of someone or something you find online. Tell someone who can help you report your concerns to the police and other people who can help.

Protect Your Information

Some information should stay private. Your Social Security number and family financial information— like your parents’ bank account or credit card numbers—should stay in the family.

Keep your passwords private. The longer your password, the harder it is to crack. Don’t share your passwords with anybody, including your best friends or your boyfriend or girlfriend.

Don’t reply to text, email or pop-up messages that ask you to reply with personal information—even if the message looks like it comes from a person, company or organization you know, or threatens that something bad will happen if you don’t reply. These messages may be fakes, sent to steal your information.

Protect Your Computer

Be cautious about opening attachments or clicking on links. They may contain viruses or spyware.

Learn about security software and how your home computer is protected.

Remember that sometimes, free stuff—like games, ring tones or screen savers—can hide viruses or spyware. Don’t download unless you trust the source and scan the file with security software.

Use peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing services with caution. Make sure you install file-sharing software properly, and scan downloaded files with security software before you open or play them. Otherwise, you could be sharing information your family expects to keep private, like financial records.

Your Information