Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day is fast approaching, it is organised by insafe each year in February to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst young people and children across the world.
It takes place on Tuesday 7th February 2012.
This years them is Connecting generations and educating each other, with the slogan: "Discover the digital world together... safely!"
For more information on Safer Internet Day please click here.
Wireless security – Wireless networks don’t stop at the walls of your home and can extend more than 300 feet from your wireless router, meaning others can access your network. If you have a wireless router make sure it’s secured so that only authorised users can access your network
Parental Controls – Unfortunately, web surfers can be targeted by pop-ups and emails from unsuitable Websites. Blockers can be downloaded to reduce the threat but you can also purchase parental control software which filters emails, controls downloads and blocks unsuitable websites.
Personal Information– Giving out personal details should only be done on site’s your certain are secure. Generally pages that start with https:// are secure. Major bank, travel and shopping websites should be safe, but if you’re still unsure about giving away details then it’s best not to.
Anti Virus - It is strongly recommended that you have anti-virus software installed on your computer. There are free anti-virus software programmes available on the Internet such as AVG free by Grisoft. This is very user friendly and includes an automatic update service.
Useful tips
There are certain measures you can take to ensure you and your family are safe when using the internet, such as by keeping personal information safe and setting up technical parental controls. Some computers and other digital technologies like games consoles and mobile phones have parental controls which will let you do things like:
Block selected websites and email addresses by adding them to a filter list
Set time limits for use
Prevent your child from searching certain words
Before you set rules you can check the equipment’s user manual or the manufacturers’ websites to see what controls you have access to. If you are unable to set controls on your existing equipment, you may want to set up an account with the OpenDNS FamilyShield.
Other useful sites:
http://www.netsmartz.org/
http://www.childline.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx
http://www.cybermentors.org.uk/
http://www.childnet-int.org/