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How Safe Is Your Privacy Online?

Advice On E-Safety by SoftwareGuru Friday 8th May 2009 In our last article I explained how Software4Students had joined Twitter and made a few suggestions about how to maintain your privacy. While on Twitter I asked others if anyone could recommend links regarding e-safety for parents. Simon Finch (Twitter name: @simfin) kindly suggested http://www.childnet-int.org/ which is indeed a great resource for parents. He also recommended the site http://www.nen.gov.uk/hot_topic for teachers which provides an online E-Safety Audit Tool. Thanks Simon! Using Twitter, I also came across the site http://social.bullying.co.uk/ via the user @bullyinguk. Bullying UK is the new name for the award-winning charity Bullying Online which was founded in 1999 by journalist Liz Carnell from Harrogate and her son John, as a direct result of their experience of dealing with school bullying, which included taking successful legal action against an education authority. The issue of cyberbullying is one parents need to be aware of because whether it's text messages, emails or online profile comments - it's still bullying and if anything it's 24/7 as opposed to being restricted to school hours.
	What Can I Do? The following is a brief list of points we recommend to help you improve your safety online. 1. Get anti-virus, anti-spyware and a firewall Most people understand the need for anti-virus software but don't know much about using a firewall. It's easier than you think. 2. Keep your computer up to date Make sure to run "Windows Update" regularly so it can download the latest security updates. 3. Block spam emails Tired of getting so much spam? Use more than 1 email account? Then use an email program like Microsoft Outlook to access all your email from the same place and learn how to use the anti-spam features to weed out email you don't want. After a few weeks you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner! 4. Use an up to date web browser Next time you click the 'Big Blue E' button on your desktop and the program opens, click "Help" > "About Internet Explorer". If you're not using version 8, get it free now. If you're a Firefox user, learn about the plugin 'No Script' which allows you to choose what parts of the webpage you wish to allow, eg. video, ads, etc. 5. Make regular backups Not very exciting but unless you've backed up your data then there's always the possibility you'll lose EVERYTHING. Use a 2nd hard drive, burn DVDs with data or even use Free Online Storage. 6. Encrypt your wireless network Unless you encrypt your broadband connection then anyone can access it. Why let them? Your router has in-built encryption available, all you need to do is activate it. If you need any help, contact your ISP (eg. BT Broadband). Their website's FAQ will most likely walk you through it.
Tips and Advice There are two other key areas where your privacy is at risk. Passwords: Always use strong passwords. Although using a different password for every online account is ideal, remembering them all could be a nightmare - unless you use a trick. Like Constant+Variable. For example, you could use your work place postcode (the constant) plus the site initials (variable). So if you live in Glasgow and sign up to Software4Students it could be: G511DAS4S And if you signed up to Amazon it could be: G511DAAZ All your passwords would be unique yet easy for you to remember because of your password technique. Whatever idea you use, try to come up with your own unique password idea that makes your life easier. One thing though - try to avoid using your own postcode or your date of birth, or any other details necessary for using your credit card! Social Networking Sites: Don’t give away too much personal information on blogs and social networking sites. They may be fun but they also make ID theft incredibly easy once someone has your name, address, date of birth and your phone number. Online marketing is often referred to as "snake oil" so be wary of those who are promoting links that claim they will make you money or seem too good to be true. If you have any suggestions for e-safety resources, share them on the S4S Twitter or Facebook profiles. Stay Safe!

Parents and Guardians can improve online e-safety with our help and advice.

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