Cyber Terrorism and Online Safety Tips

Use of internet has become second nature of majority population. Whether it is researching, studying, mailing, socializing, entertainment or corporate purposes, internet is the first solution that pops into one’s mind. Research and study portals have made understanding difficult subjects much easy; emails and e-cards are costless means to communicate and e-commerce is taking place of manual work.

Where there are so much benefits involved, threats are there, too. One of the major concerns of international security agencies is cyber terrorism and its elimination. Cyber crimes are increasing day by day, threatening users’ security and money. Worst part is that most internet users are unaware of the Tips for Online Safety that are to be taken against these intimidations.

“Keep America Safe Online” issued their survey report in December 2008 regarding online safety awareness and safety precautions. According to this report, 57 percent of American adults fear their identity might be stolen online within the next two years, 90 percent worry about the security of their personal information, and 35 percent of teens leave their social networking profiles open to viewing by absolute strangers.

Study also shows that adults ages 30 to 39 were twice as likely to worry about surfing the Web in a public place as their counterparts in the 60-plus age group. With 87 percent of teens on social networking sites, their social networking behaviors proved to be a huge vulnerability point as 38 percent of teens place their education information, 32 percent reveal their email address, 28 percent expose their birth date, and 19 percent display their full name.

“For 20 years I’ve fought against creeps that prey on the vulnerable and particularly those that prey on children,” said John Walsh. “It is imperative that we all take measures to protect ourselves and our families from becoming victims. With our kids, in particular, when they post personal information online, predators have everything they need to contact teens or steal their identities. In fact, nearly 50 percent of teens have been contacted by someone they didn’t know on the Internet.”

As it is said that “Prevention is better than cure”; it is better to know exactly how to make ourselves and our family protected from cyber criminal, than trying to trace one after losing important information to him.

Safety Measures:

• Never give out personal information (even on social networking sites) e.g. full name, educational details, credit card and social security numbers, birth date, address, telephone number etc.
• Never give out information on telephone or via e-mail.
• Teach your children about internet safety measures, and agree with them on a certain time period for internet use.
• Befriend your children, so that they inform you about their online activities.
• Never upload personal photos and full name, and use nick names on social networking sites.
• Install parental control URLs so that your children are safe from threats.
• Keep computer at a conspicuous spot to have a close eye on what your children are doing.
• Do not check “remember my password” boxes; keep your password safe.

With these tips, major cyber threats can be avoided.

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Tags: america safe online, internet, security agencies, social networking sites, tips for online safety