The Internet has opened up literally millions of avenues for people to explore each day. The same avenues can be used for work, for pleasure, for assistance and even for shopping. There is so much information and so many support groups you almost have the feeling of never having to leave your home again. With so many of us becoming comfortable with the Internet, we at Womens-Place thought it was a good time for a refresher course on keeping ourselves safe online. One of the downfalls of an increased comfort level can be letting your guard down. We want to help you continue to enjoy the Internet and all it has to offer but also remind you of some important safety guidelines.

Do not provide any information that you do not have to. This applies to chats and message boards but also to online forms. Some companies will have forms for you to fill out, so they can obtain more information about their users. Keep in mind when filling out forms they do not ever need your social security number or a credit card number. Also, almost anyone can create an online survey and a pretend company to go with it. Research who you give your information out to and never give personal information to a company you do not recognize or if you are unsure if its truly the company’s website.

You should NEVER reveal the following according to The Information Systems Unit rules of Internet safety for adults:
~ The full name(s) of you and/or your children
~ Your home address
~ The name and address of the company where you work
~ The school that you or your children study at
~ Your phone number (for home or work)

This rule may seem so obvious, but can be easily forgotten or purposely overlooked in the comfort of message boards and chat rooms surrounded by those we "think" are our peers. Remember, the anonymity of the Internet allows for ANYONE to be there, and you have no way of truly knowing if they are who they say they are, like you would in person. Scarlett, divorced mom of three with a sad history of abuse that is needing money to feed her family might seem like the absolutely nicest, most honorable person on the boards. She might even have pictures of "herself" and "her kids." However, in real life "Scarlett" could be a young adult looking for kicks and free money. Now probably the majority of us reading these guidelines have previously revealed information to individuals on a private board and all has been perfectly safe. As adults, we do sometimes weigh the risks and make a determination that the rules can be bent. However, the thing that needs to be stressed the most is to use caution; it is extremely important to always carefully examine each time you make a choice to reveal personal information. Remember, when you reveal personal information about yourself, you are also revealing the same information about your family.

Let caution be your guide. If you do consider a face-to-face meeting, meet at a public place rather than at your home. You will have the added safety net of having others around you, and if all does not go as you had hoped, the other individual will not know exactly where you live. A good relationship will only be made better by you both respecting one another’s personal safety. Also, consider using a post office box to receive packages and other mailings from online auction places such as eBay.

The computer is not as private as you think it is. One of the myths about the computer is that it is a private place. All of us are fully aware to keep our credit card information secret, but what about other information or images that you may be sending along to others? A good rule of thumb according to Net Safe is, "If you wouldn’t send it on a postcard, don’t send it on the Net." When using your credit card on a website, ensure the site is secure. If you are in doubt, get in contact with the site administrator and ask what security measures they have in place. Do not send your credit card information via e-mail, as that is not secure.

Follow your gut feelings. If something seems a little too good to be true, it very likely could be. The same goes with people on the Internet. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or sends you messages that are harassing, block that person from sending you future messages. Choose chat rooms and message boards that have and enforce a policy about inappropriate or threatening behavior. Chat rooms that have the ability to save conversation logs are best for safety, as if something goes wrong you have evidence to file a complaint to the necessary people.

Utilize the safety features that are already in place. Contact your ISP (Internet service provider) and ask them what filters and programs they have available to protect you from spamming and unwanted messages or email. Also, there are web groups dedicated to keeping individuals safe online. Cyber Angels, considers themselves online guardian angels, and tackle tough issues such as cyberstalking, hacking and viruses. They are a group of volunteers that work daily to combat Internet crime.

It is our hope that these guidelines have refreshed your memory on the potential pitfalls that lurk along the Internet. Our goal was certainly not to scare anyone, but to help our members be knowledgeable and surf safely.

Looking for further information on Internet safety, check out these sites:

Get Netwise
Safe Surfin'
Netalert Advice
Cyber Angels

~Lynette is a wife and full time mom to a houseful of computer saavy individuals, even her baby can use the mouse. She keeps a close eye on her children's computer usage and has frequent conversations with them about keeping safe online.