Internet security awareness and information

Internet security awareness and information

Introduction

Internet security is everyone's responsibility. Internet security means online entertainment - chatting with your friends, uploading videos you've created or posting songs you've written, getting information on your interests for free, watching the latest trends - any bullying, harassment, scams or your ideas being stolen without your permission. Without, including the theft of your identity.

Internet security is not just about seeing if your computer has the latest anti-virus and firewall software installed. See how you handle yourself online and how you treat other people (especially strangers you've only met online), and don't fall prey to scams due to your lack of knowledge

Why is it important to be safe online?

Most of us are 'connected' through our laptops, mobile phones, tablets and personal computers. The Internet is a valuable resource and a great source of entertainment, making friends and keeping in touch with people and learning a lot. If you use the Internet without safety awareness, you run the risk of being the victim of an illegal activity or being exploited - be it bullying, fraud or any other serious crime. Not everyone we meet but people on the internet are not always what they seem at first glance.

Just as you learned about safety when you leave home, it is important to learn how to stay safe online. This is a skill that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Here are some special rules to follow when you are online

• Do not provide your personal information such as your address or phone number.
• Don't send your photographs to anyone, especially vulgar photographs.
• Don't open emails or attachments from people you don't know.
• Don't make online friends with people you don't know.
• Don't plan to meet the person you met only online.
• If you read something online that worries you, tell your parents or someone you trust about it.

Things to keep in mind

The following are important things to keep in mind when you and your family are surfing the web:

• Online information is not usually private.
• It doesn't always have to be what people say online.
• Anyone can put information online.
• Not all information you read online is necessarily reliable.
• Unexpectedly or unintentionally you may find abusive, obscene (including child pornography), violent or racist information when you and your family search the web for information.

What are the risks involved?

• Damage or theft to the device. Damage or theft of the device affects your productivity, damages information, and carries the risk of being liable under the Data-Security Act.
• Loss of sensitive information. Many mobile devices contain sensitive and confidential information. For example personal photographs and videos, email messages, text messages and files.
• Unauthorized network penetration. Because many mobile devices provide a variety of network connectivity options, they can be used to attack a secure corporate system.
• Truncated or tampered with information. With so many business transactions taking place on a mobile device, there is always the concern that important information may be intercepted or tampered with by tapped phones or microwave transmissions.

How can I avoid this?

• When choosing a mobile device, consider the security features and make sure that it is enabled.
• Install and maintain an anti-virus application on your smartphone device.
• Do not follow the link sent in the suspicious email or text message.
• Take care of what information you want to store on your device.
• Take care of what information you want to store on your device.