What should you do to be safe when using email and the Internet?
Here are some tips to stay safe online:
- Create complex passwords. Use a distinct mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols to create tough passwords. This will help to stop any potential hackers from accessing your accounts. Also, do not use the same passwords for every account that you have.
- Do not open spam/junk email. Many of these contain viruses or ways to hack your computer and/or gain your personal information.
- Do not share your passwords with anyone. The person you gave it to might not be out to get you, but someone else may end up with your information because of it.
- Keep your passwords somewhere safe but not on your computer! Have a notebook or piece of paper near your computer to keep your passwords written down and nearby. But if you put them on your computer, a hacker is able to find your personal information and account information much more easily.
- Change passwords frequently. This makes it less likely for someone to hack your account or figure out your password.
- Be careful with who you give your information to. You never know if who you're talking to, emailing, facebooking, etc is who they say they are. It may be a friend's account that has been hacked, or an adult pretending to be a kid. Always be careful! If they ask for any personal information about you or anyone you know, do not give it to them.
- Log out or sign off your account when you are finished. Hackers may try to access your account because you're still signed in, even if you're not using it.
- Keep your parents informed about your time online. Let them know who you talk to and what sites you visit. They will help you stay safe online!
- Use smart phones safely. Do not accept phone calls or texts from someone you don't know. Also be very careful about the apps you download. Read reviews carefully, especially low rated ones.
- Remember, the internet is forever! Even if you delete something, there are still ways for whatever you deleted to be found.