Internet Safety

Portage Department of Public Safety

Overview

Limit Personal Information Limit Access Monitor Activities Report

Limit Information

Posting personal information is unnecessary and dangerous.

– Your friends know you already.– If some one does not know you should they?– Even if the account is private there is no need to list it.

Account settings change Accounts are hacked

Limit Information

Do not post anything you would not want your grandparents to see.– Photos – Messages

Limit Information

Credit Card Use– Only trusted companies (Paypal)

Do not reveal your location– Adjust GPS settings– Do not announce your absence

Vacation Out of town on business

Limit Access

Passwords Parental Controls Virus Protection Connection Protection

Passwords

Do not save your passwords. Use different passwords for different

accounts. Know your children’s passwords

Parental Controls

Use parental control software when available.

Tell your kids what is not acceptable. Have internet and cell phone accounts in the

name of a parent.

Virus Protection

Keep your devices protected. Stay away from unknown areas of the net

and suspicious e-mails. Be sure you know what you are downloading.

Connection Protection

Wifi– Password protect– Can be turned off

Bluetooth – Not secure

3G and 4G– Getting safer but not 100%

Monitor Internet Usage

This takes time and effort. It is worth it. Know who your kids are talking to. Know what your kids are saying. Know when they are on the internet.

– Keep computers in communal rooms– Keep cell phones out of the bedrooms

Report

IC3.gov– Internet crime reporting system partnered with the FBI

Social Media– Report postings to the company

Police Department– Contact local police if there is a CRIME.– It is better to ask an officer for information before than

to file a report later.

Red Flags

Unknown charges on credit card bills Unusual activity on credit report. Children that can’t put the phone down Children that wont allow parents to see there internet

history or profiles. Children that are unusually tired during the day.