Safeguarding your Identity While Online

i-Safe, Inc.

Online ID – What can you tell?Look at the screen names below.

What does each one say about that person? Put the names in order from least informative to most informative.

1. Jessica4dance

2. Smithstealshome

3. Bayareababe

4. Dancinfun

5. Fred14

Think About ItWhat does your screen name say

about you?When you choose a screen name

you want something that allows you to remain anonymous, or unknown. Don’t include personal information.

Why do you think you shouldn’t include personal information?

What are some of the dangers?

Screen Names Screen names should never contain or refer to:

First and/or last names

Address

Phone number

Date of birth (complete or partial) or age

Social Security number

E-mail address

Combinations of personal information such as those listed above

Combinations of personal information plus descriptions of such information as, but not limited to gender, school name, favorite sport, favorite celebrity, family member names

Password Protection Look at the information about each person below. What are some common and obvious guesses as to what their passwords might be?

1. John – John lives in the Tampa Bay area where the Bucs play. He is a really big fan. He loves football.

2. Jessica – Jessica loves all the popular music groups. She is head over heels in love with Justin Timberlake.

3. Ali – Ali is afraid to forget her password. She wanted something simple she could always remember.

Think About ItThink about your own password.Is it something obvious? Could

someone easily guess it? Does anyone else know it?

When someone knows or can guess your password you could be in trouble. This allows them access to you. They could pretend to be you.

What types of dangers are involved when others know or can guess your password?

PasswordsFollow these rules for creating safe passwords:

Be lengthy – at least 8 charactersContain a combination of letters,

numbers, and symbolsChange it if you think its secrecy is

in doubtRemember it should not contain

personal information, be shared, be easily guessed, or be put in an e-mail.

Remember

It is important to select safe and secure screen names and passwords.