I just read some very alarming statistics*:
5,479 adult internet users experience internet fraud A DAY.
9% of identity theft information is obtained online.
“The emotional impact of internet identity fraud has been found to parallel that of victims of violent crime.” – EMM*
Do you use the same log in for every site you go to? Evidently, this is not a good idea. You “should” have a different pass code for each site. As someone who does, I can tell you that it is a nightmare, and I can never leave my “secret” log in code box behind if I hope to be able to navigate the mess that I have created with different pass codes. Try being out of town and desperately needing to log in to, oh, I don’t know, your blog’s control panel, and not being able to because you can’t remember what arrangement of your various codes you created to protect yourself. Sadly, I protected myself from myself. There must be a happy middle code place.
Do you use upper and lower case and a number in your pass code?
As I tell my kids, “If you have to LOG IN you MUST LOG OFF.” Their computers are full of viruses. Do you think they listened?
Speaking of viruses, use anti-virus spyware like Norton or Kapersky if you are PC. If you are a Mac, bravo! Move on to the next bit of info.
Forward suspect spam to the company that seemingly sent it. For example, if you get a Bank of America notice to fill out personal information to verify your account, DON’T DO IT! Go to bofa.com and send them a copy of the email. Send it to spam@uce.gov as well.
This conversation with your kids does not need to be uncomfortable. There is no need to demonstrate how to put anything on, so sit down today and talk about how they can protect themselves and your family from the dangers of the internet. Identity fraud is just the tip of this iceberg. Make sure you address porn and chat rooms and facebook and my space, as well. It will make the password conversation seem to be exactly what it is, elementary, my dear.
Practice Safe Surfing!
*statistics from week 9 of Every Monday Matters.