Student Guidelines Safe and Effective use of Internet

Internet safety is everyones responsibility. It’s all about being able to have fun online – without being in trouble, annoyed or scammed, or having your ideas stolen including identity theft.

Internet safety is a lot more than just about ensuring that your computer has the latest anti-virus and firewall software installed. It’s about being smart about how you handle yourself online and savvy about how you deal with other people (especially strangers who you meet online), and not falling prey to an online scam artist who takes advantage of your ignorance.

 Importance of online safety

Most of us are ‘connected’ via our laptops, mobile phones, tablets or personal computer. The internet is a valuable device but if you use it without safety awareness, you could be at risk of illegal activity or abuse , fraud or something more serious. Unlike seeing someone face to face, on the net, people aren't always what they first seem.

Some Golden Rules to follow when you’re online

·          Don't give out personal information such as your address or phone number.

·          Don’t send pictures of yourself to anyone, especially indecent pictures.

·          Don't open emails or attachments from people you don't know.

·          Don't become online ‘friends’ with people you don't know.

·         Never arrange to meet someone in person whom you've met online.

·         If anything you see or read online worries you, tell someone/inform your parents about it.

 Safe Use of  a Web Browser

The internet is a way to stay connected with friends and family. For many Students, it’s also a way to stay updated on news, research information or shop online and downloading books and online applications.

Using the Web browser is easy, to do things online, but there can be some hidden dangers to you and your computer. These risks can include exposure of sensitive personal information and infection by malware, which includes viruses, spyware, and adware. Safe browsing means being aware of these online threats and taking the necessary precautions to avoid them.

. Follow these guidelines to protect your personal information and your computer online.

·         Install and maintain up to date anti-virus software on your computer or device.

·         Keep your internet browser up-to-date

·         Be alert to unusual computer activity or problems.

·         Install and maintain a firewall on your computer.

·         Use a modern browser with features such as a pop-up blocker.

·         Avoid storing sensitive material indefinitely on your computer.

·         Change your passwords often.

·         Beware of links sent via instant messaging and e-mail attachments.

 Safe Social Networking

We all know it's not healthy to spend hours and hours in front of a computer screen. But another problem with social networking is the pressure you can feel to make sure you have lots of ‘friends’. But here are some things to remember:

·         Friendships made online are made by clicking a button rather than talking to people and sharing experiences.

·         Being online ‘friends’ with someone is much less meaningful than face to face friendship.

·         You can easily fall out with an online ‘friend’ because of a misunderstood comment.

·         It is far easier, and healthier, to sort out arguments and problems when you can talk to someone face to face

Tips to stay safe on social networking sites

·         Make sure you're old enough to join

·         You may use a made up name or nickname on your profile.

·         Do not make friends you don't already know personally.

·         You may use an email address that does not include your name.

·         Use the strongest privacy setting when you set up your profile. This means that only your friends will be able to view your information.

·         Pictures and Videos should be shared very carefully when uploading-even if you only share it with friends,it can easily be spread elsewhere also.

·         Be very careful about sharing content online - especially if it isn't yours .To share illegal downloads definitely should be avoided.

Smartphone Security

We, no longer, rely on our phones for just calling friends or family. With modern smartphones we can do a wide range of tasks; everything from browsing the Internet and paying your bills to checking your bank statement and accessing work emails, because smartphones are so advanced many of the security issues we’re exposed to through our computers now exist on our smartphones.

What risk does it pose?

·         Loss of sensitive data, such as  personal photographs and videos, email messages, text messages and files.

·         Intercepted or corrupted data. With so many business transactions taking place over mobile devices, there is always a concern that critical data could be intercepted via tapped phone lines or intercepted microwave transmissions.

·         Malicious software. Viruses, Trojan Horses, and Worms are familiar threats to mobile devices it has become a significant target.

How can I avoid it from happening?

·         When choosing a mobile device, consider its security features and ensure they are enabled.

·         Install and maintain an Anti-Virus application on your smart device.

·         Do not follow links sent in suspicious emails or text messages.

·         Carefully consider what information you want to  store on the device

·         Be cautious when selecting and installing applications

·         Avoid joining unknown Wi-Fi networks and using unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots.

·         Disable interfaces that are not in use, such as Bluetooth, infrared, or Wi-Fi.

·         Delete all information stored in a device prior to discarding it.