Learning

Internet SafetyInternet Safety

The internet is a great resource for information and fun but, like life itself, there are risks. This page will give you some tips for keeping your family and your computer safe.

Net nasties

Its not hard to keep yourself safe from viruses, internet scams and the annoyance of spam. Start with following some simple steps:

Use appropriate software

  1. install a anti-virus with email scanner to catch viruses
  2. install a firewall to protect you from external attacks & from spyware 'calling home' when you're connected
  3. install an spyware/adware scanner to check for software secretly installed on your computer that may send out information to others or expose your PC
  4. install an spam filter to weed spam out of your email

Computer magazines like PC World and NetGuide regularly compare packages to see which are the most useful and come with CDs or DVDs which are are a good source for software.

Keep your software up to date

  • All of the above packages and your browser must be up to date to be effective as browser manufacturers regularly release updates to improve security.
  • Virus definitions (lists your firewall uses to check for viruses) should be updated very regularly (weekly) and the software can usually do this automatically.

Be wary

  • Don't open emails from people you don't know or reply to emails promising you money for nothing... if it sounds to good to be true it is.
  • Be wary of attachments - even from people that you do know - it could be a virus.
  • Your bank will not email or ring you and ask for your PIN so don't give it to anyone.
  • Don't write down web site log-in names or passwords: keep these as secure as your PIN.
  • Be cautious about downloading files or giving out credit card, banking or other personal information such as your address - make sure you know that who you're dealing with is legitimate.

Learn

The more that you know about the internet the better able you will be to judge what is safe and what isn't for yourself and your family. Magazines like PC World and NetGuide are a good place to start or take a computer course.

More web sites to help

Advice & Troubleshooting
Places to start looking for help with your computer.
Viruses and Security
Web sites from our Internet Gateway.

Staying Safe Online

Netsafe: The Internet Safety Group
This New Zealand site covers it all - a great place to start.
WiredSafety
Huge US based site with information for kids, teens, parents and educators.
Tips to help you stay safe online
from the BBC

For Parents

Q&A: Keeping safe on the net
Parents can do much to make the web a safe place for youngsters. From the BBC (2004 but still great advice).
Catalogue search: Computers or Internet and children

For Kids & Teens

Safe Surfing
Advice for kids from the Children's BBC.
Teen Angels - Keep Yourself Safe On The Net
From a group of 13-18 year-olds that have been trained by police and safety experts in all aspects of online safety, privacy, and security.
Bullying
Our page in our teens section Pulse has information and links about how to deal with bullying, especially for txting.