Online Safety, Security, Ethics, and Etiquette

Online Safety, Security, Ethics, and Etiquette

• Sharing personal information online carries risks
• Sharing a first name poses a risk of already known information, vulnerability to search engines, and cybercrimes.
• Sharing last name is more risky than first name, exposing the user to search engine results. Matching a name with a face can lead to several cybercrimes.
• Sharing a middle name is less risky than first and last, but full names pose the greatest risk due to identity theft.
• Sharing current and previous schools can assist identity thieves in verifying information.
• Cellphone numbers should never be posted online; it's the same as posting a number on a billboard.
• Mothers' maiden names are risky, especially if required as a security question.
• Sharing information about siblings can put younger siblings at risk. Strangers can pretend to be a sibling to dupe the user.
• Sharing addresses is a high-risk action. It makes it easier for criminals to find the person.
• Sharing home phone numbers is more risky than a phone number, as strangers can deceive users by pretending to know their parents or by impersonating a person.
• Sharing birthdays can make users vulnerable to identity theft and be used for targeted advertising.
• To maintain online safety: Be thoughtful about online information sharing, review and understand terms and conditions, keep profiles private, and do not share passwords.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi; incognito mode does not protect from hackers.
• Do not talk to strangers online or in person. Do not post anything about future vacations.
• Add friends who are in real life.
• Avoid untrusted websites.
• Install and maintain only one antivirus program.
• Secure home Wi-Fi with a password.
• Avoid downloading from untrusted websites.
• Do not use pirated software. Avoid clicking on links or replying to suspicious emails.
• Purchase online goods and services from sites with secure settings.

Internet Threats

• Malware is harmful software for computers.
• Viruses replicate and spread through different mediums.
• Worms spread through various networks.
• Example of a worm: ILOVEYOU Worm (originated in the Philippines).
• Trojans disguise as useful software, but can compromise computer safety.
• Spyware secretly monitors activity (e.g., keyloggers). Keyloggers steal passwords and sensitive information.
• Adware displays unwanted advertisements.
• Ransomware threatens to harm data unless a ransom is paid.

Spam, Phishing, and Protecting Online Reputation

• Spam is unwanted email, often from bots or advertisers. It might contain malware.
• Phishing targets sensitive info (passwords, credit card details) by redirecting users to fake websites.
• Protecting online reputation involves considering if parents or bosses would see the post. If a post affects someone's reputation, ask the poster to remove it or report it.

Copyright Infringement

• Copyright infringement is using copyrighted material without permission.
• Assume all work is copyrighted.
• Do not copy, share, or modify without permission.
• Review and keep licensing agreements.
• Buying content is an alternative to avoiding copyright infringement.
• Provide credit to original authors.

Learn about online safety, security, ethics, and etiquette. Discover the risks of sharing personal information online, including names, schools, phone numbers, and addresses. Understand how this information can be exploited for identity theft and other cybercrimes.