We now live in a world where anything and everything is available at the touch of a button. The Internet phenomenon has made copious amounts of information available to anyone, and has also given the word communication a whole new meaning. People can run their businesses from their laptop in a café, find their long lost relatives, post any information they want, but most scarily they can hide their identity, or even create a new one.

When our children are online, they are exposed to all the information and communication programs (chat rooms) available on the Internet. However, with all this possibility at their fingertips comes great risk.

The unfortunate truth is that people online do not have your children’s best interests in mind. Most of the time children know more about the Internet and computer than their parents, but keeping your kids safe online is a lot easier than you think.

With 61% of teens having a social networking profile, and 45% being asked for personal information from people they don’t know, it is essential to understand how you can control the Internet usage in your home.

Here are five simple steps to keep your children safe online.

1. Make sure you are communicating with them the dangers of being online, and make sure they are aware you will be keeping the computer protected.
2. Ask them what they are doing online, and make sure the computer is in a public place in the home where there is control on time limits.
3. There is software available to monitor what is happening online on your computer. Install it.
4. Encourage your children to be open with you, especially if they have been asked for any personal information from a stranger.
5. Ensure that they are aware that the Internet is a privilege, and can be taken away if these guidelines are not followed.

Keeping Children Safe Online is a post from: OE Design Blog

A friend of mine recently travelled to London. On arrival from Australia he went to pick up his previously booked hire car. The attendant asked him, ‘Which car do you want?’ My friend responded, ‘What do you mean which one?’ ‘Well you’ve two cars booked with two credit cards under your name.’ My friend suddenly realised that an old credit card, that had been used fraudulently in a number of other European nations months before, had once again resurfaced, and was being used at the same airport, on the very same day for the very same purpose of hiring a car. The chances of this happening were millions upon millions to one. So whoever had used his old credit card that day was in for an almighty shock when they were met by the police later that morning.

So how do we fight against this happening to us? Well here a few tips to help you play it safe on the internet.

Online Security Tip 1

Use plain old common sense. Only deal with reputable and well know websites. Make certain they use encryption to protect the exchange of personal information. Look for a yellow icon to display the security certificate for the website. The name following: ‘Issued to’ should match the site you think you’re on.

Online Security Tip 2

Use a third party payment system. While shopping on eBay you may have used PayPal which is a third party payment system. This acts as a buffer between the buyer and the seller. The beauty of this system is that neither the buyer nor the seller knows the other persons personal or banking details.

Online Security Tip 3

Set up a credit card that is only used for online purchases. And set it up with a low credit limit that will limit potential financial damage.

Online Security Tip 4

Ask your bank about any safety mechanisms that they have put in place for online shopping. Those who have either a Visa or MasterCard can set up a ‘buffer layer’ by using MasterCard SecureCode or Verified by Visa. Both are free services that allow you to set up a personal password used when shopping online. The only drawback with this system is that transactions have to be made with participating merchants.

Online Security Tip 5

Always check your credit card statements at the end of the month. And if there is any transaction that you are not familiar with, check it out with your credit card supplier. Often the transaction will be suspended and then investigated.

So at the end of the day – deal with reputable well known companies and keep an eye on all your transactions. By following some of the above tips you will avoid much heartache and disappointment.

Playing It Safe On The Internet is a post from: OE Design Blog

• Keep your card safe and secure.
• Keep your PINS and passwords secret and strictly to yourself.
• Choose PINS that are hard to guess.
• If you write them down disguise them.
• Don’t store internet banking passwords on your computer.
• Send your card details only through secure internet sites.
• Check your account statements regularly. Any discrepancies? Contact your bank immediately.
• Always keep your details up to date with your bank.
• Never throw away intact bills or bank statements. Shred them if possible and ensure that your name and address cannot be linked to any account information.
• Stay in sight of your credit card if paying at a restaurant, bar, service station etc.
• Contact your institution immediately iIf your card is stolen.

• Never follow the instructions in an email asking about your finances.
• Keep your computer secure. Some frauds can lure you into opening an email or an attachment that secretly installs a ‘Trojan’ that allows scammers to monitor your computer and access your accounts.
• Install and keep up to date protection on your computer and remember that your best weapon is your ‘delete’ button.
• Only go to the official website for your financial institution using your ‘favourites’ or by typing the URL in the address bar of your browser.
• Avoid using computers in public places, such as Internet cafes for your online banking.
• Suspect a scam if you’re asked for your account details or passwords by email.
• Keep private information out of chat rooms and emails.
• Watch out for those ‘ You have won the lottery’ deals. And if it’s hard to believe, it probably is.
• To report a financial scam or for more information on the latest scams, financial pitfalls and mistakes to avoid, go to ASIC’s consumer website FIDO at http://www.fido.gov.au or call ASIC info line on 1300 300 630.

Don’t Get Caught Offguard Online! is a post from: OE Design Blog