Stay Safe Online: A How-To Guide for Everyone

To help protect individuals, families, and communities before a cyber incident occurs; we should become more aware of online risks and follow simple steps to take a stand against cyber threats.

Social Media, Video Games, Forums, Chat Sites and more

• Limit the amount of personal information you post. Do not post information that would make you vulnerable, such as your address or information about your schedule or routine. If your friend posts information about you, make sure the information is something that you are comfortable sharing with strangers.
• Take advantage of privacy and security settings. Use site settings to limit the information you share with the general public online.
• Be wary of strangers and cautious of potentially misleading or false information.

Mobile

• Only access the Internet over a secure network. Maintain the same vigilance you would on your computer with your mobile device.
• Be suspicious of unknown links or requests sent through email or text message. Do not click on unknown links or answer strange questions sent to your mobile device, regardless of who the sender appears to be.
• Download only trusted applications from reputable sources or marketplaces.

At Home

• Talk to your family about Internet safety. Keep your family’s computer in an open area and talk to your children about what they are doing online, including who they’re talking to and what websites they’re visiting.
• Inform children and older Americans of online risks. Discuss appropriate Internet behavior that is suitable for a child's age, knowledge, and maturity. Talk to older Americans about the dangers and risks of the Internet so that they are able to recognize suspicious activity and secure their personal information.

There are many other things you can do to protect yourself online; learn more:

• OnGuardOnline.gov Practical tips from the federal government and the technology community to help people be on guard against Internet fraud, secure their computers, and protect their privacy.
• FTC.gov/idtheft The Federal Trade Commission’s website has information to help people deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.
• CommonSenseMedia.org Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy with information, education, and the independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.
• ConnectSafely.org ConnectSafely is for parents, teens, educators, and advocates for learning about safe, civil use of Web 2.0 together.
• CyberBully411.org Cyberbully411 is an effort to provide resources for youth who have questions about–or have been targeted by–online harassment.
• GetNetWise.org A project of the Internet Education Foundation, the GetNetWise coalition provides Internet users with the resources to make informed decisions about their and their family’s use of the Internet.
• iKeepSafe.org iKeepSafe educational resources teach children of all ages–in a fun, age-appropriate way–the basic rules of Internet safety, ethics, and the healthy use of connected technologies.
• US-CERT.gov The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) is charged with providing response support and defense against cyber attacks for the Federal Civil Executive Branch (.gov) and information sharing and collaboration with partners. US-CERT disseminates reasoned and actionable cyber security information to the public.
• NetSmartz.org The NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational safety resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
• StaySafeOnline.org The National Cyber Security Alliance seeks to create a culture of cyber security and safety awareness by providing knowledge and tools to prevent cyber crime and attacks.
• WiredSafety.org WiredSafety provides help, information, and education to Internet and mobile device users of all ages.