Without doubt everybody; well pretty well everybody, has heard of the internet. But in case you are the one person that hasn’t, we thought it would be worthwhile explaining to you what it is and how to get started with it. We also thought we should cover some of the pitfalls and security measures that you must take before embarking upon a voyage of discovery throughout the World Wide Web.
The Internet is a global network of billions of computers and other electronic devices. With the Internet, it’s possible to access almost any information, communicate with anyone else in the world, and much more. You can do all of this on your computer, tablets, or smart phone.
Like it or not the Net is here to stay, and as time progresses, we are going to need rely on the services it offers. Many major institutions such as governments, banks, insurance providers, and retailers are driving us to interact with them on a web-based platform, so it is the future so buckle up and let’s delve into the future for all of us.
Connecting to the Internet
A device has to be connected to the Internet before you can access it. If you plan to use the Internet at home, you’ll usually need to purchase an Internet connection from an Internet service provider, which will likely be a phone company, cable company. Other devices usually connect through Wi-Fi or cellular Internet connections. Sometimes libraries, cafes, and schools offer free Wi-Fi for their patrons, customers, and students. However, you must be aware that using public service providers comes with inherent dangers of other parties hacking into your computer and your secret files. But more on this a little later.
Browsing the web
Most information on the Internet is on websites. Once you are connected to the Internet, you can access websites using a kind of application called a web browser.
A website is a collection of related text, images, and other resources. Websites can resemble other forms of media — like newspaper articles or television programs — or they can be interactive in a way that’s unique to computers. The purpose of a website can be almost anything: a news platform, an advertisement, an online library, a forum for sharing images, or an educational site like us!
A web browser allows you to connect to and view websites. The web browser itself is not the Internet, but it displays pages on the Internet. Each website has a unique address. By typing this address into your web browser, you can connect to that website and your web browser will display it. Examples of web browsers are things like, Google Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Internet Explorer, Flock, Netscape just to name a few.
Navigating websites
Websites often have links to other sites, also called hyperlinks. These are often parts of the text on the website. They are usually coloured blue, and sometimes they are underlined or bold. If you click the text, your browser will load a different page. Web authors use hyperlinks to connect relevant pages. This web of links is one of the most unique features of the Internet, lending to the old name World Wide Web.
Each website has a unique address, called a URL. You’ll notice that when you click a link, the URL changes as your browser loads a new page. If you type a URL in the address bar in your browser, your browser will load the page associated with that URL. It’s like a street address, telling your browser where to go on the Internet.
When you’re looking for specific information on the Internet, a search engine can help. A search engine is a specialised website that’s designed to help you find other websites. If you type keywords or a phrase into a search engine, it will display a list of websites relevant to your search terms.
Other things you can do on the Internet
One of the best features of the Internet is the ability to communicate almost instantly with anyone in the world. Email is one of the oldest and most universal ways to communicate and share information on the Internet, and billions of people use it. Social Media allows people to connect in a variety of ways and build communities online.
There are many other things you can do on the Internet too. There are thousands of ways to keep up with news or shop for almost anything online. You can pay your bills, manage your bank accounts, meet new people, watch TV, or learn new skills. You can learn or do almost anything online.
However, there is a dark and I do mean very dark side to the internet.
Hackers these people don’t break into your secure computer steal your information and use it for profit to their advantage. They are ruthless and without conscience, should they get into your bank account and plundered it stealing your entire life savings. So be aware along with the joy and freedoms comes obligations and responsibilities.
Below we have tried to compile an advice to help protect you while using the Internet.
Personal Information
Think before you post anything online or share information in emails. What you post online, can be seen by anyone. Sharing personal information with others you do not know personally is one of your biggest risks online. Sharing sensitive information such as your address, phone number, family members’ names, car registration information, passwords, work history, credit status, pension numbers, birth date, school names, passport information, driver’s license numbers, insurance policy numbers, loan numbers, credit/ debit card numbers, PIN numbers, and bank account information is risky and should be avoided. Consider removing your name from websites that share your personal information obtained from public records (including your phone number, address, social media avatars, and pictures) with anyone on the internet.
Photos
Photos taken from smartphones embed the GPS Coordinates in the photo, which will allow others to know the location of where the picture was taken and may be used to find you. Beware of this when posting photos to online social media sites. Remember that pictures posted online may be copied, altered, and shared with many people without your knowledge or consent, unless you use privacy settings to limit who has access to the pictures.
Emails, Phishing, and Malware
Beware when opening emails from unknown people or sources, especially when they are unsolicited. Clicking on links or downloading attachments can infect your computer with a virus or subject you to fraud, malware, or a scam. Some viruses harm your computer, while others have the ability to steal your personal information and ultimately your identity. Be sceptical when receiving emails that look as if they came from your bank or other financial institution particularly if they ask you to verify or enter personal or financial information. Beware of scams that use links in emails directing you to a website or providing you with a phone number to call. Some links in emails can be deceiving. Consider typing in your own link to the banks and companies or look up the phone number yourself. In general, beware of email scams and websites that try to trick you into sharing your personal information. A website that looks legitimate can be set up quickly. Remember legitimate customer service representatives will never ask you for personal information or passwords. Consider not responding to unsolicited emails, never click on links in these emails, and be cautious if you are asked to respond quickly. Consider purchasing or downloading a good antivirus suite with spyware protection.
Updates
Keep your computer’s operating system, browsers, antivirus, and other software up to date with the latest or daily security patches.
Passwords
Choose strong passwords using 10 characters and combinations of upper-case letters, lower case letters, symbols, and numbers. Do not include personal information. Consider changing your password at least every 90 days when information is sensitive. Never leave passwords near your computer or in plain sight. Use different passwords for various online activities because if one password is compromised, all will be compromised. Never share your password. If given a choice to set up a password “hint” on an account, do not choose something others can easily guess.
Social Media
Beware of meeting people in-person whom you meet on the internet or through emails. Not everyone is honest with their identity, age, gender, and intentions. If necessary, do your research using public records and consider seeking reputable references. If you decide to meet someone, never go alone, let others know where you are going, meet in a very public place, and have your cell phone readily available.
Educating Children/ Teens
Talk to and educate your children or grandchildren about internet risks and dangers of internet predators. Tell them never to meet people they met online in-person and never talk to people they really don’t know. Discuss the importance of not posting identifying information, sensitive information, pictures, and details of upcoming activities on the internet. Be sure they understand what someone portrays on the internet may not be true. Teach them what they post online anyone can see unless they carefully control the privacy settings. Spend time with your child on the internet, know their favourite online destinations, know their passwords, limit the time they spend online, and consider placing the computer in a public room in the house. Periodically review your child’s computer and emails. Know who your kids are chatting with online.
Parental Controls
Parents should consider applying parental controls by their internet service provider and/ or blocking software on family computers and smartphones to limit the internet to safe websites. Contact your internet provider if you have questions. Be sure to research your options regarding parental controls on products.
Webcams
Be careful when using webcams. They can be high-jacked and turned on remotely. This allows others to illegally view and listen to individuals without their knowledge. Consider turning them off or disconnecting them when not in use. Limit or do not allow your children to use webcams and talk to them about the risks.
Wireless
Beware when connecting your laptop or mobile device to unsecured networks. Computer hackers on the same network can intercept your internet use and in some cases access files on your computer. Consider password protecting your home wireless network and using a personal firewall program for additional protection.
Online Shopping
Avoid purchasing goods and services from websites that do not have secure check-out using “HTTPS.” Pay attention to the address line on the checkout page which asks you to enter your credit card information. If the page does not have an “S” following “HTTP” in the address line, consider shopping somewhere else. Be aware that some information transmitted on HTTP pages is done so using plain text which can be intercepted by computer hackers.
Selling Online
Beware of selling and listing items in local ads or elsewhere online. Never meet someone alone. If necessary, consider meeting in a public place, like a post office or bank rather than a parking lot. Beware of posting photos taken from smartphones for online adds. You could be sharing your home address with a criminal.
Public Computers
Avoid typing sensitive information on public computers, such as those in a public library or an internet café. Spyware may be installed on these computers that record your every keystroke. Also, you never know who may be watching your activity. Never select the feature that automatically signs you on to email or check any box to “Remember my Password” on websites.
