Internet Safety Checklist

• Always watch for Internet scams.
   
• Backup important files.  

• Beware of file sharing.
   
• Create smart passwords and protect them.

• Create penetration alerts.
   
• Do not give out personal information

• Do not open unknown email.
   
• Get a spam blocker.
   
• Guard against spyware.

• Keep your operating system up-to-date. Install security patches.
   
• Make sure your operating system's firewall is turned on.

• Monitor your children.
   
• Setup effective encryption keys on your wireless home networks.

• Take care when shopping online.
   
• Treat IM (instant messaging) seriously.

• Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and update them regularly.
   

Sources & Links

Mind What You Do Online: A byte crime booklet

FDIC: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Don't Be an Online Victim

USA.gov - Internet Fraud

U.S. Department of State - International Financial Scams

Kids Health - Internet Safety

Fake Checks - About fake check scams