All residents and public and private sector partners should be educated on cyber threats and how to safeguard themselves at home, work and school. Our critical infrastructure depends on information technology systems and computer networks for essential operations.
Cookie: A small text file which keeps track of information about your browsing on a particular website; generally automatically created and stored on your computer.
Firewall: A security system, generally consisting of software or hardware, that works to keep malicious threats from attacking your computer.
Malware: Stands for Malicious Software or Code; includes any harmful code - trojans, worms, spyware, adware - that is designed to damage the computer or collect information
Adware: Displays unsolicited advertising on your computer.
Spyware: "Spies" on your computer activity by collecting information about you without your knowledge or consent; the program or code then sends the information back to its creator. Typically creates numerous pop-up ads, or may facilitate identity theft.
Trojan Horse: Disguises itself as another program, giving another user unauthorized access to your computer.
Virus: Self-replicating, attaches itself to other programs without your permission; can exhaust the memory of a computer or erase files.
Phishing: A criminal activity used to obtain personal information, such as passwords, bank account numbers, social security numbers, illegally.
Spam: Unsolicited messages delivered by electronic mail usually for commercial purposes - also known as "junk mail"
Additional Terms from i-SAFE »
McAfee Internet Security Glossary »
Stay Safe Online is part of the National Cyber Security Alliance, sponsored in part by the United States Department of Homeland Security. The following information is part of their internet security tips.
Stay Safe Online
When you cross the street, you look both ways so make sure it’s safe. Staying safe on the Internet is similar. It takes some common sense steps -- STOP. THINK. CONNECT.
STOP. Before you use the Internet, take time to understand the risks and learn how to spot potential problems.
THINK. Take a moment to be certain the path is clear ahead. Watch for warning signs and consider how your actions online could impact your safety, or your family’s.
CONNECT. Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence, knowing you’ve taken the right steps to safeguard yourself and your computer.
STOP. THINK. CONNECT.
Protect yourself and help keep the web a safer place for everyone.
All citizens can follow a few simple guidelines to keep themselves safe in cyberspace. In doing so, they not only protect their personal information but also contribute to the security of cyberspace.
Stay Protected and Updated
Install anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software to your computer; update as necessary. Also, make sure that your web browser and other computer programs are always up to date.
Be Smart with Personal Information
Create strong passwords (unique, with capital and lowercase letters as well as numbers or symbols) on your electronic devices and change them often. Never record your password or provide it to someone else.
Own Your Social Media
It's ok to limit what you share via your social media accounts. Become an expert on your social media provider's privacy settings, and know who you're sharing your information with. Report stolen identities to the Internet Crime Complaint Center or your local law enforcement as appropriate.
Internet Crime Complaint Center »
Tips for Social Networking Safety »
Store What's Important
Back up important files, photos, music, or other digital items that are valuable to you. You can store your important data on an external hard drive, CDs, or by some other means that is separate from the copies physically on your computer.
Be Web-Savvy
Ignore suspicious e-mail or links, and be wary of giving out your personal information. Only open attachments if you're expecting them and know what they contain. If an email or website is making you an offer that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Tips for Mobile Devices »
Tips for Email Security »
Protect Your Money
Security enabled sites will have web addresses with "https://" or "shttp://". If you're banking, shopping, or making a payment online, realize that a "http://" is not a secure web address.
Tips for Online Shopping »
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