Internet Safety
Internet Safety Video Series
Shaw Communications is offering a series of streaming videos about Internet Safety. Follow the links below to view the individual titles from the "Internet Safety Series";
- Future Technology
"Technology on the Internet changes with lightning speed, for every application there's been an exploit, we must stay one step ahead..." With Calgary Police Service Constable Kathy Macdonald. - E-mail Security
"Let's look at e-mail and see what we can do to make it more secure..." With Calgary Police Service Constable Kathy Macdonald. - Chain Letters
"...they circulate in cyberspace making unbelievable claims of get rich quick schemes, amazing cures for diseases and heartbreaking stories of sick or missing children..." With Calgary Police Service Constable Kathy Macdonald. - Phishing
"Phishing, also known as 'Brand Spoofing', is when an Internet user receives an unsolicted e-mail message from what appears to be a legitimate company..." With Calgary Police Service Constable Kathy Macdonald. - Safe Surfing
"Safe surfing tips for you and your family..." With Calgary Police Service Constable Kathy Macdonald. - Chat Rooms
"On-line meeting places where you can have real-time conversations with many people at the same time..." With Calgary Police Service Constable Kathy Macdonald. - Identity Theft
"Theft of personal information can happen quite easily and in ways that you may not even suspect..." With Calgary Police Service Constable Kathy Macdonald.
Brought to you by Carefactor Computer Services Inc.
Internet Safety Presentation Internationally Recognized
The Calgary Police Service Crime Prevention Unit has developed an Internet Safety presentation aimed at computer users of all ages. This presentation has been recognized as a "best practices model" by the International Society of Policing Cyberspace.
All computer users can take general precautions to protect themselves and their computer.
The Internet safety presentation, developed collaboratively by the Calgary Police Service and the University of Calgary, includes crime prevention tips on:
Meeting Online Friends
Adults planning to meet an online acquaintance in person for the first time should consider taking a few precautions:
- Meet in a public place, in a well-known location and at a time when many people will be in the area. It is a good idea to meet as part of a group first.
- Consider doing a quick online search of the person's name so you have some background on that person.
- If possible, try to verify factual information.
- Remember that photographs sent over the Internet could be modified or be a photograph of someone else.
- If you feel uncomfortable with the person, trust your intuition and choose not to continue the relationship.
Internet Fraud
Computer users of all ages can fall victim to age-old scams adapted to the Internet. Indicators of Internet fraud to be aware of include:
- Chain letters and pyramid schemes that require an investment.
- Purchases that never arrive or are of lower quality than promised.
- Money-making opportunities and misrepresented business opportunities.
Online Transactions
It is also important to remember that online financial transactions can be dangerous. Some tips to remember are:
- Transactions are not always confidential. That means a third party could pick up personal information sent over the Web, such as a credit card number.
- Protect your password. Use something original. DO NOT use names, phone numbers, birthdates, addresses or identifying acronyms as your password. Never tell anyone your password.
- Minimum recommended level of encryption is 128-bit SSL (high level security used to scramble online communications).
- Record a transaction number or print a receipt of all online transactions.
General Precautions
All computer users can take general precautions to protect themselves and their computer. The Crime Prevention Unit suggests:
- Use an antivirus Web site such as www.antivirus.com as your home page. This will keep you informed of new viruses.
- Update your antivirus software regularly to protect your computer from new, stronger Internet viruses.
- Never open attachments from unknown addresses or that you are not expecting. Attachments are a common method of transmitting viruses that can attack your computer.
- Make frequent backups of all your data in case your computer is infected by a virus.
The Crime Prevention Unit is currently delivering the Internet safety presentation as a pilot project to high school students, police members, non-profit groups and small businesses. The unit plans to make the presentation available on a wider basis in 2002.
For more information about the Internet safety presentation, please contact the Crime Prevention Unit at 403-206-8142.
Updated: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 10:54 AM