Security is a big issue online.  All Internet users needs to be aware of some things.

1.  NEVER give any revealing information about yourself when you first meet people.  You don't know who anyone really is online until you start corresponding with them over a period of time.  You can get a good feel for people by visiting their webpage (if they have one), reading messages, or chatting.

2.  NEVER post your home address or phone number on a website or on a mailing list.  Over the years, I have seen many people post their home addresses and phone numbers on their webpages or on mailing lists.  This is a NO-NO.  It is just a setup for someone to do possible harm to you and/or your family.

3.  NEVER give credit card numbers to anyone whether in chat or in email.  No one should be asking you for that UNLESS your cedit card is about to expire and your Internet Service Provider needs the information from your new credit card.  In that case, just call your Internet Service Provider with the new information.  If an individual unknown to you asks for your credit card information in chat, tell that person you do NOT have it available.  If an individual unknown to you asks for your credit card information in email, igonore the email by simply deleting it.  Do NOT reply to the email.  If the email problem persists, simply email the person's Internet Service Provider.  (Please see "Communicating on the Internet" for more information on email.)

4.  NEVER share any passwords with anyone.  I only share passwords (website) with people I trust.  None of my family knows my passwords.

5.  Always make sure that your transactions (purchases and online banking) are secure.  Online secure means encrypted.  Secure areas are encrypted so that the information you are sending that is not able to be retrieved by other parties.  You will know when you are in a secure area.

Connections

This page contains information about protecting your computer through high speed Internet connections.

Transactions

This page contains information about shopping and banking online.

Links

This page contains links to general information about online security.