This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

You may not realize it, but sometimes all that stands between you and an identity thief is a string of 5-8 alphanumeric characters. In today’s digital world, passwords allow us to gain access to a wide variety of information. This may include personal emails, bank account info, daily news preferences and social networks. However, many people don’t realize how vulnerable they are because of the location and type of passwords they use. In fact, many people store their passwords in a text file on their computer, which is a huge security risk. Here are a few tips to help you to keep your passwords safe from identity thieves and hackers.

Choose a Difficult Password

Many people choose passwords that are easy to remember – such as their birth year, child’s birthday or the name of their high school. However, these password types are actually extremely insecure. It’s best to choose a password that is a combination of letters, numbers and alphanumeric characters. For example, you could have a password such as px8:4k9 – which is a combination of these three character types. Though these types of passwords are initially difficult to remember, they are also more difficult for a hacker to crack.

Don’t Share Your Password

Imagine that you’re at work, and you receive a call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement official. They tell you that your child is accused of downloading illegal or banned content onto your home computer, and that it needs to be investigated. They ask you for the password to login to your computer, in order to ensure that there is no illegal content. However, the person on the phone is actually an identity thief, who is attempting to gain access to your personal information. While this may sound a bit far-fetched, scams such as this one happen every day, and thousands of people per year are victims of identity theft. Never, ever give out your passwords to anyone.

For Digital Passwords, Use a Password Service

Security expert Bruce Schneier was recently interviewed about how to keep passwords safe from hackers. His advice was interesting, as was this part of his response:

“I write my passwords down. There’s this rampant myth that you shouldn’t write your passwords down. My advice is exactly the opposite. We already know how to secure small bits of paper. Write your passwords down on a small bit of paper, and put it with all of your other valuable small bits of paper: in your wallet.” - Security Expert Bruce Schneier

However, Schneier doesn’t only rely on his back pocket to protect his important passwords. He uses a free Windows password storage tool, which is called “Password Safe”. This desktop application allows computer users to store their passwords on their computer, requiring them to only remember one password in order to access their password list. Password Safe is an open-source project, and is currently released as version 3.22. It uses the Twofish encryption algorithm, which provides a high level of security for stored passwords. Because it’s free, it has been rapidly increasing in popularity among computer users looking for encryption services for their passwords.

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Wireless internet has given us incredibly mobility, and the ability to access the internet from virtually anywhere. However, there are cyber criminals that may take advantage of a wireless network that is not secure. It’s possible for someone with a basic level of computer experience to steal your personal information by accessing a vulnerable network. Here are three simple steps you can use to secure your wireless network:

Wireless Network Security – Step 1. Change the Default Administrative Username and Password

The first and perhaps most important thing you should do is change the default administrative username and password on your router. Your router has its own portal, much like a website, that anyone can access wirelessly.  This portal allows a user to change all kinds of settings from a remote location. Unfortunately, a router ships with a default username and password that anyone can look up. If your username and password are still set to their factory defaults, you are at a huge security risk! Change these settings as soon as possible.

Wireless Network Security – Step 2. Change the Default SSID

When you turn on your router, and connect to your home access point, you look for the identifying name of your network. This name is also known as the SSID. By default, an unchanged SSID will usually reflect the router’s manufacturer. For example, a Linksys router will usually have a default SSID of “linksys”. Although staying with the default name for your wireless network doesn’t compromise its security, it can make you a target for cyber criminals. In their eyes, a default SSID is a sign of a poorly configured network. Many people with default SSID’s leave their other security settings unchanged as well.

Wireless Network Security – Step 3. Enable Encryption

All of today’s wireless routers are capable of encrypting the signal they send. Encryption essentially scrambles the data that is sent and received so that only somebody with a password can interpret it. If you have ever logged on to a network that required a password, you have accessed an encrypted network. There are many different types of encryption you can set, which each have different levels of security. Although you may be tempted to choose the highest level of security encryption, you need to consider what your internet devices are capable of using. Unfortunately, every device on your network needs to use the same type of encryption. For example, even if your business laptop is capable of WPA2 encryption (currently the strongest), your child’s mobile gaming device may not be.  Therefore, you may need to compromise with a lower level of security encryption. At a minimum, you should at least choose WEP encryption.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

In today’s age of digitized information, it is essential to ensure your personal data remains secure. Thousands of people each year are victims of identity theft, often because their digital personal information has been compromised. Fortunately, there is an easy five-step process that you can follow to keep your computer secure. This can be done for free, and can be accomplished in a few minutes.

Step One to a Secure PC: Make Sure Windows Update is on Automatic

Windows Update is responsible for keeping your PC up-to-date. It provides you with security fixes, malware definition updates, and patches for known exploits. A large percentage of viruses are designed to target older versions of Windows. Hackers know that most people do not bother updating, so the odds of successfully infecting a target computer are still fairly high. Stay out of that majority by keeping Windows updated at all times.

Go to the Start Menu, type ‘Windows Update’ in the search box, and select the first option that appears. On the left side of the following window, click ‘Change Settings’ and under ‘Important Updates’ select ‘Install updates automatically’. Click the ‘OK’ button to save your changes.

Step Two to a Secure PC: Install Antivirus Software

Although an up-to-date Windows system has a good level of security, it is still highly recommended that you install an effective antivirus program. In general, you have two options: you can purchase an antivirus program, or choose a free option. One of the most popular free antivirus programs is Avast! Free Antivirus.

Download Link:

• Avast! Free Antivirus

If you choose to pay for your antivirus software instead, you can also refer to our article: “5 Computer Security Tips” for links to other antivirus programs.

Step Three to a Secure PC: Install Antispyware Software (XP Only)

If  you’re one of the many computer users that is still running Windows XP, it is essential that you have spyware protection. Unlike newer Windows operating systems, XP does not have a built-in spyware program. Each time you browse the web, you most likely will pick up spyware.  Fortunately, Microsoft published Windows Defender as a free download to provide an added level of spyware protection in Windows XP.

Download Link:

• Windows Defender

Click the “Get it Now” button, and follow the recommended settings to install the program. If you have installed Avast! Free Antivirus, you will actually be protected against spyware as well, since it is included with the software. NOTE: If you have Windows Vista or Windows 7, you already have Windows Defender installed on your system.

The XP Interface for Windows Defender.

Step Four to a Secure PC: Use a Secure Web Browser

The default browser for Windows is Internet Explorer (IE). While this is most likely the browser you are most familiar with, it is actually one of the least secure browsers available today. There are plenty of better options, all free. Choosing between them is a matter of preference. Google Chrome is the fastest, Mozilla Firefox is the most customizable, and Opera has the highest performance. All three options have better sercurity than Internet Explorer.

Download Links:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Opera

Execute the setup program, and install with the recommended settings. When you run the browser for the first time, you can import data from Internet Explorer, such as your bookmark folders.

Step Five to a Secure PC: Be Wary of Public Networks

When traveling, finding an internet connection can be a bit of a challenge. However, it is still possible to find unsecured networks, which you can connect to without providing a special password. It’s tempting to leech off of these networks to get some free on-the-go internet access.

Connecting to an unsecure network is actually a lot more dangerous than many people realize. Because the information that is sent over the network is not encrypted, anyone can “sniff out” packets of data and collect lots of sensitive information. Unfortunately, not all websites conceal the data that you send them. If another person is also connected to the same network, they could theoretically acquire all kinds of personal information. This could include passwords, bank acount numbers, or sensitive login information.

If you absolutely must connect to an unsecure network, make sure you do not access any websites that handle sensitive information. Be certain your firewall is active and running, and be sure you don’t have any files or folders shared without a password. By default, all of these settings should already be in place, unless you manually changed them.

screenshot: source

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1. Reboot Your Computer

Since many of today’s PC’s and Laptops now have Power-Save options, it’s natural to forget that your computer needs to reboot occasionally. When you make changes to your computer’s settings, or install new programs, it can help to reboot your PC to help these changes to take effect.

2. Perform a Virus Scan

In some cases, performance issues with your computer could be caused by a computer virus. Many viruses use up resources (such as RAM and hard drive space), resulting in poor performance. If you don’t have anti-virus software installed on your computer, there are several options available to you. For a short list of recommended free and paid anti-virus software, check out these 5 Essential Computer Security Tips.

3. Free up Disk Space

If you have large video, music or backup files on your computer, you may want to consider transferring them to a physical backup medium instead. In most cases, you can burn files that you don’t use on a regular basis to a CD or DVD as data files. CD’s typically have around 700MB (MegaBytes) of available storage space, while DVD’s usually boast about 4.4 GB (GigaBytes).

4. Defragment Your Hard Drive

When Windows accesses the files on your computer, the location of these files often becomes fragmented. This means that every time Windows needs to access these files, it needs to first search for the locations of these fragments. Over time, Windows eventually scatters the locations of your files throughout your computer: This is called fragmentation.  Excessive fragmentation can result in slow performance, as well as other computer issues. To defragment your computer, you have two options. Every copy of Windows comes with a built-in defragmenting program to help fix this problem through regular maintenance. Or, you can download third-party defragmenting software, since there are some programs that are more effective at defragmenting your computer.

To run the Windows Defragmenter, open up your Start menu. Navigate toPrograms > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter. Once you start up the program, you will have two options: Analyze, and Defragment. The Analyze option allows you to see the fragmentation level of your computer. To fix this fragmentation, choose the “Defragment” option. It’s recommended that you have at least 15% of your hard drive’s disk space free before attempting defragmentation.

5. Uninstall Old/Useless Programs

Many computers often come packaged with trial software, proprietary programs and other applications that aren’t essential to the proper functioning of your computer. In order to help your computer to perform better, it’s highly recommended that you regularly check the installed programs on your computer. If you don’t regularly use a program, it’s best to uninstall it. Navigate to the Control Panel through the Start Menu, then either choose “Uninstall Programs“, “Programs and Features“ or “Programs” (depending on your version of Windows).

6. Run Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is an application included with most versions of Windows, which allows you to safely delete unneeded system files. Open the Start Menu, and choose Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup. Once the program has started, you should see a list of all the files on your computer that can be deleted safely, as well as a description of these files. Check all the files that you wish to delete, and then click the “OK” button.

7. Perform a Spyware Scan

If your computer is connected to the internet, there is a chance that it could be infected with spyware. Spyware refers to any type of program that collects information about your internet history, browsing, personal details or other information without your knowledge. It can also use up resources, and decrease your computer’s performance. For further details, you can refer to this article, “What is Spyware, and How Does it Affect My Computer?”

8. Install a Firewall

Another vulnerability of your computer when you use the internet is through your computer’s open ports. Through these ports, your computer could be infiltrated by hackers, hijackers and potential identity thieves. It’s highly recommended that you install firewall software in order to protect your computer. If you’re running Windows, you may already have a built-in firewall that is protecting your computer.

9. Clear History in Your Internet Browser

To slightly increase the speed of your computer, you may have to adjust the history settings on your browser. By default, many internet browsers save your browsing history for a long period of time. Depending on which internet browser you’re running, there are several ways to delete your browsing history. In most cases, you will find it under the “Security” option, or by navigating to Tools > Internet Options > General.

10. Disable AutoStart Programs

When you turn on your computer, many programs may be starting and running in the background. The best way to allow your computer to start up fast (and run smoother) is to constantly check on which startup programs are enabled. In your start menu, type MSCONFIGinto the search box. You should see a box similiar to this one:

Navigate to the “Startup” tab in this window. You should see a list of all of the programs that are automatically starting up with your computer. Disable any of these programs that you don’t need, such as instant messenging services. Once you’ve made the chances, click “Apply“, then “OK“. Restart your computer for these changes to take effect.

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It’s estimated that around 75% of all Americans use their computer on a regular basis. However, a significantly smaller percentage of computer users are aware of the important steps needed to protect their computer’s security. A computer that is vulnerable can be negatively affected by computer viruses, spyware and hackers. In some cases, an improperly secured computer can also result in the theft of personal information, such as credit card or bank account numbers. Having a secure computer is an important step that you can take towards protecting your personal information. Here are five essential tips to help you understand how to protect your computer’s security.

Exercise Safe Internet Browsing
Due to the large amount of information on the internet, most computer users spend their time online. However, there are many malicious programs that may use your internet browser to infiltrate your computer. Always use a “secure” internet browser, and never download a file from a source that you aren’t familiar with.

Be Careful When Installing Programs
When installing software on your computer, it’s always best to exercise caution. Some programs may offer “add-on” features that promise to bring you useful information, or provide a service at no extra charge. Be aware that some of these programs are also designed to collect personal information, which may occasionally be used by a company to develop marketing information. Other programs may change the advertisements that you see on specific websites, based on your browsing history.

Install Anti-Virus Software
Having virus protection is a very useful way to ensure that your computer is protected against potential security issues. Many people do not have virus protection because many programs cost from $20 to $50 for basic levels of protection. However, there are also many free antivirus programs which can help to protect your computer. Here is a short list of some of the best (both free and paid) antivirus software programs.

Free Antivirus Software

• A-Squared Free (Site)
• Avira AntiVir Personal (Site)
• Avast! Free AntiVirus (Site)
• Microsoft Security Essentials (Site)

Paid Antivirus Software

• AVG AntiVirus (Site)
• McAfee AntiVirus (Site)
• Norton AntiVirus (Site)
• PC-cillin (Site)

Update Your Operating System
If you are running a Microsoft Windows operating system, it’s essential that you update on a regular basis. Keeping your version of Windows up to date can help protect your computer from potential vulnerabilities, and may also help improve the performance of your computer. If you don’t have automatic updates enabled, it’s highly recommended that you navigate to the Windows Update page on a regular basis. Your computer will be scanned, and you will be notified of any available updates for your specific version of Windows.  

Monitor Your Active Connections
In order to ensure that your computer is secure, it can be useful to monitor all of the active connections currently running on your computer. The process to do this is fairly simple:

1. Click on your Start menu.

2. In the “Run” or “Search All Programs” box, type “cmd” or “command”. You will then see a box similar to this one:

3. Type in “netstat”, and then hit the enter key.

4. You will then receive a list of your active connections, as well as their status.

5. If you are having trouble identifying what programs are using some of the connections (or are concerned that the connections may be from a spyware program), you can install a program that will help you to identify your connections. Some useful programs for this purpose include:

• FPort by McAffee (Site)
• Active Ports (Site)
• TCPView (Site)

All three of these programs are freeware, and should be able to help you identify your connections.

Sources:

http://contech.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/command-prompt1.jpg

http://www.foundstone.com/us/resources/proddesc/fport.htm

http://www.devicelock.com/freeware.html

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897437.aspx

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If you’re a regular internet user, you have most likely already heard of the term “Spyware”. Though many people are aware that spyware can  negatively affect the performance of their computer, a very small percentage of internet users actually understand what it is. In fact, some people even believe that it involves “hackers” infiltrating their computer’s security. In reality, the truth is much different. Here is a general explanation of spyware, how it affects your computer, and what you can do to protect yourself against it.

What is Spyware?

The term “Spyware” is actually a casual term for adware. Adware is software that operates by gathering information (including behavior, viewing trends, personal information, browsing history, etc) about the user(s) of a specific computer. This software is often able to operate completely without the user’s knowledge. In some cases, the software may also change the settings or configurations of the computer it is present on.

Why is Spyware Dangerous?

The answer to this question is a bit complicated, since not all adware programs are dangerous. Some programs are simply designed to gather marketing information in order to be used by a company, or to cause targeted advertisements to show up while a user is browsing. However, there are some types of adware which may collect personal information, making you vulnerable to identity theft and/or credit card fraud. In addition to this, some spyware programs may cause your computer to crash or freeze on a regular basis.

How Does My Computer Get Spyware?

There are many methods that spyware may use to infiltrate your computer. Some of the most common methods include:

Freeware Programs
In some cases, the development of many “free” programs is funded by an agreement to bundle an adware program in the install package. You may see an option during the install of your freeware program, which may be something like,

“YES! Please give me the additional services of [Adware Program Name] at no extra charge!”

This may be in the form of a program designed to give you “Special Discounts”, or “Exclusive Deals”. Be wary of adding any extra programs during the install of a freeware program.

Internet Browser Toolbars
Many adware programs are designed to take the form of a toolbar that installs directly into your internet browser. These toolbars may provide customized search options, website suggestions or other services. It should be noted that the toolbar is able to provide these services because they are monitoring your browsing history and other information. Though not all toolbar adware programs are dangerous, you should still avoid them if you do not wish your browsing history to be tracked by the program.

Webpages
It’s possible for adware to be directly embedded into the code of a specific webpage. Some scripting languages may infiltrate vulnerabilities of your computer, installing directly by using your internet browser.

Email Attachments
Some email attachments may contain adware or even computer viruses. Once you open the attachment, the malicious program is installed onto your computer. This may be in the form of a funny movie, a cute picture or other message that will be frequently forwarded through a person’s email contacts.

How Can I Protect My Computer Against Spyware?

There are many methods that you may use to protect your computer from being infiltrated by spyware/adware programs. This includes:

• Using a Secure Internet Browser
• Installing Anti-Spyware Software**
• Only Opening Trusted Email Attachments
• Installing a Virus/Spyware Scanner with Real-Time Monitoring
• Using Common Sense When Browsing

  ** NOTE: Some “Anti-Spyware” programs are actually designed to install adware and other dangerous programs onto your computer! When choosing an Anti-Spyware program, be sure to read reviews of that program, and ensure that it is from a trusted organization. If there is a customer service number, you may want to contact them directly for more information about their software.

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When it comes to computer security, navigating the complicated realm of computer security software can be extremely confusing. There are hundreds of products that are advertised as being able to make your computer “hacker-proof”, or to protect your personal information. However, other security software aside, having a firewall installed on your computer is perhaps one of the most important ways to ensure that your computer is secure.

What is a Firewall?

A Firewall is a program that helps to prevent unwanted intrusions into your PC from the internet. It is designed to greatly lower the chance that your computer will be vulnerable to content which could harm your computer. There are generally three different types of firewalls:

• Software Firewalls
• Hardware Firewalls
• Wireless Routers

Each of these firewalls functions differently, and helps to protect your computer in a slightly different way. For this guide, we will be covering software firewalls.

Why Do I Need a Firewall?

Every time you access the internet, you are opening specific “ports” on your computer in order to view information, email or other content. Through these ports, it is possible that spyware, malware and hackers could gain access to your computer. A firewall functions in a way that allows it to keep a watch on the thousands of ports on your computer, preventing unauthorized activity from infiltrating these ports.

A Note About Windows Firewall

If you are running Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, you already have a built-in software firewall included in your operating system. However, in order for this to function, you have to ensure that it is enabled. Navigate through your Control Panel to the Network > Internet Connections menu, and right-click the connection you want to protect. Go to Properties > Advanced, and ensure that the checkbox that says “Protect this Connection” is selected. Depending on which operating system you have, this process may be slightly different.

However, it should be noted that the Windows Firewall does not provide complete protection for your computer. Due to the configurations of it, it is only able to monitor incoming traffic, such as the information exchanged when you view a webpage. If your computer has been infiltrated by a potentially harmful program, it will not be able to stop that program from sending outgoing information which could compromise your computer’s security.

Tips for Installing a Firewall

As a general rule, you do not need to purchase expensive software in order to provide your computer with a firewall. There are many free ones available for your computer, which will help increase your computer’s security. Some positively reviewed free firewalls include:

• Zone Alarm (Free Version)
• Agnitum Outpost Firewall Free
• Online Armor Free
• PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition

However, if you are looking for one with special features, or a higher security level, you may choose to look for a paid version instead.

No matter what type you choose, your software will have a short instructional period in which you will have to customize how it protects your computer. For someone with little or no computer knowledge, this can be a bit difficult. Basically, the firewall will ask you how much port access you want to grant to each program on your computer. In the first few days with your new firewall, you will have to constantly instruct the program which programs are “safe”, and should be allowed access to the internet. Most firewalls have an option in which your choice for that program can remain permanent, so that you are not constantly required to grant the program internet access.

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The internet is an extremely valuable tool, which can be used for social networking, informative research, and keeping up with current world events. However, just like all tools, browsing the internet does require a measure of caution. There are many things that you can do to improve the safety and security of your internet browsing, which can help to protect your computer against malicious software. Viruses, malware and spyware can disable your computer, which may require it to undergo expensive restorations or repairs.

Safe Internet Browsing Tip #1 – Use Common Sense
To browse the internet safely, it’s best if you do so by using common sense. Do not click on advertisements that may harm your computer, and stay away from sites that promise “free” items, cash or other services simply by entering your personal information. Just because a website looks official, this does not mean that it can’t harm your computer.

Safe Internet Browsing Tip #2 – Use a Firewall
To improve the safety of your internet browsing, it’s highly recommended that you install some high-quality firewall software. Having a firewall can help prevent programs from infiltrating your computer, and may also protect against some hackers or internet criminals. Some operating systems (such as Windows 7) include a built-in firewall, which should be enabled at all times in order to protect your computer. Even though using a firewall may cause some programs to have difficulty functioning, it’s best if you gain enough technical knowledge to properly use your firewall software.

Safe Internet Browsing Tip #3 – Use Antivirus Software
Having antivirus software installed on your computer is a good step towards protecting your computer’s security. Use a reputable program that has regular updates, as new viruses are discovered each day. In addition to this, try to ensure that your program has a 24/7 customer service line, which can help you to get instant answers to any questions you may have about the software.

Safe Internet Browsing Tip #4 – Be Aware
When other people are using your computer, it’s best if you supervise their activities. Even if a friend asks to check their email, it’s best if you have them login under a “Guest” or other account that you have created for others to use. Having a Guest account on your computer enables you to allow others to use your computer without having to worry about them installing potentially malicious software. When creating a Guest account, be sure that you limit the permissions of the account, and disable sharing of important files on your computer. In addition to this, you should always make sure that any sensitive files are password-protected, just in case.

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A computer virus is a small program that is injected into your computer when you open or run an infected file. It is important to protect your computer from viruses as they can crash your computer, prevent your computer from booting up and in the worst cases can delete critical system files from Windows.

Symptoms of a Virus Infection:
When computers become infected by a virus they exhibit common symptoms much like a high-tech version if a runny nose or fever. They can give you the same headaches as the seasonal flu with all the frustration you experience trying to work on virus damaged computer.
Signs that your computer is infected by a virus include:

-Crashing. This could take many forms such as “fatal error” messages; “illegal operation” messages; the computer shutting down unexpectedly; or being unable to start Windows.
-Freezing. Your computer suddenly enters a state of suspended animation in which everything on screen freezes (or perhaps you can move your mouse around the screen but you are unable to click on anything.)
-Going sooooo slow. Your computer is slower than normal. Windows takes longer to start up or shut down. Your programs and Internet take much longer to load or use. Your mouse cursor has a delayed response when you move it. Your digital music or video files do not play normally. When using a word-processing program, there is a noticeable lag in the words you type appearing onscreen. Or it may also take an unusual amount of time to open a folder or window.

How do Viruses Infect a Computer?
Viruses can hide inside some of these methods:
-E-mail attachments.
-Files that you download from seedy Web sites or from the file-sharing programs used to trade pirated songs or videos.
-The code of a Web page.
-The text of an e-mail.

Methods to Protect Your Computer from Viruses
Viruses are highly intelligent and sound very difficult to avoid but there are steps you can take to protect your computer against them:
-Install trusted, respected antivirus software and keep it updated constantly.
-Do not open e-mail attachments that have a file extension of .exe, .scr, or .vbs, or a double file extension such as .txt or .vbs
-Be wary of opening any e-mail attachments or instant-message attachments sent from people that you don’t know – even if those attachments do not have a dangerous file extension.
-Do not open spam e-mail (selling products, offering free videos, pictures, or songs; and so on).
-Perform a virus scan on files before downloading or opening them.
- Perform a virus scan on e-mail attachments that you think are safe to open.
-Do not install pirated software because it often contains viruses.
-Do not download pirated music files or videos because they too contain viruses.
-Do not click links sent to you in instant messaging.

Antivirus Software
If your computer isn’t experiencing symptoms, don’t assume its safe. It could be infected by a Trojan horse that operates silently behind the scenes gathering data from your system and transmitting it to criminal via the Internet. A trusted antivirus program is your best bet to keep your computer in the best possible health. Some trusted antivirus programs include:
-Norton Antivirus (www.symantec.com)
-McAfee Virus Scan (www.mcafee.com)
-eTrust EZ Antivirus (www.ca.com)
-PC-cillin (www.trendmicro.com)
-AVG Anti-Virus (www.grisoft.com)

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

As children become increasingly computer literate, keeping your child off of the internet is no longer an option. The internet is an extremely valuable tool, which children can use for research, entertainment and other activities. However, with this type of freedom also comes some significant risks. Instant messaging is not in itself dangerous to children, though it may potentially expose your child to very dangerous situations. Here is some general information about how you can protect your child, without banning them from using instant messaging programs.

What is Instant Messaging?

By definition, an instant messaging interface is an online method of communication between two or more people that is based on the exchanging of text-based messages. There are many programs that support this type of communication, including:

• Yahoo! Messenger
• Google Talk
• AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)
• Skype
• IMVU
• ICQ
• Windows Live Messenger (MSN Messenger)
• Xfire

In addition to this, there are many web-based chat rooms that also support the exchanging of private chat messages between two or more members of the chat room. These chat rooms usually do not require the installation of any software, though some of them may require browser add-ons in order to function properly.

Why is Instant Messaging Dangerous for Children?

To put it simply, it is not the instant messaging client that is dangerous to a child. Many children can responsibly use instant messaging software to communicate with friends or relatives that they do not see on a regular basis. However, it is the fact that many children have a need for constant social interaction which may provide the risk. When presented with such a versatile and widely used chat interface, a child may abandon other social activities and use this type of interaction as a replacement.

In addition to this, your child may begin trying to portray an “idealized” image of themselves to people they may meet online. The aspect of online anonymity is appealing to children, since many children, as they enter adolescence, begin to become self-conscious about their appearance, weight, hair color, etc.

Perhaps the most obvious danger to children which is presented by instant messaging is the risk of being exposed to people who may wish your child harm. It is a very common occurrence for pedaphiles or child sex offenders to use an anonymous online identity in order to solicit the attention of children. They may pretend to be another child, which may make your child think they are a “friend”.

What are some of the Danger Signs?

If you suspect that your child is using instant messaging in a dangerous manner, there are many signs that you can look out for. This includes:

• Using their computer after the rest of the family has gone to bed.
• Staying up for more than three hours simply to use an instant messaging client.
• Closing or minimizing chat windows when other family members are in the room.

How Can You Protect Your Child?

Aside from completely banning your child from internet chat rooms and instant messaging clients, there are several things that you can do to better protect your child. This includes:

• An “Adult” discussion about the dangers of the internet.
• Installation of parental monitoring software on your child’s computer.
• Constant supervision of your child while they are online.

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