Definition of Internet Safety

Internet safety, sometimes referred to as digital safety, on-line safety or cyber safety, is a relatively new concept that has grown with advances in the Internet. There are many aspects to Internet safety. Broadly, the term refers to practices and precautions you should observe when using the Internet, so as to ensure that your personal information and your computer remain safe.

Personal Information
Internet safety means protecting your personal information while on-line. Details such as your address, full name, telephone number, birth date and/or social security number can potentially be used by on-line criminals. On-line fraud, including identity theft, is increasing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported national losses of $560 million in 2009, more than double that of 2008.

Of course, sometimes it is necessary to provide personal details, for example when shopping on-line. GetNetWise.org recommends only using websites of reputable companies, reading the site's privacy policy and only giving out information absolutely necessary for the purchase, such as a shipping address and credit card number. Never give out passwords, pin numbers or your bank account number.

Social Networking
Internet safety has become an important concept for users of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. In social networking application, the term is closely linked to privacy. Whilst sharing information is central to social networking, setting boundaries, such as limiting who can view your profile and photographs, has become common safe practice. This is to protect you not just from identity thieves, but also from stalkers and sex offenders, who have in rare cases used the sites to target victims.

Children
Internet safety has particular application when it comes to children's on-line activity. Children require protection from unsuitable content, paedophiles and cyber bullies. Many ISPs have parent control options to help block out pornographic or violent material; however, these are not 100-percent effective. KidsHealth.org recommends parents closely monitor their child's on-line time, while also educating them about on-line dangers and Internet safety measures.

Email
Internet safety also applies to email use. Phishing is common type of on-line scam where criminals send official-looking emails in an attempt to con the user into revealing details that may be used for identity theft. Emails can also contain viruses. WiredSafety.org advises changing your password often and never sharing it, refraining from opening attachments unless they have been through an anti-virus program, remembering to log off, especially when using a public computer, deleting all emails from unknown persons and never replying to spam.

Your Computer
Internet safety also means taking precautions to protect your computer. Adware, viruses and spyware can crash your entire system. It is important to install virus protection software and a firewall and to check for updates regularly. It is inadvisable to download free software on-line unless you are certain it is from a respected company. This is because many free programs are a front for delivering adware and spyware to your computer.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_6577504_definition-internet-safety.html