Online Safety, Security, Ethics, and Etiquette
Online Safety and Security
The Internet is defined as the information superhighway. This means that anyone has access to this highway, can
place information, and can grab that information. This is why social networking sites like Facebook continue to improve
their security features. The threat of cybercrime is very real. Whatever information we share today could affect our
future.
Tips to Stay Safe Online
The Internet is a public place and it is up to you to protect yourself. Here are some tips to help you stay safe
when using the internet.
1. Be mindful of what you share online and what site you share it to.
2. Do not just accept terms and conditions; read it.
3. Know the security features of the social networking site you use. By keeping your profile private, search engines
will not be able to scan your profile.
4. Do not share your password with anyone.
5. Avoid logging in to public networks/Wi-Fi. Browsing in “incognito (or private) mode will NOT protect you from
hackers.
6. Do not talk to strangers whether online or face-to-face/
7. Never post anything about a future vacation. It is similar to posting, “Rob my house at this date.”
8. Add friends you know in real life.
9. Avoid visiting untrusted websites.
10. Install and update an antivirus software on your computer. Use only one anti-virus software to avoid conflicts.
11. If you have Wi-Fi at home, make it private network by adding a password.
12. Avoid downloading anything from untrusted websites.
13. But the software, do not use pirated ones.
14. Do not reply or click links from suspicious emails.
15. Make Online Purchases from Secure Sites
Internet Threats
Here are some of the threats you should be aware of when using the Internet:
1. Malware – or malicious software, is any program or file that is harmful to a computer user.
Types:
a. Virus - a malicious program designed to replicate itself and transfer from one computer to another (internet, local
networks, FDs, CDs, etc.)
b. Worm - a malicious program that transfers from one computer to another by any type of means.
Ex. ILOVEYOU Worm - The malware originated in the Pandacan neighborhood of Manila in the Philippines on May 5,
2000.
c. Trojan - a malicious program that disguises as a useful program but once downloaded or installed, leaves your PC
unprotected and allows hackers to get your information.
d. Spyware - a program that runs in the background without you knowing it (thus called “spy”). It has the ability to
monitor what you are currently doing and typing through keylogging.
Ex. Keylogger – used to record keystrokes done by the user. This is done to steal their password or any other sensitive
information. The key logger software typically uses log file to store its recording.
e. Adware - a program designed to send you advertisements, mostly as pop-ups.
f. Ransomware - or ransom software is a type of malicious software from cryptovirology that threatens to publish the
victim's data or perpetually block access to it unless a ransom is paid.
2. Spam - an unwanted email mostly from bots or advertisers. It can be used to send malware.
3. Phishing - its goal is to acquire sensitive personal information like passwords and credit card details. This is done by
sending you an e-mail that will direct the user to visit a fake website and be asked to update his/her username,
password, credit card or personal information.
Protecting Reputations Online
Here are the things you might want to consider before posting something over the internet:
1. Before your post something on the web, ask these questions to yourself: Would you want your parents or
grandparents to see it? Would you want your future boss to see it?
2. If you feel that a post can affect you or other’s reputation, ask the one who posted it to pull it down or report it as
inappropriate.
Copyright Infringement
It is the use of works protected by copyright law without permission for a usage where such permission4 is
required.
Here are some tips that could help you avoid copyright infringement:
1. Always assume that the work is copyrighted.
2. Do not copy, share or alter without seeking permission.
3. Review and retain licensing agreements.
4. Consider buying content.
5. Give credit to the original author of the page or information.