Computer and internet access and safety

We all spend significant amounts of time on the internet.

If you're at home or out in public, apply appropriate security measures to ensure a positive online experience.

Basics to improve online security

• Ensure a website’s security by checking for the “s” in the https:// in the URL at the top of your internet browser’s search bar.
• Use strong passwords and add extra security with two-factor authentication.
• Update your devices’ operating systems, software, and apps frequently.
• If you use public Wi-Fi, consider a virtual private network (VPN).
• Set up secure Wi-Fi at home with a strong password to prevent strangers from logging on to your network.
• Only download applications from official app stores like The Apple App Store, Google Play, or the Samsung Galaxy Store.
• Use Android's Find My Device or Apple's Find My iPhone to locate, lock, or erase your device’s data in case it is lost or stolen.
• Install and use anti-malware software that helps find and remove malware or harmful software and apps.
• Back up your devices’ data regularly so data can be found and restored in case of loss, theft, or a security problem. 

Password security

Your passwords are a crucial online security measure. They protect everything from your email and social media accounts to your personal and banking information. The stronger your password, the more secure your online experience will be.

Create a strong password

• Never use personal information like your pet’s name, date of birth, or phone number. These are easy to guess by someone trying to access your accounts.
• Use a long password as they are more difficult to guess or hack.
• Include different types of characters such as upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.

Protect your password

• Never share your passwords with anyone.
• Never leave your passwords where they can be found easily.
• Use a different password for every account.

Online schemes change often — especially since AI tools are available.

Common schemes

Scams

These are deceptive practices that aim to get money, personal information, or valuables. Common scams are technical support, fake online stores, romance, and competition scams.

Identity theft

This is when someone uses your personal information for criminal purposes. They steal passwords, Social Security numbers, or financial data.

Phishing

Scammers pretend to be trustworthy in emails or websites. They trick you into giving them personal information.

Viruses

Scammers put links for you to click in messages. When you click the link, harmful programs download onto your device.

Junk or scam emails

There are specific patterns to look for.

Signs of a junk or scam message

• You didn't start the conversation with whoever is trying to contact you.
• The email seems too informal and has spelling and grammatical errors.
• They ask for personal information, bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords.
• They promise money or rewards for minimal effort or investment.
• They don't know your name and use a generic greeting.
• There are high-pressure demands that ask you to act fast.
• There are attachments or links you didn't ask for.
• There are offers or prizes that seem too good to be true. 

What to do

• Don't click any links.
• Don't reply to the email.
• Delete the email.

Other online schemes

Not all schemes come in emails and messages. There are other online threats to look out for.

Fake online stores

Dishonest online stores may offer to sell you items at a very low price. You'll get nothing in return.

Before you buy

• Make sure it's a trusted company or website.
• Look at reviews.
• Check to see if it's too good to be true.
• Search for scams related to the company.

Fake technical support

You may get an email or a random pop-up message about a virus on your device. They aren't true. Don't call the number or click on a provided link. A website can't tell you if your computer has a virus.

If you call, they will try to get access to your computer, your personal information or get you to pay.

Real companies won't call you first and they won't ask for payment by gift card.

Online contests

These contests may appear as random pop-ups or emails.

If you have to pay or provide personal information to get a prize or lottery winnings, it's likely a scam.

Fake internet romances

Know who you're talking to before giving personal information or sending photos.

It could be a fake internet romance if they:

• Claim they've met you before or got your information from a friend
• Claim they have a connection to you that you don’t remember
• Can't meet in person and won’t accept phone calls or video calls
• Ask for money and have a sad story
• Ask for personal photos

Scammers pose as employers or recruiters with fake job offers. They'll offer you a job by text, email, or voicemail.

They're trying to get you to pay money, share private details, or give account access.

Types of job scams

There are multiple ways scammers use to approach you.

Fake job postings

Ads for jobs that don’t exist and try to trick you into sharing sensitive information or sending money.

Phishing emails texts, or voicemails

Messages pretending to be from real companies asking for personal info.

Upfront payment scams

The scammers ask you to pay for training, supplies, or background checks.

It's probably a job scam if

• Recruiters contact you out of the blue, often via text.
• The pay seems too high for the work described.
• A job offer arrives without an interview.
• You’re asked to pay money up front.
• The email is not from the company’s domain.
• The job offer has poor grammar or odd wording.
• You’re pressured to act fast.
• The offer looks too good to be true.

How to stay safe

• Look up the company’s website to confirm the job posting.
• Never send money or share bank account details.
• Keep copies of all messages and offers for reference.
• Use trusted job sites like Indeed or LinkedIn to find work.

VPNs are important online safety tools. They help protect your private data and secure your internet connection. Using a VPN is a simple and effective way to stay safe online.

How a VPN works

VPNs use several tactics to protect your connection.

Encryption

A VPN mixes up your internet data so others can’t read it.

Routing

The encrypted information is sent through a safe path (“tunnel”) to a VPN server in another location.

Masking or hiding your IP address

Websites see the VPN’s location, not yours—keeping your real location hidden.

Safe path

The VPN protects your information and prevents anyone from spying on your online activities.

QR codes are a fast and easy way to access websites, download apps, order food at restaurants, and get information.

Some QR codes lead to fake websites that access your personal information or install harmful software on your device.

If a QR code takes you to a website that requests personal information, passwords, or payment details, close the website immediately.

Using a QR code

1. Open the camera on your device.
2. Point the camera at the QR code.
3. Wait for a moment to receive a notification on your screen.
4. Tap the notification to open the link provided by the QR code.

Checking a QR code

Look at the source

Only scan QR codes from sources you trust, like secure websites, trusted businesses and organizations, or people you know. Don’t scan QR codes from unknown or suspicious sources, or people or businesses you aren’t familiar with.

Look for signs of alteration

If the QR code is in a public place, be sure to check that no one has made any changes to it. Look to see if there's a sticker over the original QR code or for any other signs it's been adjusted.

Check the URL

Scan the QR code and look for a preview of the web address. Don’t click the website address until you confirm it’s safe. If the website starts with “https://” it is more likely to be safe.

Watch for warning signs

Look out for links and URLs that appear strange, misspelled, or don’t match the brand you expected. For example, “amz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”. This is a sign of a bad QR code.

AI affects many aspects of our lives. Virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri, or smart devices like Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Nest, make our lives easier with the help of AI.

AI can also cause harm and spread false information. Use common sense and question when something seems off to you.

Types of AI

Generative AI

This AI can create new content, such as text, images, music, and videos. It learns from large data sets and uses that knowledge to generate original outputs.

AI Bots

Bots are software programs that perform automated tasks on the internet. Some bots, like chatbots, can talk to users and answer questions. Others help gather information, manage social media, or assist with online shopping. Bots work behind the scenes to make online experiences faster and more efficient.

Common AI risks and how to avoid them

Learn what AI can do and how to spot and avoid risks.

Fake content and news

Certain types of AI can make fake videos or images that look real. Sometimes called deepfakes. These are often used to spread lies, especially during big events like elections.

Always check where surprising or strange news comes from before you believe it or share it. Verify the facts using trusted news sites or fact-checking websites.

AI scams

AI can create very convincing fake emails, messages, or calls to steal personal details or money. These scams may seem real, but they are made to fool you.

Be careful with any unexpected messages asking for personal information. Confirm who sent it by calling a trusted number or visiting an official website.

Bots and misinformation

AI-powered bots are computer programs added to web pages to interact with humans through written language. They are helpful in the form of chat bots for customer service. They can also be used to spread false or misleading information on social media and other sites.

Be cautious of posts that seem automated or are shared by many accounts at once. Follow reliable sources for news, and don’t trust every trending story you see online.

Biased AI systems

AI systems can make incorrect decisions if they learn from biased data. This can happen with loans, jobs, or healthcare, where AI might treat people unfairly based on race or gender.

If an AI decision seems incorrect, ask for a human to review it. Know your rights and challenge biased decisions if needed.

Over-reliance on AI assistants

Depending on virtual assistants too much can lead to misinformation, mistakes, and privacy issues.

Use them for simple tasks but double-check important information on your own. Turn off listening features when the device is not in use.

Health misinformation

AI can create fake health information or wrong diagnoses from bad data. This could lead to poor health decisions and cause harm to you or a loved one.

Always talk to a healthcare professional before following the health advice you find online. Be cautious of AI-generated health tips that seem too good or too easy to be true.

Teach your kids about safe online practices. Install privacy settings and watch their internet usage. Empower them to navigate the online world in a safe and responsible way.

You can make a big impact on your kids’ internet safety. Start by understanding online risks and teaching your kids about them.

Show your kids how to stay safe online. Teach them about dangers and have regular talks about safe internet use.

You're responsible to ensure the safety of children from online threats. Parents should keep children safe from cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and interactions with dangerous people.

Teach your kids about online dangers

Many experts recommend teaching children about the risks of sharing their information online and the importance of protecting their privacy. While the concerns and dangers of the internet are real, there is an opportunity for your child to learn and choose safe options.

Talk to your kids about their internet use

The internet is a large part of life in today’s world, so it’s important to talk to your children about what they do online the same way you ask them about their day at school. They should feel comfortable telling you about what they do on the internet and asking you questions when they are unsure of things.

Encourage your children to use the same caution they use out in the real world when using the internet.

• Be careful around people they don’t know
• Keep private information private
• Talk to an adult if they see something they aren’t sure of

Watch over your kids’ online activities

Check on your child's online activities. Keep computers and phones in areas of your home where you can easily keep an eye on their online behavior. You should watch them the same way you would if they were playing at a playground.

Keep software and applications updated

Keep applications and operating systems on all devices up to date.

The “operating system” is the software that runs your device's basic operations. It's important to keep software updated to protect against security issues.

Have clear rules and guidelines

Set clear guidelines and rules for device use. Including reading and viewing content, app downloads, and online communication.

Example guidelines and rules

• Set a time limit for internet use to make sure your child isn’t spending too much time online.
• Talk with your child and make sure they're comfortable talking to you about online behaviors and issues.
• Research applications and websites they're using and visiting. 

Use parental controls

These are a type of security system that uses settings on your computer or phone. They help you control what your children see online.

The controls can block specific apps and websites that could have inappropriate content for children, such as nudity, violence, and explicit language. They can also limit children’s screen time.

Using parental control software and applications allows you to see your child's online activities and set limits. Common Sense Media offers information on options and resources for managing children's screen time.