The document provides tips for improving online security and preventing loss of data or identity theft. It recommends using up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware software, logging out of accounts when not in use to prevent "fraping", avoiding suspicious files or downloads, password protecting and hiding wireless networks, updating operating systems and software, and backing up data to external or cloud-based storage.

1. The more you use the Internet, the more important it is to be
sure that you are able to manage your security online. The
UK loses billions every year to e-criminals. The following are
some key points to note:
Anti-Virus/ Anti-Spyware
Everyone using the Internet, whether on their iPad,
smart phone or pc needs to have good anti-virus
and anti-spyware programmes or apps. Keep these
updated!. Believe it or not, it is possible to get
viruses on smart phones, tablet pcs and jail-broken
iPhones too! A good firewall will help too.
Fraping and Identity Theft
Fraping is when a friend or family member pretends to be you and uses your Facebook
account to posts funny updates! To prevent fraping, or someone hacking your identity,
always log off after using services like email, Pinterest, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter,
Foursquare etc. Also use hard to guess passwords, and never share these with
your friends.
Dodgy Files and Downloads
Never open emails with strange subject lines or from people you do not know. Similarly
never accept suspicious looking files sent/shared via Bluetooth, Dropbox, Messenger
programmes, Skype, email or similar services. Some malware also gets bundled with
software you download, so always read the fine print, before clicking ‘Agree’, and only
download programmes from trusted websites for example
Wireless Network Security
If you have a wireless network, password protect it, make it invisible, change the default
router password, and use ‘machine level’ filtering to limit access to your wireless
network to specific devices. These settings can be customised by logging onto your
router. Whilst not foolproof, these steps will reduce the possibility of misuse.
Update your Operating System and Software
Your pc or smart phone comes with an operating system. Over time, developers make
changes to this and will offer security and other updates, which you should always carry
out. Keep any apps/ programmes you install updated too! For updates to the Windows
operating system, see:
Copyright © 2012 WISE KIDS. Creative Commons License: CC BY-ND 3.0
http://www.tucows.com
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
e-Securitye-Security
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/
www.wisekids.org.uk
Backup
Using a good external hard disk, or an online 'cloud-based' storage service (examples:
Dropbox: http://www.dropbox.com, SkyDrive: http://www.skydrive.com,
SpiderOak: http://www.spideroak.com), always backup your data – this could be
coursework, emails, photos, videos or any content which you have created.