• Internet crimes occure every day throughout the world.internet image by Soja Andrzej from Fotolia.com
  
  The Internet, in its simplest terms, is the technology that connects millions of computers together around the world, allowing them to communicate simultaneously. While the development of the Internet has led to increases in communication and technological breakthroughs, the Internet can also be a breeding ground for predators waiting to steal identities or lure children into trouble. Following a few safety tips will help ensure safety and protect your privacy while traveling through the world wide web.
  
  

Protect Your Name

• One of the most common mistakes made on the Internet is using your real name on the websites such as message boards, chat sites and dating sites. This is dangerous because it opens the door to predators who are looking to gain information that they may use to do harm. Using a fictitious user name on Internet sites helps to protect your identify from potential stalkers and criminals and makes your identity harder to reveal. In addition, never disclose the names of your children. This only advertises that you have children at home and intrigues the minds of pedophiles or others who wish to do harm.
  
  

Shop Secured Sites

• Shopping online can be a fast, convenient alternative to shopping in crowded malls or department stores. However, savvy computer criminals can hack into the websites of online stores and steal the credit card information used by customers to place orders. To decrease this possibility, only shop with online stores that are designated as secure. Websites that have security backup will clearly state so on their home pages and will display a symbol that looks like a small golden lock to alert users to their safety. Stores that are not designated as secured are not worth the risk of having your bank information stolen.
  
  

Use Email Safely

• One of the fastest ways that computer viruses are spread is through the use of email. Computer viruses are electronic messages that can harm your computer and cause it to crash, simultaneously causing a loss of your files in the process. To prevent this risk, be selective in giving out your email address. Only disclose it when you feel it is necessary and to people you trust. If you receive an email from a name you do not recognize, do not open it--simply delete it. This will help eliminate the threat of contamination to your computer and prevent predators from soliciting information from your account regarding your identity, sometimes called phishing.
  
  

Selection of Passwords

• Selecting a password for online sites and email accounts should be done carefully. Select a password that will be easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Never use identifying information--such as your social security number or address--because if your account is ever compromised, predators then have access to that information. Ideal passwords should contain a combination of letters, symbols and numbers and should be changed every few months. Once a password is selected, keep it private, and do not disclose the password to anyone.
  
  

Protection from Hackers

• Another important thing you can do to protect your computer from being tapped into online from unauthorized predators--commonly referred to as hackers--is to install a strong computer antivirus security program. Antivirus programs, such as those provided by AVG, protect your computer from viruses and unauthorized access and are often available free of charge. Antivirus programs are simple to download, normally including no more than a few clicks of the mouse to install. It is important to note, however, that because antivirus programs are frequently updated, users should check their system for program upgrades to ensure that their antivirus system continues to operate at peak performance.
  
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