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1. MAKE YOUR COMPUTER SECURE
Protect your computer and the valuable data from being damaged or stolen in the same way you would protect your our valuables under lock and key.
Frequently downloaded stuff like free games/music and share files via Peer to Peer (P2P) file sharing software may contain Malware (malicious computer programme) that can cause the computer to malfunction or lose sensitive personal information. Hence, be aware of the dangers out there and how to take precautions against these security threats.
Types and Effects of Security Threats
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Malware |
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The computer or computer programme may not work properly when infected with Malware. Some examples of Malware are |
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Virus – the computer or computer programme may not work properly when infected by a virus. |
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Worm – slow down/ halt the network by sending copies of itself to other network computers |
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Trojan - disguises itself as a harmless programme and may delete files or activate a virus or allow others to take control of the infected computer |
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Spyware - collects data from the computer and sends it to a third party. Hackers can use spyware to steal accounts and password to gain access to a computer system and its data. This may result in financial losses or other damages. |
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Spam email are junk email that are sent out in large quantity without the consent from the receivers. Spam email may |
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contain attachments that contain virus |
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carry pornographic content |
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be a scam to trick receivers into revealing their personal information and hence cause other trouble such as financial loss and identity theft. |
Proposed Strategies to Protect your Computer and your Personal Information
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Update and patch the computer’s operating system. |
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Install and update anti-virus and anti-spyware programs to protect against Malware. |
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Use a firewall to protect against hackers and Malware. Window XP comes with a firewall, make sure it is on. |
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Scan all email attachments before opening. |
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Don’t open any email or attachments from anonymous senders. Every time a user opens a spam email it indicates that the user’s address is active and the user may receive more spam, virus, etc. |
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Don’t respond to any email or fake websites that ask for personal information such as bank accounts and password. |
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Use strong passwords. A strong password should contain at least 8 characters with a mix of letters in both upper case and lower case, numerals and non-alphanumeric. |
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As old scams become well-known, new scam techniques pop up. The best way to avoid scam is to use some common sense – “if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is”. |
Reference
NetSafe
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2. PROTECT YOUR SON ON THE INTERNET
A cyberpal is a friend met online, known only via the Internet. As anonymity is afforded by the Internet, it is difficult to know the true identity of the cyberpal. Therefore, a cyberpal is really still a stranger.
Possible Effects of Cyber Friendships
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Positive Effects |
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May draw a person out of his/her shell. |
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A shy teenager may find it easier to share personal thoughts or problems. |
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Negative Effects |
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Cyberpals can easily hide or misrepresent themselves and pretend to be what they are not. |
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Revealing some personal information to cyberpal(s) could result in a potentially threatening situation. |
Some advice you can give to your son:-
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Remember that people online may not be who they claim to be. |
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Use a nickname that does not reveal whether you are a boy or girl. |
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Don’t give out personal details like real name, address, contact number or passwords to strangers online. |
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Speak to your parents if there is any suspicious or dangerous contact that makes you feel uncomfortable. |
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Don’t answer an email or an instant message from a stranger. |
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Block messages from anyone who makes you feel uneasy on the internet. |
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Don’t reveal the places where you hang-out frequently. |
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Don’t meet face-to-face with a cyber contact. |
Reference
Youth Safety Rules
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3. CYBERBULLYING
This is a form of bullying which involves devices such as computers and mobile phones. It uses information and communication technology (ICT) such as internet and mobile phones to deliberately harm others.
A few common cyberbullying behaviours are:
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Repeatedly sending offensive, rude and insulting messages |
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Repeatedly sending threatening messages |
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Posting cruel rumours about a person online to damage his reputation |
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Deliberately excluding a person from an online chat |
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Breaking into someone’s account and posing as that person and sending messages that gets the person in trouble |
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Publishing a video record of an assault online |
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Using angry and vulgar language |
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Sharing someone’s secret or embarrassing information online |
Dealing with Cyberbullying
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Tell an adult / talk to a trusted friend |
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Don’t respond to a rude/ mean email or text message |
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Stay away from the phone, chat or email for a few days |
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Report the bullying to the chat host/ web host/ internet service provider / mobile phone service provider/ local police |
Preventing Cyberbullying
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Never give out personal information online |
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Never share passwords, not even with friends |
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Never open an email from anyone anonymous or from bullies |
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Don’t send messages at angry moments |
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Be polite to others online |
Reference
Belsey, B. – Cyberbullying.ca
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4. INTERNET ADDICTION
It is usually described as a compulsive behaviour or disorder that interferes with daily activities and inflicts stress on the affected individual and family.
Types of Internet Addiction
Such obsessive behaviours may exist in the following forms:
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Cybersexual Addiction |
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Cyber-relational Addiction |
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Gaming Addiction |
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Net Addiction |
Signs and Symptoms of Internet Addiction
Addiction to internet can be very subjective and not determined simply by time spent online. Some possible symptoms are:-
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Preoccupation with, for example, online gaming, chatting |
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Craving for more and more time spent on the internet in order to achieve satisfaction |
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Thinking frequently about the previous online activities and anticipating the next online session |
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Neglecting schoolwork |
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Lying to friends and family about computer usage |
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Spending more time and money on the online games or casinos and internet services |
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Dropping out of other social groups (clubs or sports) and neglecting friends when they choose to use the computer |
A person addicted to the Internet will often have repeated, unsuccessful efforts to control, cut down or stop internet use. They may experience withdrawal symptoms such as feelings of restlessness, anxiety, depression or irritability when attempting to cut down internet time.
Proposed Actions to Prevent Internet Addiction
It is important to acknowledge that total abstinence is neither a reasonable nor effective treatment for internet addiction. Helping your son to exercise control over his internet usage and reduce time spent online would be a more appropriate approach to cope with internet addiction.
A few strategies to prevent internet addiction:
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Keep the computer in a place accessible to all – where monitoring internet usage is easy |
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Set a time limit for internet use |
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Install filters |
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Encourage pupils to engage in other social activities or pastimes |
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Participate in internet safety programmes designed by community groups |
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Explore ways to surf the Internet more efficiently |
Getting Help with Internet Addiction
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5. INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY
The Internet has made pornography easily available. People can now have access to it without having to leave their own homes or even paying for it. Pictures can be downloaded, kept or distributed through email. Anonymity online provides the extra “boldness” to visit Internet pornographic sites.
Pornography encourages a false and unachievable fantasy about sex with women at any time, in any place, in any way.
Your son may come into contact with pornographic materials online via :-
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File sharing |
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Email e.g. spam-mail |
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Internet searches |
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Hyperlinks recommended through email, chat rooms and instant messaging |
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Forums |
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Online Advertisement/ Pop-ups |
Effects of Pornography Addiction
Pornography can be addictive. The following are some behaviours of pornography addiction at different stages:
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Addiction
Becoming compulsive about seeing and collecting pornographic material. |
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Escalation
Craving for more extreme material in order to get the same level of excitement. |
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Desensitization
Failing to distinguish between right and wrong, and perceiving what is abnormal to be normal. |
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Acting Out Sexually
Wanting to act out the sexual behaviours viewed in the pornography, leading to serious sexual crime. |
Tips to Avoid Contact with Internet Pornography
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Install filtering software |
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Ensure web browser is switched to “safe search” mode |
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Delete suspicious email immediately, do not open the mail |
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Don’t click on the hyperlinks from suspicious emails |
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Don’t click on pop-ups |
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Force quit the browser if pop-ups persist |
Help on Addiction
There is help available for children addicted to pornography. These help groups are:
Reference
Internet safety News
Tips have been adapted from notes provided in MOE's Cyberwellness Starter Kit (Secondary).
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