What is Internet Safety Month?

Each June, the online safety community observes Internet Safety Month as a time to reflect on our digital habits and ensure we’re taking the best precautions to stay safe online. It serves as a reminder for everyone—parents, teachers, and kids alike—to be mindful of our online activities and to take steps to protect ourselves.

Why is it important?

As summer approaches and we all pursue a bit more leisure time—that typically includes more screen time—it’s important to understand the risks and safeguard our digital well-being. While the Internet offers us countless opportunities, it also comes with risks that we must be aware of:

• 37% of children and adolescents have been the target of cyberbullying.¹
• 50% of tweens (kids ages 10 to 12) have been exposed to inappropriate online content.²
• 64% of Americans have experienced a data breach.³
• 95% of cybersecurity breaches are due to human error.⁴
• 30% of phishing emails are opened by targeted users.⁵

This makes Internet Safety Month the perfect time to review our digital habits and ensure that we are doing everything we can to stay safe.

7 tips to keep your online experience secure

1. Protect your devices from malware

Malware is malicious software designed to harm your computer or steal your personal information. It can infect your device through malicious downloads, phishing emails, or compromised websites, leading to potential loss of access to your computer, data, photos, and other valuable files.

How to protect it

Install reputable antivirus software like Webroot on all your devices and keep it updated. Regularly scan your devices for malware and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files.

2. Be skeptical of offers that appear too good to be true
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use enticing offers or promotions to lure victims into sharing personal information or clicking on malicious links. These can lead to financial loss, identity theft, or installation of malware.

How to protect it

If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Research the company or website before pursuing an offer or providing any personal information.

3. Monitor your identity for fraud activity

Identity theft happens when someone swipes your personal information to commit fraud or other crimes. This can wreak havoc on your finances, tank your credit score, and bring about a host of other serious consequences.

How to protect it
Consider using an identity protection service like Webroot Premium that monitors your personal information for signs of unauthorized use. Review your bank and credit card statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions.

4. Ensure your online privacy with a VPN
Without proper protection, your sensitive information—like passwords and credit card details—can be easily intercepted by cybercriminals while browsing. Surfing the web and using public Wi-Fi networks often lack security, giving hackers a prime opportunity to snatch your data.

How to protect it
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting to the internet. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to hackers. Choose a reputable VPN service and enable it whenever you connect to the internet.

5. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources
Clicking on links in emails, text messages, or social media from unknown or suspicious sources can expose you to phishing attacks or malware. These seemingly harmless clicks can quickly compromise your security and personal information.

How to protect it
Verify the sender’s identity before clicking on any links. Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If you’re unsure about a link, type the company’s name directly into your browser instead.

6. Avoid malicious websites
Malicious websites are crafted to deceive you into downloading malware or revealing sensitive information. Visiting these sites can expose your device to viruses, phishing attempts, and other online threats, putting your security at risk.

How to protect it
Install a web threat protection tool or browser extension that can block access to malicious websites. Products like Webroot Internet Security Plus and Webroot AntiVirus make it easy to avoid threatening websites with secure web browsing on your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone.

7. Keep your passwords safe

Weak or reused passwords can easily be guessed or cracked by attackers, compromising your online accounts. But keeping track of all your unique passwords can be difficult if you don’t have them stored securely in a password manager. If one account is compromised, attackers can gain access to your other accounts, potentially leading to identity theft or financial loss.

How to protect your passwords
Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. A password manager encrypts your passwords and helps you automatically fill them in on websites, reducing the risk of phishing attacks and password theft.

Take action now

As we celebrate Internet Safety Month, take a moment to review your current online habits and security measures. Are you doing everything you can to protect yourself and your family? If not, now is the perfect time to make some changes. By following these tips, you can enjoy a safer and more secure online experience.

Remember, Internet Safety Month is not just about protecting yourself—it’s also about spreading awareness and educating others. You can share this flyer, “9 Things to Teach Kids to Help Improve Online Safety,” with your friends and family to spread the word and help create a safer online community for everyone.

Sources:

[1] Forbes. The Ultimate Internet Safety Guide for Kids.

[2] Forbes. The Ultimate Internet Safety Guide for Kids.

[3] Pew Research Center

[4] Information Week. What Cybersecurity Gets Wrong.

[5] MIT. Learn how to avoid a phishing scam.