Cyberspace is the internet. We use the internet in many ways–to talk to our friends and family, play video games, download music, watch TV shows and much more. Our families use the internet to conduct work and business. companies manage transportation,
electricity, banking and other important everyday activities online. Can you imagine the world without the internet?
The Department of Homeland Security created the stop.think.connect. campaign to help Americans understand the dangers that come with being online and the things we can all do to make sure we are more protected from cyber threats. reminds all of us that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility–at home, at school and in our communities.
What can you do to be cyber safe?
Follow the same rules online as you do in real life
Don’t talk to strangers.
Don’t communicate with strangers online and never agree to meet in person. tell a parent or another adult if a stranger contacts you in a chat room or through email or text message.
Look both ways before crossing the street.
Don’t enter contests, join clubs or share your personal information online for any reason, unless your parents say it’s Ok. Personal information includes your name, address, age, phone number, birthday, email address, where you go to school and other facts about you.
Remember all that glitters is not gold.
Have you ever received an e-mail offering something free, like a cell phone or concert tickets? These are tricks designed to get you to give up personal information.
The Department cannot protect the internet alone. We need help from all Americans–including you–to make smart and safe decisions online.
Once we understand the dangers online, we need to tell other people who might not be as cyber smart and savvy. Setting a good example of online behavior is something you can do right now to make a difference.
If we all become more aware of who we talk to, what we say and what we share, we can all make a big difference.
reminds all of us that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility–at home, at school and in our communities.