How to protect yourself while using the internet

The internet is a wonderful invention, for many reasons. It helps us at work, it allows us to stay connected with friends, it helps us making new friends, it provides us with information, and it can help us finding things, such as: shops, restaurants, and other services.

It also helps you login to our Me Plus More membership platform!

The internet has become part of our lives and social networking online is something we do daily. For this reason, we must think about how to be safe online, just like we do in our day to day lives when we do other things; like when we cross the road, or use a microwave.

Safety is always important, whether it is online or in real life.

Cyber Safety

Being safe online is called cyber safety. It’s important that you learn how to protect yourself when you’re online, as well as understanding what is appropriate and what is not appropriate online. This article will help you understand what you should and should not when using the internet.

Personal Information

Keep your personal information private (to yourself) and do not share this when online.

This includes:

• Home address,
• Telephone number,
• Tax File number,
• Bank account details or
• Date of birth.

Information like this should only be used on sites that you trust and know that they are secure.

How do you know if a site is Secure?

We know a site is safe if it is a reputable one, this means that the site is trustworthy. For example, social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram , Snapchat, and Twitter are all reputable sites, therefore we know they are safe to use. Government websites such as NDIS.gov.au and Centrelink are also secure.

Using Social Media

It is very important to really think about the information you post on your social media pages. Remember that if you post something, you cannot take it back! In some cases you may delete something, but these items will continue live online. You should also have control over who can see your posts as this will keep strangers from accessing what you post online. This may mean creating a private account so your page can only be seen by your family and friends.

Meeting people Online

It’s great that the internet and social media allow us to connect with people who have similar interests to ours. However, keep in mind that the people you meet online may not be who they say they are. Being aware of this will really help you to stay safe. Therefore, make sure to never give out your personal details to someone you meet online and be cautious if that person wants to meet you in person. If you do decide that you would really like to meet them, be sure to talk to a close friend, a family member, or your support person about it.

Cybercrime and Cyberbullying

Some people use the internet to bully others, and this is not OK! Everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

Cybercrime

This is when someone uses a computer to commit a crime, it could be someone:

Hacking your computer, this is when someone breaks into your computer via the internet.

• Sending out harmful viruses to your computer.
• Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is when someone uses a computer to bully others. Cyberbullying could be exercised by sending mean or upsetting:

• Messages
• Comments
• Videos
• Photos

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About Me Plus More

Me Plus More is an online platform specifically designed to inspire and empower people with intellectual disability to take those much-needed steps towards reaching their goals and independence.