Safeguards to Protect Privacy and Personal Information Online

As part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Jon Leibowitz encouraged the public to take steps to protect themselves, their privacy, and their personal information online. The Internet has connected Americans to each other and the rest of the world like never before. But those connections can also be exploited by scammers, so consumers need to be alert for online fraud and safeguard their personal information. To promote cyber safety outreach and education, the FCC recently partnered with OnGuardOnline.gov, a joint effort of 12 federal agencies and 18 non-government organizations, developed and managed by the FTC. OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical and timely tips to help consumers be on guard against Internet fraud, secure their computers, and protect their personal information. Among the recommendations that consumers should follow: 1) Use security software that updates automatically; 2) Keep operating systems and Web browsers up-to-date; 3) Keep passwords private and secure; and 4) Always Back-up important files. OnGuardOnline.gov features guidance, entertaining games and quizzes on a variety of topics, including phishing, social networking, laptop security, and wireless access, and has a special section about protecting kids online. Indeed, the site features a new guide, Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online with tips about talking to kids, tweens and teens about the risks of inappropriate conduct, contact and content.