Keeping your family safe online

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Keeping your family safe online

Sun Dec 30, 2007

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Setting up a new computer is fun -- a new toy for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you are replacing an old PC or investing in a new model to meet your family's growing needs, a new computer often means more time spent online.

These days, not only are we banking, shopping and making travel arrangements online, children are spending more and more time on the Internet too, researching homework assignments, watching YouTube, and socializing on MySpace and Facebook.

What does all this time online mean? More exposure to potential risks like identity theft, cyber bullying and even child exploitation. To make sure that your new computer is set up securely and that your family is safe online, try testing your Internet safety IQ:

1. Do you have anti-virus and anti-spyware software installed on your computer?

2. If yes, have you updated them in the past week?

3. Do you have a firewall?

4. Do you know how often you should change your online banking password?

5. Are you using parental controls?

If you answered 'no' to two or more of the questions above, your family may be at risk when online.

A complete version of this quiz is posted at the Sympatico MSN Online Safety site: safety.sympatico.msn.ca/securityquiz. Take this simple security quiz and you'll be eligible to enter a draw for a chance to win a new HP laptop and one year of free Sympatico Total Internet service from Bell which includes anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware and fraud protection services.

The site also features advice on how to minimize online risks, technology tips to safeguard your computer and up-to-date information on Internet safety issues that every parent should know. By improving your Internet safety IQ you will have the knowledge and the know-how you need to protect your family from potential online dangers, and will be free to enjoy that sleek new laptop rather than fear it.

News Canada