Highlights of the latest news,
laws, products and potential risks,
research, predatory methods and more
Here you'll find highlights of the latest articles on Internet safety worth reading——laws, products (and potential risks), research, predatory methods, and so on—along with my take on what's important in these stories.
If you see something in the news you think I should know about, send it to AskLinda@look-both-ways.com . (Don’t forget to send a link to the source article.)
Linda Criddle Given Outstanding Achievement Award by Family Institute in Online Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Linda Criddle, founder of LOOKBOTHWAYS, Inc., an online safety consulting, education, and software company, was honored last night by the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) with an Outstanding Achievement Award. The award, one of eight given at the FOSI Annual Conference & Exhibition, recognizes individuals for their tremendous contributions in promoting online safety. The Family Online Safety Institute is an international non-profit that works to develop a safer Internet through events, public policy, technology and online safety. “FOSI is outstanding organization and it is a great honor to be recognized by them as a leader in the field of online safety,” states Linda Criddle. “As a mother of four, I am very passionate about raising awareness and helping to educate others on how to navigate the Web safely and enjoy all the benefits the Internet has to offer.” A former Microsoft employee, Criddle has spent the past 10 years dedicated to developing online safety technology, educating users in skills that keep them safer, and advocating for higher safety standards. She is a published author and frequently speaks to educators and law enforcement about Internet safety. The awards were announced Thursday night, December 11th at a dinner that is part of the FOSI 2008 Annual Conference and Exhibition, “Safe At Any Speed: Rules, Tools, & Public Policy to Keep Kids Safe Online.” The conference, sponsored by MySpace and Comcast, took place on December 11th at the Newseum’s Knight Conference Center in Washington, DC.
About Linda Criddle and LOOKBOTHWAYS Inc
Formerly an employee of Microsoft for 13 years and founder of LOOKBOTHWAYS Inc., Criddle is an expert in cybercrime and online safety. She holds over 30 patents in online safety technology and is the author of the award-winning book, Look Both Ways: Help Protect Your Family on the Internet. Criddle also created and teaches an online course in Internet Safety for Educators at two major universities, and has consulted with organizations such as Interpol and the British House of Lords. Her book Using the Internet Safely for Seniors for Dummies (Wiley) is scheduled to be published in April, 2009.
About The Family Online Safety Institute
The Family Online Safety Institute works to make the online world safer for kids and their families by identifying and promoting best practices, and providing tools and methods for practicing online safety, while respecting free expression. They do this 2 of 2 through the development of public policy, technology, education, and special events.
FOSI brings together leaders in government, industry and the nonprofit sector to collaborate and innovate new solutions in child safety in a Web 2.0 world.
A new virus is winding its way through Facebook, and McAfee security experts warn, "The situation is likely to get worse before it gets better."
The ‘Koobeface’ virus crawls the address books of already infected users and leverages Facebook’s internal messaging system to send all their Facebook friends a message that says “you look just awesome in this new movie” and provides a link to view the supposed video.
Unwitting recipients who click the link are taken to an external site where that provides another message telling them they need to install a new Flash update to run the video. In reality, the ‘update’ is a virus that looks for sensitive information on the newly infected user’s computer, like credit card numbers.
My thoughts:
Recycling scams is a tried and true practice that is particularly effective as a new crop of users comes of age. What is remarkable is how little ‘updating’ the scam needed to be effective. Perhaps this is because many Facebook users are too young to recall the ‘I Love You’ virus that was launched in 2000, but for all intents both viruses employed the same techniques.
Koobface sends a fake video link via a social networks messaging system; the ‘I love You’ virus sent an email containing a ‘greeting card’ link.
Both viruses automatically forward themselves to every contact in an infected user’s email address. Ensuring a rapid spread as each new victim exposes potentially hundreds of friends.
Both use social engineering to persuade millions of people to click on the embedded link - knowing that friends would consider an email from the victim’s computer legitimate.
Both leveraged human curiosity and vanity – people want to know what is in the card to them or the video about them.
Staying safe online requires consistent implementation of some basic safety principles, those that fell for this virus failed to apply at least two of them:
Don’t open attachments from strangers, and be cautious about opening links you weren’t expecting even from people you do know.
Protect your computer with anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewalls – and always have these up-to-date.
If your computer has been infected with the Koobface worm, Facebook security blog has the following recommendation:
We're currently helping our users with the recently discovered "Koobface" worm and phishing sites. If your account has recently been used to send spam, please visit one of the online antivirus scanners from the Helpful Links list, and reset your password here.
CheckFree, the nations largest e-billing system, was hacked last week. The hackers were able to redirect visitors to a fake customer login site in the Ukraine that tried installing password-stealing software.
CheckFree has more than 24 million users, which is between 70 and 80 percent of the online bill paying market according to Avivah Litan, a fraud analyst with Gartner Inc. Consumers use the service to pay bills like military credit accounts, insurance payments, mortgage and load payments, and utility bills.
The Hackers gained access by using stolen network credentials. Network Solutions, their domain registrar, warned users about a month ago that phishers were attempting to trick customers into giving their website credentials. A similar attack was also launched against eNom, the second-largest domain name registrar. Someone who knew CheckFree’s credentials apparently fell for the phishing scam.
"If all that's protecting a bank's Web site is a user name and password, that's kind of like having a massive vulnerability in the core of the Internet," Litan said. "This could have been a lot worse, and if they can do it to CheckFree, they can do it to other banks."
CheckFree was last weeks highest profile breach, but at least 71 other domains were also compromised and directed to the fake site in the Ukraine according to the anti-phishing company Internet Identity.
Domain registrars are attractive targets for cyber criminals. Internet Identity reviewed 12,305 domain names registered with Network Solutions.According to their president, Rod Rasmussen those domains cover the entire banking industry plus select e-commerce and infrastructure providers.
Panos Anastassiadis, chief executive at Cyveillance, believes this type of attack will be more frequent next year “This type of attack is going to come in a dozen flavors in the coming months. Registrars don't comprehend the layers of security they may be forced to put in place as a result."
My Thoughts
Following on the heels of my recent blog Thieves Winning Online War, May Be Using Your PC, this breach is particularly sobering. If a phishing scam that fools one individual into providing authentication keys is enough to hijack the country’s largest e-payment system, we’re in very serious trouble.
Future White House director of speechwriting, Jon Favreau (27), appeared in compromising photos on Facebook Friday dancing with, and groping, a cardboard cutout of future secretary of state Hillary Clinton.
The photos were only posted on his Facebook account a scant two hours before being removed - in his takedown process, Favreau also removed every other photo from the site except his profile photo. His attempt at containment came too late. Apprised of the incident, Clinton’s aide Philippe Reines responded, "Sen. Clinton is pleased to learn of Jon's obvious interest in the State Department, and is currently reviewing his application."
My thoughts:
National Media exposure clearly was not top of mind when Mr. Favreau chose to post these photos on the Internet. While it remains to be seen whether this gross lapse of judgment will damage his career as White House director of speechwriting, we can be sure this incident will be dredged up at inopportune moments for years to come.
This election season has seen a series of embarrassing online exposures with the McCain camp suffering the two worst high profile incidents. Sarah Palin’s failure to create a strong password, Sarah Palin’s e-mail hacked, and Levi Johnson’s MySpace blog. Johnston, the father of Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol’s baby-daddy’s MySpace comments include: "I'm a f - - -in' redneck...I live to play hockey. I like to go camping and hang out with the boys, do some fishing, shoot some s- - - and just f - - -in' chillin' I guess." "Ya f - - - with me I'll kick [your] ass," In his profile his status said "in a relationship," but then stated "I DON'T WANT KIDS."
In this young man’s wildest nightmares, I’m sure Johnson never imagined that the MySpace comments of a small town Alaskan teen would land on national news to embarrass himself and the republican candidates for the highest offices in the country.
These incidents drive home the Internet’s impact on information permanence, the importance of protecting privacy, and why avoiding premature posting can save you embarrassing explanations and apologies. There two primary ways we learn lessons – through personal experience or through learning from other’s personal experiences. Think before you click.
Malicious software is spreading through computers faster than ever before. Microsoft has measured a 43 percent jump in malware removed from Windows computers in just the last six months, and SRI International now collects over 10,000 unique malware samples from around the world daily.
By the end of this year experts project that 15 percent of Internet enabled computers will be controlled by botnets – an increase from 10 percent in 2007. By these estimates, about 10 million computers are now enlisted in distributing spam and malware, or used to disrupt online services.
Cybercriminals are basking in an underground economy that is not only unhampered by the economic downturn, it is likely to benefit because many companies will slow or stop investments in security as part of their cost cutting efforts.
The underground economy is driven by credit card theft, scams and banking fraud that robs companies and consumers of over $100 billion a year, according to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Cybercriminals are outpacing the most advanced software security companies and law enforcement. Their crimes generate huge resources for reinvestment into innovative fraud technologies, and they are far faster in development and more nimble in deployment than the best security services. Additionally, they base their operations in crime-friendly countries that have well developed Internet connections making prosecution difficult if not impossible.
Perhaps an even deeper impact of the online crime wave is the loss of basic trust in online commerce and services, something Internet executives’ fear will continue to erode now that consumers are becoming cybercriminal’s primary target.
The news on the cyber-warfare front is grim, but not hopeless. This isn’t the first time I’ve blogged on cybercrime nor will it be the last, because you play a large role in your online destiny. (See my last blog U.S. "under widespread attack in cyberspace" Apr. 2008)
Every Internet user should take four actions:
Secure every Internet connected device you own. Not only is this an absolute requirement for protecting yourself, unprotected Internet connected devices represent a risk to everyone else. Note: Macintosh users have long been mostly exempt from malware attacks as criminals focused on the dominant Windows products, but as Apple machines increase market share researchers expect these to become larger targets. Learn how to secure your computers. Doing nothing is a guarantee that your computer and your information will be exploited.
Apply defensive Internet-use procedures. Your biggest threat, once you have secured your computer, is through your own actions online. Cyber-criminals are masters in fooling unsuspecting computer users into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive information in messages, search engines, social networking sites, forums, and everywhere else imaginable online. Learning how to detect and block spam and phishing, apply defensive browsing tactics, prevent ID theft and to shop safely are 21st century life skills. You should not go online without them.
Refuse to use sites that do not protect you. Your safety has to come first in priorities with the internet companies you do business with.
This means that companies employ the most stringent standards for data security. Far too often, a single set of credentials is all it takes to breach a security system and put millions of consumers at risk. With the recession forcing cost savings, security measures cannot be among the cuts.
This means companies take the time to develop features in a way that provides maximum protection instead of racing a feature to market and attempting to patch problems when complaint levels get to high – like many social networking sites are doing.
This means giving consumers real information so they are able to make fully informed decisions about privacy choices. Few companies adequately explain how to successfully use their products from a safety perspective.
This means that the terms and conditions respect the user’s ownership of their own content, and that should a problem occur the company will step up and take every measure to rectify the situation to the consumer’s satisfaction.
Unfortunately these protections are not a given. Few websites even test their services for consumer safety. If we want safer products, companies will actually have to build safer products. Security audits frequently find flaws on multiple levels of a service’s infrastructure. Companies as prominent as Facebook claim the rights to your content. As consumers, you have rights, and you need to hold companies accountable for respecting those rights.
Support your elected officials in increasing funding for cyber security, law enforcement, and a more secure design for the Internet. No matter how steep the recession, we cannot afford to cut back on cyber-security spending; indeed, we need to increase the efforts in this area as we are losing ground to both cybercriminals and terrorist groups online. The U.S. is not adequately protected today. In January 2008 the National Security Presidential Directive 54, established a national cyber security initiative. It’s a start, but it comes late. The need to protect the government’s computers and systems running critical infrastructure such as power grids, water systems, gas lines etc. is critical, as the Russian cyberattack on Estonia in May 2007 displayed how quickly an entire country could be brought to its knees.
Increase support for law enforcement at the local, state, national and international levels. To date we have miserably under funded, under staffed, under trained aw enforcement agencies in the fight against cybercrime.
Fund the development of a safer, stronger, more secure Internet. The Internet was not developed with today’s capabilities or criminals in mind and it has fundamental flaws that make exploitation relatively easy. While it is essential to fund the defense of the existing infrastructure, it is a mistake to fail to build for the future. The money being spent today both by companies and countries is almost entirely dedicated to patching problems in the leaky infrastructure rather than creating a fundamentally stronger infrastructure. One exception to this focus may be in Japan. In Aug 2007, Japan’s minister of communications announced their intention to build a new version of the Internet that would replace the existing infrastructure by 2020.
An online ad on Craigslist offering an iPhone for $300 (about $100 less than in-store pricing), lured three separate buyers to meet the supposed ‘seller’ where instead of getting a phone they were robbed at gunpoint.
My Thoughts:
The fundamental mistake these three buyers made was to show up in an isolated meeting place on their own. Its a classic mistake for men to make as men are typically less likely to have personal safety concerns than women.
As we approach the holidays, buying gifts from classified ads will be a key shopping method and for most people it will be a positive one. To help ensure you have a positive experience there are a few key safety considerations that should remain top of mind.
Only deal with local people who you can meet face to face. The further away a buyer or seller is, the higher your risk of fraud.
Research the item carefully before purchasing and be wary if the asking price is unrealistically low.
Check the item carefully before releasing payment. For example, if it’s electronic plug it in or turn it on to be sure it works.
The best way to pay for items is with cash or with a secure payment service. If the seller asks you to pay more, and will offer to give you a check for the difference, say NO; it’s a scam. Do not pay with checks as they show your address, full name, and sometimes phone number along with your bank account information.
Avoid going to someone’s house to view an item unless it is too large to transport. Ask to meet in a busy public place and always bring someone with you.
Report any abuse to the classified service provider, and law enforcement if necessary.
To learn more information about safely selling and purchasing products through online ads or auctions click here.
Scratching your head over which tech gadgets and toys are right for your child/tween/teen this holiday season? TheOnlineMom has just published a timely list to help parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, find smart gifts that withstand screening by adults and testing by kids.
Whether you’re stumped or still making up your mind, check it out here.
An emotionally vulnerable young college student committed suicide by lethal drug overdose while talking to others via his webcam last week. After threatening to kill himself, the teen was alternatively encouraged and discouraged by those watching to make good on the threat – some viewers apparently even debated whether the dose he took was lethal.
My thoughts:
The senselessness tragedy of a teen suicide is always painful. But the idea that hundreds watched as he ‘deathcast’ – broadcast his death live - is sickening. Sickening is also an apt descriptor for the ‘justification’ some viewers gave for encouraging his actions; they maintained that this young man had threatened to kill himself in the past, and assumed this time it was just more talk – as if that made their urging more excusable.
When someone finally notified the website’s moderator of the situation, the company traced the teen’s location and called the police, but the young man was dead before help arrived.
Over twelve hours elapsed between the time the young man first posted his intent to kill himself online and his death. Twelve hours.
In the future, what can/should be done differently?
Sadly, this was not the first suicide played out via the web, nor is suicide a web phenomenon. There are plenty of sickening examples where people goaded others to suicide where the Internet was not a factor. There are plenty of cases where bystanders clearly saw that help was needed, yet failed to provide any. What the Internet does bring is immediacy, a potentially much larger audience, and a greater emotional distance between the person threatening suicide and the spectators. This last point is particularly sobering as the anonymity and lack of accountability of spectators often seeking entertainment often brings out the basest of human behavior.
Many will be tempted to throw blame on the young man’s family, friends, doctors etc., but their actions in protecting this teen is something we have no knowledge of. They may have done everything humanly possible to protect and support him, or provided no support at all.
What we have more insight into are the actions of those who interacted with, or watched this young man online. Every viewer who urged this young man to complete his suicide bears guilt. Every viewer who failed to alert authorities, failed to demonstrate even the most basic humanity. Its very nature brought the parable of the Good Samaritan to mind.
Could/should the website that streamed the deathcast have acted differently or moderated more? Should the forum where he first posted his intent to die have done so? Determining the level of moderation that should be acceptable on websites that goes beyond clearly defined criminal laws is a slippery slope, and it’s one that is best left to companies to define for themselves. For consumers it is important to understand the level of moderation each site provides – per their terms of use agreement – and choose whether to use it.
The best explanation I’ve found for why people take their own lives is embodied in a quote that I have been unable to attribute to an author “Suicide happens when pain exceeds the ability to cope.”
There are excellent resources online for anyone struggling with depression or suicide; unfortunately there are far more sites that make the problems worse where users egg on those in trouble, or post ways in which to commit suicide.
If you or a loved one need help, or if you come across someone struggling with suicide online, seek professional help through responsible websites like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Thirteen-year-old Megan Meier killed committed suicide just over two years ago after being cyberbullied by Lori Drew, the mother of an ex-friend. Lori Drew was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2008 on three misdemeanors and one felony count of criminal conspiracy.
Today Drew was convicted on the lesser charges, but cleared on the felony count.
My thoughts:
The Meier’s case, the case of Ryan Patrick Halligan, and a handful of other cyberbullying-induced suicides are harsh reminders of the lack of protection afforded to consumers online, and the lack of laws protecting victims and punishing those guilty of crimes committed using the Internet.
In the aftermath of these tragedies, the core question is what needs to be done differently, and who needs to make the changes?
Foundationally, individuals are accountable, and must be held accountable, for their actions. There is no excuse for the depraved behavior of Lori Drew. Unfortunately, two factors were in Drew’s favor: MySpace failed to monitor their site and hold users accountable for adhering the site’s Terms and Conditions, and there was a shortage of applicable laws on which to convict Drew of her actions.
Several states have stepped up to pass cyberbullying laws that would prohibit harassment over the internet, and many more are considering similar legislation. Crafting these laws is fairly complex however and there are several problematic issues to address.
MySpace passed the buck, hoping to hide from responsibility. In a company statement that failed to acknowledge even a shred of responsibility to protect users, or pledge changes, their press release said "MySpace does not tolerate cyber-bullying and has cooperated fully with the U.S. attorney in this matter. MySpace respects the jury's decision and will continue to work with industry experts to raise awareness of cyber-bullying and the harm it can potentially cause." This position marks a new low in corporate irresponsibility.
“Raising awareness” is important. SO IS BUILDING SAFER SERVICES AND ENFORCING THE COMPANY’S CODE OF CONDUCT.
MySpace's Terms Of Use have no less than 30 examples of Content/Activities that are prohibited on their site – and it’s worth noting that abusing other’s isn’t mentioned until example number 28.
Yet they blithely remove any culpability for harm to consumers while using their product – even to the point of insisting they have no responsibility if their company’s product results in personal injury or death.
We do not allow other industries to waive any and all liability for damages their products cause. Car companies are accountable for design flaws that kill drivers. Medical companies cannot just slap a label on drugs and stop all that expensive testing. Amusement parks can’t say ‘ride at your own risk’ and leave it at that. Disneyland doesn’t ignore people who harass others or in any way breach their code of conduct.
This is NOT a freedom of speech issue though irresponsible Internet companies often choose to promote this argument. MySpace users are not on a public site; it is a commercially owned property that has every right to demand limitations to both speech and actions.
Failing to demand responsibility from MySpace means services can continue to build and profit grandly from products that are not in the best interest of consumers.
Your safety, and the safety of your friends and families, while online is at stake.
Technology and the risks involved in using it don't have to be difficult to understand. Common Craft does a great job of explaining online technology and associated risks in simple terms in a series of short video pieces they call "In Plain English". Case in point: this cartoon-like video walks you through the typical techniques used in phishing scams. Their easy-to-understand advice helps you to spot common scams and report them.
New research from IMS Health, a research firm that tracks prescriptions, shows consumers are struggling to afford prescription medications in the current economy.
The extent of the difficulties patients are feeling can be seen in the reduction of prescriptions dispensed in the United States in the first eight months of 2008, over the first eight months of last year.
"People are having to choose between gas, meals and medication" said Dr. James King, chairman of the American Academy of Family Physicians as he recently addressed the bleak outlook many consumers are facing in the current economic crisis.
My Thoughts
As belts tighten in the worsening economy, consumers are forced to make tradeoffs - and affording medication is often one of the first areas to face cuts. Unfortunately, tough times equate to easy pickings for cybercriminals who know that the appeal of quack medicine and discount drugs rises as the economy falls.
A state sponsored study in Maryland has placed Webcams in the cars of teen drivers to record unsafe driving maneuvers. Heralded by parents and researchers, it is hoped the cameras will reduce the number of deaths among teen drivers. Not surprisingly, teens are less enamored with the monitoring in spite of the service provider’s claims that any embarrassing footage of the teens is suppressed.
The cameras capture about 20 seconds of footage whenever their sensors are triggered by actions resulting in excessive G-forces like swerving or slamming on the breaks, and record what is going on both externally and within the vehicle.
That footage is wirelessly transmitted to the service provider where experts review the video, include driving tips to improve the teen’s skills and post the clips on the web where parents can review them, and are encouraged to discuss the incidents with their teens. According to Jack Salzwedel, president of American Family Insurance who funded pilot programs in several states, “Results …show the program reduces risky driving behavior by 70 percent or more.”
My Thoughts
As a mom with a teen driver, if research concludes that web cameras reduce teen accidents and deaths the ability to install monitoring tools will be tempting.
But how slippery is this slope? If trials are successful, why limit the use of webcams to young drivers? Why not leave the cameras in their cars permanently? How about using webcams to monitor seniors and determine whether they are still capable of driving safely? Why not monitor people who have been arrested for drunk driving, or road rage?
In fact, why not install cameras in every car? If the research shows teens behave better when monitored, it is not a stretch to believe everyone would be more careful. Everyone makes mistakes - they drive when sleepy; get rushed; are distracted when trying to resolve a dispute between kids in the back seat; look down when fiddling with the radio, eating, talking on their cellphone, or reading a map; or does other distracting, if not outright stupid things, while driving.
Imagine how this technology could provide additional benefits:
In situations where accidents are disputed, these webcams could give clear evidence.
Though the current service says they don’t provide footage that would embarrass the drivers or passengers – don’t you also want to know if your teen (or passengers) is drinking? Doing drugs? Using profanity? Making out? Hanging with the wrong crowd?
Insurance companies may discover that webcam surveillance doesn’t only help young drivers. Information about risky behavior would be invaluable to their business, it would show who they want to insure and the price they set for that insurance.
Imagine the usefulness of this data in lawsuits and criminal cases; it could prove pivotal in everything from divorce disputes to murder trials. It isn’t a stretch, email and other digital data are already subpoenaed as evidence.
Imagine how this functionality could save time and energy for law enforcement. It could free up time spent on traffic crimes. If evidence of speeding or other unsafe driving automatically generated a ticket, every traffic abuser could potentially be caught and punished -how do you dispute webcam evidence?
Good intentions are behind the webcam-in-cars-to-help-teen-drivers technology. Good intentions could also drive every other scenario I’ve suggested – and a great many more. Each encroachment on your privacy may have ‘good’ justifications – traffic cameras protect us in intersections; security cameras in stores airports, etc. reduce crimes; mapping your shopping habits, purchases, time online, the websites you visit, the emails you’ve sent allows customization of your experience and evidence; photographing every building, home and shed and making these searchable has tremendous benefits in a variety of scenarios; telephone tapping may prevent terrorist attacks…what your teen, or you, do and say in a car is just one more.
At what cost?
When each service comes from good intentions and provides tangible benefit, it may be hard to see these as encroachments on privacy and individual freedoms. However, cumulatively they begin to resemble the all-knowing government that leverages persistent behavioral surveillance of Orwell’s 1984.
If there is one thing history has taught, it’s that there is no such thing as unbridled surveillance and benevolence. I believe in technology, but I’m highly skeptical of how appropriately people - governments and companies in particular – may choose to use it. We are in a time when the question that needs answering isn’t what can technology enable, it’s what should technology enable, and what should be expressly off limits.
I originally wrote this article for the National PTA; it appears online now, in their October Issue.
Cyberbullying involves hurting others using online tools. While physical bullying usually reaches its peak in elementary school, according to one study, more than 30 percent of middle and high school students report being cyberbullied.
Unlike physical bullying, cyberbullies can deliver an onslaught of accusations and threats at any time of the day or night. They can take and alter photos in damaging ways; then they can post them on social-networking sites, such as MySpace, and add insulting comments. Sometimes, pretending to be the victim, they create fake blogs to attack the victim’s friends or to post embarrassing videos.
It is important to understand that attacks a cyberbully posts can last forever. Schools, employers, and others who search the Internet to check references or gather other information, even 10 or more years down the road, may come across the cyberbully’s malicious remarks. These remarks may cause employers and other authorities to take a dim view of the victim.
How to help
Telling kids to just turn off the phone or stay offline is NOT an option. The online world is their connection to their peers, and turning these tools off just isolates them further.
There are specific actions you and your kids can take to prevent or cope with cyberbullying:
Never share information about their online activities, such as their gaming name or passwords, that could be used against them.
Never respond to a cyberbully’s attacks, which only escalates the abuse.
Save abusive messages or websites as evidence in case the bully needs to be reported to authorities.
Report abuse—Every Internet service should have a code of conduct and way for you can to notify them about abuse.
If cyberbullying does begin, it helps if its victims can seek support and friendship. Cyberbullies are much more attracted to an isolated victim. Encourage your child to report the bullying activity and discuss the experience with you. It is a myth that “weaklings tattle.” Those who speak out and get help are the ones with healthy self-esteem and the courage to stand up for themselves.
Victims of cyberbullying are not at fault. They shouldn’t be punished for inadvertently sharing personal information with bullies or for not coming forward sooner. Bullied children must feel that those in authority will listen to them and support them.
If your child bullies
Finally, if your child is cyberbullying, it is critical to make him or her understand that actions taken in a virtual world can inflict real pain. Cyberbullying cannot be dismissed as “kids being kids.” Studies show that cyberbullies often fail in significant ways later in life. They are considerably more likely to be convicted of crimes, have failed relationships, and have trouble getting and keeping employment because they haven’t learned to get what they want in nonaggressive ways. Cyberbullies may also find themselves facing criminal prosecution for their online actions.
Establishing zero tolerance of cyberbullying, and assuring your children that they will be supported should they become victims are critical steps in providing a positive online environment for your family.
If you are one of the 80 million pet owners in this country, a new web service can help you find emergency medical help and other services for your pet via your internet enabled mobile phone.
go2Pets.com lets you enter the zip code of your current location and get results for emergency veterinary hospitals, as well as information like local off-leash parks, pet friendly accommodations and restaurants, camping, airlines, and kennels.
Sponsored by Purina, you enter your cell phone number through the go2pets computer website and receive a link to the service via a text message.
Purina has also launched a pet centered entertainment site for internet-enabled mobile phones at www.purina.mobi. NOTE: You can’t open mobile extensions on your computer, you need an internet enabled phone to view this. You can however use your computer to learn about the service on the main Purina website. This site allows you to choose ringtones that bark or purr, download wallpaper (for you less savvy readers, that means the little picture that becomes the background on your phone), and play games.
While I usually focus on the Internet’s impact on safety and positive online experiences for people, it is great to be able to recommend using the power of the Internet to increase the safety of our pets.
The Internet Protectors (TIP) is a new Internet Security and Safety website that focuses on providing help to non-technical computer. Users can ask questions of topic experts, research different aspects of security in a library of podcasts, videos, and white papers, read and subscribe to blogs on multiple security topics, discuss security issues in forums, and more.
Experts, known as TIPsters, on hand at launch include Roger Thompson of AVG on new threats, Monte Robertson of Software Security Solutions on small business security, and Linda Criddle of Look Both Ways on family online safety.
Topics covered on the site range from basic security questions like "What is the difference between spyware and viruses?" to "how to" questions such as "I use Skype to keep my business phone costs down, but how do I avoid unwanted calls and spam from people not on my contact list?"
Experts also weigh in on ways to keep private information private in social networks and the particular risks children face online, as well as up-to-the-minute news on scams affecting users of commonly-used programs like Gmail or QuickTime.
"In the Web 2.0 tradition, we have designed TIP to be as user- driven as possible," said Gayle Cline, TIP co-founder and project leader for the TIP website. "Experts and users can post blogs and resources like videos, and can create forums surrounding particular issues. Our goal is to provide a rich, dynamic, and above all relevant and usable resource for people. From the outset, TIP is ready to help home users, small businesses, libraries, educational institutions, and community organizations with security questions and concerns."
alicious software is spreading through computers faster than ever before. Microsoft has measured a 43 percent jump in malware removed from Windows computers in just the last six months, and SRI International now collects over 10,000 unique malware samples from around the world daily.
originally wrote this article for the 
