The Lifeguard
Internet Safety Armor for Your Computer
We have put together a short list of the major elements needed to insure a fully child safe internet surfing environment. This list itemizes the general catagories recommended to protect against hackers, undesirable web sites, spam, adware, spyware and viruses.
Firewall
A firewall is software or a device which sits between your computer and the internet. It functions as a gatekeeper. It prevents unauthorized data requests from reaching your computer and allows only sending data that you (or a program you are using) has authorized. The firewall is the single most important security measure you can install if you have an “always on” connection to the internet. Always on connections include cable modems and DSL connections.
There are many programs which work in concert with browsers which allow a parent to set web site access rules. A browser filter is an absolute necessity. Most filters work very well and differ in how they are configured and managed.
An excellent resource which compares the top 10 family internet filters is the Internet Filter Review located at:
Email AntiSpam
Spam is a major issue to consider when creating a child safe internet environment. While there are many spam filters on the market, most of them are geared toward adult users. Many of these programs store questionable emails in a “blocked” folder for later review by the user. The problem is that when a child is using one of these programs all they need to do is open the blocked folder and they have full access to the questionable emails. Additionally, most programs provide rudimentary black list updates but the bulk of the work of staying on top of spam is up to the user. Here is an excellent solution geared specifically for kids.
Adware/Spyware Protection
The latest scourges to hit the internet are called Adware and Spyware. Both of these operate very much like viruses. Adware creates ads which pop up randomly on the computer regardless of whether or not the user is actually on the web at the time. Common ads are for gambling, porn, men’s verility drugs and home mortgages. Spyware is much more sinister. Spyware’s purpose is to capture a person’s personal data and send it back to its master. Identity theft and credit card fraud are what spyware is all about.
Anti Virus
Most people know the value of antivirus protection. It is a basic protection which is the starting point of a safe internet experience.
Firewall
A firewall is software or a device which sits between your computer and the internet. It functions as a gatekeeper. It prevents unauthorized data requests from reaching your computer and allows only sending data that you (or a program you are using) has authorized. The firewall is the single most important security measure you can install if you have an “always on” connection to the internet. Always on connections include cable modems and DSL connections.
- BlackIce (software) - Internet Security Systems.
- Netgear (hardware: cable & DSL routers) – www.netgear.com
- Linksys (hardware: cable & DSL routers) – www.linksys.com
There are many programs which work in concert with browsers which allow a parent to set web site access rules. A browser filter is an absolute necessity. Most filters work very well and differ in how they are configured and managed.
An excellent resource which compares the top 10 family internet filters is the Internet Filter Review located at:
Email AntiSpam
Spam is a major issue to consider when creating a child safe internet environment. While there are many spam filters on the market, most of them are geared toward adult users. Many of these programs store questionable emails in a “blocked” folder for later review by the user. The problem is that when a child is using one of these programs all they need to do is open the blocked folder and they have full access to the questionable emails. Additionally, most programs provide rudimentary black list updates but the bulk of the work of staying on top of spam is up to the user. Here is an excellent solution geared specifically for kids.
Adware/Spyware Protection
The latest scourges to hit the internet are called Adware and Spyware. Both of these operate very much like viruses. Adware creates ads which pop up randomly on the computer regardless of whether or not the user is actually on the web at the time. Common ads are for gambling, porn, men’s verility drugs and home mortgages. Spyware is much more sinister. Spyware’s purpose is to capture a person’s personal data and send it back to its master. Identity theft and credit card fraud are what spyware is all about.
Anti Virus
Most people know the value of antivirus protection. It is a basic protection which is the starting point of a safe internet experience.
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