Nothing is more devastating to the financial and emotional well being of an individual than learning their bank account has been hacked and left with zero balances. Thousands are spent on security by banks on equipment, special codes, firewalls and software every day. Still, the banks have to remain on alert constantly and updates to software, changing codes or equipment has to be done around the clock. Unfortunately the computer hackers are steadily learning ways to access not only the banks financial data but their customers computers as well.

A valuable suggestion for the customer is do not to use the same sign in code for all the computer programs. Hackers have learned that computer users will use the same identical sign in for all their software and even their computer itself. Hacking into the security settings will provide all the information to steal identity and sign in codes. If needed write the sign in codes down into a notebook to remember them, at least you will be able to keep your computer and bank accounts from being hacked. When using the internet, never give out personal important information such as address, phone, birthday or when you are not expected to be home. Home robbery occurs everyday. If the thief has enough information about you before hand, they will be able to log onto your computer and transfer bank account monies to other accounts.

More info here: ‘Self-aware’ bank account robbing code unleashed by hacker

“Why would I do that? One computer was expensive enough as it is!” Think about it: two computers. One for play and one for work. It doesn’t even matter what you consider to be play, whether it’s games, facebook or youtube, these outlets have all proven to be areas of potential intrusion when it comes to hackers. With two computers, you could use one computer for all your casual pursuits and keep one strictly business-related, thereby minimizing the risk of intrusion. It doesn’t even have to be an expensive, high-end computer and, really, paying for a new computer is a small price to pay compared to dealing with rampant identity theft.

Another thing worth investing in would be a solid antivirus program. There are many out there to choose from. And, of course, use your best judgement when it comes to the internet.

Parental controls give parents the ability to monitor and restrict their children-s web activities such as email usage, web site access, and personal information distribution. These protective tools are readily available and can be obtained several ways:

1.The Internet Service Provider (ISP)
One of the best places to begin with is the provider of your internet service. Most of these companies offer a wide range of parental control options, usually for free.
2.Your Browser
Some Web browsers allow the user to enforce a variety of parental controls through a content rating system.
3.The Neighborhood Computer or Electronics Store
You can easily purchase software that blocks or filters inappropriate content. The features are similar to those offered by your ISP, but you have to install these products yourself.

As parents, keeping your kids safe is a priority. Parental controls are an easy way to manage your child-s internet usage and maintain safe browsing.

Thanks to social sites that link friends together, it’s easier than ever to spread rumors and hurtful comments but with some close monitoring of your child’s internet activity, it doesn’t have to be detrimental. Cyber bullying generally targets children in middle school and high school, during a time when a child depends on their friends and opinions to help them shape their world. A bullying attitude can take the focus away from your child’s schoolwork and place it squarely on social interaction and self-preservation, right where it shouldn’t be. In some instances, cyber bullying has led to suicide in the most extreme cases.

Internet safety is something you should approach your child with on a regular basis, and as soon as they can use the internet. Helping protect their self-worth is a greater service than a friend’s opinion.

There are also several sites which offer protection for identity theft. One such site is Safelink. This is a company which watches over your online shopping, and marketplace activity, to ensure that no hacker is going to get your information. There are thousands of police watching the site, and they will ensure that the only person who gets your credit card and shipping information is the person you intend to receive it. Knowing that you are on a secure site is always something to make sure of when shopping online.

Another good safety measure to take is blocking websites that you do not want kids to see. There are all kinds of ways to block websites and finding out how to block sites is easy to do too. It all depends on the browser you are using but usually you can block sites by going into your browser’s settings.

Another good way to keep kids safe online is by advising them to not use there real names on social networking websites. Telling kids to not post anything personal online is a good idea. These simple tips can really keep kids safe while they are online. Another good tip is to only allow your kid to use the internet for a certain length of time, such as thirty minutes. After they finish online, you should look and see what they have looked at while they were online.

These three tips are the best tips to keep in mind when trying to keep kids safe when they are using the internet.