Internet safety should be a daily concern for everyone. Technology is advancing in leaps and bounds. The technology that was revolutionary just two years ago is now old. Internet users must apply their skills and knowledge of crime prevention to the internet.
Any crime that either targets the computer system or involves the use of a computer to complete the crime is a cybercrime. Crimes still occur, and criminals are using technological tools to commit crime.
Community organizers have a unique opportunity to encourage internet safety. Take advantage to promote safety on the internet. Internet safety should be integrated with crime prevention programs and workshops. Whether the crime prevention presentation and discussion is tailored for students, communities, seniors, or employees, each program should incorporate the basics of internet safety. Internet safety includes, but is not limited to, recognizing and avoiding fraud, swindlers, identity theft, predators, malware and computer viruses.
If the community discussion topic is neighborhood safety, online activity topics can include avoiding strangers or avoiding malware. If the topic is concerned with credit or finances, internet safety topics can include identity theft, fraud, scams, or home computer security. When a presentation is made to parents, internet safety topics can include social networking communities, predators, online supervision, monitoring internet activities or avoiding strangers. Any public safety presentation can include internet safety topics.
All course curriculums should include basic internet safety including the seminars for beginner’s classes or proficiency in a particular operating system and software program. It must be emphasized that internet safety depends on user awareness and the ability to recognize potential danger. As far as personal safety is concerned, each internet user is responsible for their own personal safety just as the individual is responsible for their own safety crossing the street.
Community organizers should take advantage of local public safety personnel. They should invite guest speakers from law enforcement, fire rescue, emergency medical services or any company who have experiences about the discussion topic. Try to plan time for questions and answers after the presentation. The presentation itself doesn’t need to be elaborate. The presentation only needs to be effective. And, to be effective means to get the audience to think about the topic after they leave. Plan to make your community the most aware of cybercrime and the safest online compared to surrounding areas by planning your community safety presentations.