When someone mentions a tool, you probably think of a hand tool like a screwdriver or fork. Electronic devices, including your cell phone, personal digital assistant, home computer, laptop and video games are tools. The internet and electronic networks are tools. All tools need to be used properly and safely. Each tool has a specific purpose. Unfortunately, electronic devices do not typically come with a safety manual. It is up to you, the user, to learn and then teach others how to use electronic tools properly and safely.
The only difference between crime and cybercrime is that a computer or computer network is necessary to complete the crime or is the target of the crime. Despite the tools both criminals and cybercriminals use, they can find potential victims of predators, fraud, piracy, vandalism, robbery, harassment, money laundering, identity theft and any other malicious intent.
There isn’t a practical difference between a predator making initial contact with a child in a chatroom or at a playground. Parents must actively be involved with children’s activities. Children are not 100% safe in the next room as long as they have unsupervised interaction with persons that parents are not aware of or do not approve of. Monitoring telephone calls and guests can no longer be enough for a parent to maintain the child’s safety online and offline. All internet activities of children need consistent parental supervision.
There isn’t a practical difference between a pickpocket stealing your credit card at the mall without your knowledge and an infector installed on your computer without your knowledge that sends your credit card information to a stranger. The effect is the same. Your credit card information is stolen despite the tool used to commit the crime.
Criminals will use any tool that is useful or convenient to complete their mischief. The trick to maintaining personal safety with electronic tools is to figure out how criminals can benefit by the tool and then incorporate crime prevention procedures into your daily routine.
When you are not using your home computer, shut it down and unplug the modem. Inserting an additional telecommunications cable between the network source and modem of your computer can easily do this. The source can be your telephone line, cable line or satellite hook-up. Be sure this extension is long enough so you can comfortably plug and unplug it as needed when you are at your computer. When you aren’t using your laptop, shut it down and be sure the network switch is set to the “off” position. Remember that the only 100% safe computer is the one that is not connected to the internet.
Since users can’t possibly know all the technical details about each tool they use in their lifetime, professionals are available such as mechanics for cars and tech support personnel for computers. Regular maintenance of the tool is usually required. For computers, this includes installation of software updates and patches. These are available from the official website of the software manufacturer. The software manufacturer includes not only the company offering the operating system installed but also every program installed on your computer even if you don’t use the program. Don’t install fixes, updates or patches from someone else’s website or from any link in email, a chatroom or blog.
As you enjoy the internet, protect yourself, your children, your possessions and your money. When you maintain your personal and online safety, you also protect your neighborhood, community and nation. Stay safe.