Why You Must Care About Online Safety

The Internet has become an indispensable medium for learning, productivity, entertainment and communication over the past decade and it is exciting to take advantage of continued innovation of Internet tools and technologies. However, to become smart consumers of this medium, it is crucial we recognize evolving threats and take simple measures against them.

The STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Campaign developed by the National Cyber Security Alliance and supported by the Department of Homeland Security is a rich source to promote online safety of digital citizens. http://www.dhs.gov/files/events/stop-think-connect.shtm

Watch a recording of a recently held event by the Minnesota Online Safety ACTION Forum to see how you can help promote cybersecurity and online safety in your community.

Online Games

Here's a selection of cool games – see if you can swat all the viruses and chase away cyber villains!

• Invasion of the Wireless Hackers: Hackers hunting for vulnerable wireless networks are closing in. Stop the hack attack with correct answers to these wireless security questions.
• Phishing Scams: Phishers are looking to lure you with bogus emails and pop-ups that seem safe. Will you take the bait or live to swim another day?
• Spam Scam Slam: Three rounds. Three strikes. Make it through this game, and it's clear — you're on to spam scams and not likely to get slammed by the next one.
• The Case of the Cyber Criminal: A techie spy and his cunning crew are out to get your personal information. Stop them cold by proving you're ready to protect yourself online.

More games...

S.H.I.E.L.D.: Here are six games to test your Cyber-strength.

Are you cybersavvy or a cyberslacker? Find out now. When you are done, get your assessment here.

• S – Security Smarts: common threats, unsafe e-habits and security resources.
• H – Hardening Hardware: protecting computing devices, physical security.
• I – Internet Interactions: how the Internet works (history, design, tools) and cyber social behavior (cyber citizenship, netiquette and safe webbing).
• E – Electronic Ethics: copyright, privacy, security, cyber ethics, need-to-know and digital rights.
• L – Layered Lockdown: password use, network defense and computer defense.
• D – Digital Defense: encryption, types of encryption and disaster recovery.

About Advance IT Minnesota

Advance IT Minnesota and our educational and business partners strive to raise awareness of the dangers of casual computing and Internet use. The games and tools provided engaging ways to test and reinforce knowledge about key information security and online safety topics. We strongly recommend you also visit National Cyber Security Alliance's www.StaySafeOnline.org and the Internet Education Foundation's www.GetNetWise.org for more useful information and engaging content for children, parents, students, educators, businesses and organizations.