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Chatequa Pinkston
Nov 293 min read

Tis' the Season to Brush Up on Internet Safety

Woman in a wheelchair using a laptop computer at a desk. She has a ponytail and is wearing a beige hoodie. There is a small plant on the desk to her right.

The internet can be an effective tool for self-advocates to use for education and making their voices heard, but safe practices must be followed. People with disabilities are especially vulnerable during the holidays where they may be spending more time online.

 

The internet can be used for good and bad. On the good side, self-advocates can use it to research advocacy topics, to share their stories on social media, email lawmakers and other officials, and much more. It is also useful for staying in contact with family and friends who live near and far. On the bad side, some people on the internet want to harm people by stealing their private information or money. This article will discuss general safety tips for the internet and email safety.

 

General Safety Tips for the Internet

This is a list of what should and should not be done to help one stay safe while using the internet:


  • Do not share your personal information in email or on social media. Do not share your address, social security number, phone number, health information, banking information, etc. Do not share your passwords. Make sure that you are on a safe website when you are shopping or a secure, password-protected website when communicating with providers like doctors.

  • Do not post your schedule on social media. You do not want strangers to know where you are or when you are not at home.

  • Have an internet buddy. Have someone that you trust who can answer questions if you run into problems or have questions about online safety.

  • Do not share important information on public computers or Wi-Fi. These computers are located in places such as the library or restaurants and are used by other people. Also, don’t do important business, like banking or shopping, using public Wi-Fi when you are away from home. Activities that require your social security number, credit card number, and banking information should not be performed on public computers or while using public Wi-Fi.

  • Do not click links too quickly. Make sure the link is from someone you trust. Do not click on pop-ups even if they say that you have a virus because they are most often fake alerts. Clicking on the wrong link can give access to your computer or device and someone can steal your information or put a virus on your computer.

  • Do not meet up with someone you met online in-person. Sometimes online people can pretend to be someone nice, but they intend to trick and harm you.

  • Think before you post on social media. After you make a post, a record remains even if you delete it. Make sure that you want everyone to read what you are posting. Remember that people such as future employers evaluate you by your posts. Venting, cursing, arguing, speaking disrespectfully about people or organizations reflects on your reputation.

 

More safety tips can be found on the following websites and videos

 

Email Safety

Safety while using email is important. Below are a few rules to remember:


  • Do not put personal information in your emails. This information includes your password or credit card number.

  • Do not click on unknown links. The same rules exist as explained above.

  • Watch out for SPAM emails. SPAM is defined as email from someone you do not know or from an organization you are not familiar with. These emails often want to trick you into buying something that is not real.

  • Look out for phishing websites or emails. These are fake websites or emails from bad people that want to get your password and personal information. If you have a question about a message you received from your bank, credit card company, or other company you have an account with, call the bank or company using a number from the back of your credit card or bank statement (not a number in the email) to confirm if they sent the email. It is best to type the website address into the browser. Never click on links in suspicious emails.

 

The internet can be a powerful tool to enhance your advocacy, but it is important to use it safely. Educate yourself using the many available resources.

 

More Resources



National Crime Prevention Council -



 

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