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81. Browse with care.

Be cautious about the Web sites that you visit, and if a site seems suspicious, close your browser and leave the site. Most Web sites are able to track bits of information from your computer, like IP address and the software that you use, for marketing purposes. While this information collection is not necessarially harmful from trustworthy sites, Web sites that seem less legitimate can use this information for malicious activity.

82. Change Wi-Fi administrator passwords.

Most Wifi routers come with a generic username and password for equipment setup. Although password-protected, this information is not specific to the individual and therefore well known to hackers. Change the username and password as soon as your wireless network is set up.

83. Enable WPA/WEP encryption.

All WiFi equipment supports encryption to protect information sent over wireless networks. Choose the strongest encryption option that works with your network. It may require synchronizing the encryption settings on all Wi-Fi devices that you and your family use.

84. Change the default SSID name.

Wi-Fi access points and routers use a network name called the SSID, and routers often have a default SSID of the manufacturer name. Using the generic SSID does not make your wireless network more susceptible to threats, but it is a sign to others that the network is poorly configured, making it more of a target. Shange the default SSID name immediately when configuring your wireless security.

85. Allow MAC address filtering.

Each Wi-Fi component has a unique identifier called the MAC address, and access points and routers keep tabs on all the MAC addresses of devices that connect to them. Many products allow the owner to type in the MAC addresses of his or her equipment, so the etwork will only allow connection from those approved devices.

86. Disable SSID broadcast.

Access points and routers usually broadcast the SSID name at regular intervals. This function was originally intended for roaming, but it is unnecessary when a wireless network is used in the home. Disable the broadcast so others will not be able to see your network.

87. Disable Wi-Fi auto-connect.

Most computers have a setting to allow the computer to connect to any open wireless network. Disable this setting and always connect directly to your home network. Use the auto-connect if necessary during temporary situations, like when travelling.

88. Assign fixed IP addresses to wireless devices.

Turn off DHCP and assign a static IP address to your computer. Although DHCP is easier to onfigure, it is also easier for hackers to find IP addresses and intercept. Use a private range for the IP address so the computer is not vulnerable to being reached from the Web.

89. Enable the firewalls on your router.

In addition to a firewall on your computer, make sure that your wireless router’s firewall is turned on. This will offer an additional level of protection for your home wireless network.

90. Position the router appropriately.

Home Wi-Fi signals are intended to be used in the home. While some signal may leak outdoors, keep an eye on how far the signal reaches. The position of the router determines how far the signal will reach, so try to place the router in the center of the home to prevent the signal passing across streets or into different neighborhoods.

91. Shut down your network when it is not being used.

While it isn’t practical to turn off a wireless network daily, be sure that it is disconnected if you plan to be gone on vacation or extended off-line periods.

92. Use third-party payment services.

When shopping online, use a third-party service to pay. These services, like PayPal and Amazon Payments, seamlessly transfer money from a bank account to the vendor without the need to expose your bank or credit card information to the seller.

93. Watch out for e-mail hoaxes.

If it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Be cautious of any easy money scams, like promises of lottery winnings or requests to move money from a foreign country. These scams usually ask that you send money or personal information to sign up for the opportunity. Steer clear of these hoaxes.

94. Beware of virus hoaxes.

Sometimes e-mails that inform of a security risk are malicious or intended to create panic. Always verify before you act or share the information. Check with McAfee or F-Secure to see if the virus described is a hoax before you take any action.

95. Avoid Bots.

Not everyone in a chat room is an actual person behind a keyboard. Chat robots, or bots, are often used to moderate chat rooms and provide news or weather updates. Malicious bots can be set up to infiltrate your computer.

96. Take precautious with smartphones.

Use the same precautions accessing your smartphone in public as you would any other public computer. Avoid on-line banking in busy public spaces because strangers could shoulder-surf to watch what you type. Also consider disabling the feature that allows the phone to automatically connect to any open wireless network.

97. Encrypt Internet phones.

Voice over IP (VOIP) is a way of communicating by voice over public internet connections, so a risk of eavesdropping is always present. Choose a VOIP provider that offers secure encryption services.

98. Erase data from unwanted computers.

Before tossing out an old computer, copy all the data tha you need to keep and erase the hard disk. Simply deleting files is not enough. Use a program to erase all traces of personal data from the computer before recycling or donating.

99. Assume permanence.

The Internet does not have a delete button. If you post or publish any information and then delete it, you maintain no control over how it is copied, stored or archived. Think before you post anything that you may regret later.

100. Be cautious of links or attachments from chat messages.

Although you may feel comfortable with a person that you share conversations with in a chat room, if you do not really know the person, you can not be sure of his or her intentions. Avoid clicking on any links or opening attachments from a chat buddy that you do not know very well. This is a common method for hackers to distribute malicious material directly.

101. Know what to do if something is wrong.

If you suspect that malware is affecting your computer, stop any on-line activities that involve usernames, passwords or other personal information. Scan your computer with an anti-virus software, and delete anything that the program finds to be suspicious. If the problem is not resolved call for professional technical help from a repair shop or manufacturer.

Ebook Sample Content Preview:

70. Go Direct.

Instead of using a search engine to access sites, have children type the url directly into the address bar or use a bookmark. This will eliminate the possibility of offensive or unrelated sites being accessed from a web search.

71. Search Engine Filter.

Using a filtering program can help eliminate inappropriate results from a web search. Without a filter, a web search can bring up material that children should not see.

72. Assume Permanence.

Teach children to operate under the assumption that everything they post on-line is permanent and can be found by predators or hackers even after deletion. While social networking pages and websites can be deleted, people who know how to find it can still access the information.

73. Blog Privacy.

If your child wants to write in a blog or web diary, find a site that allows private and password-secured blogs. Blogs with privacy protection will ensure that your child's personal profile is not revealed. Modify the blog settings so comments can not be added to posts; this will reduce spam and negative or offensive feedback.

74. Positive Examples.

Find content-appropriate blogs made by other children as an example for your child to model his or hers after. Good examples may be blogs centered on a favorite sports team, television show, or hobby.

75. Review Their Posts.

Screen your child's writing or photos before they are posted on-line to ensure that they do not include too much personal information. Watch out for less obvious identifiers, like school mascot names and names of friends.

76. Protect Emotions.

Blog and diary content can include very personal topics. Ask your child if he or she is comfortable sharing the content with strangers before they post it. If he or she is not sure, do not post.

77. Be a Detective.

Perform occasional web searches for your child's name, address and other identifying factors to see if they have posted any personal information on a website. This research can also help you determine if your child started a website or blog without your knowledge.

78. Watch for Obsessive Behavior.

E-mail and social networking can become an addiction for adults and children. Watch for signs of obsession, including constantly wanting to check for new messages or frustration when not able to access the sites.

79. Vulnerability.

Be aware of blog posts or discussion board comments that show emotional vulnerability. Not only are these what Internet predators look for, but they could be signs of emotional stresses and troubles that your child is not comfortable sharing with you.

80. Cyberbullying.

Bullies no longer exist only in the classroom. Oftentimes, the same child who bullies a child in person will begin to bully on-line through chat or instant messages. Look for signs of cyberbullying, like a child becoming upset when online or a not wanting to go to school.

81. Golden Rule.

Don't allow your child to bully or gossip about others on-line. Even though the interactions are not in-person, the same rules of conduct and respect should apply. Have disciplinary consequences for not treating others kindly.

82. Honesty.

Do not allow your children to pretend that they are someone else online. This includes not listing their actual age on social networking sites. Instead of lying, teach them to use privacy controls to hide information and not answer questions that make them feel uncomfortable or would require them to reveal personal information.

83. Piracy.

Do not allow children to download, share, or duplicate copyrighted software or music without paying. Even if your child is not distributing the material further, use of pirated software and music is still illegal. Explain that it is stealing and there are serious legal consequences.

84. Block File-Sharing.

File-sharing network sites often distribute copyrighted material. The unknown source of the download creates privacy and virus risks. Many file sharing software programs also place a file on your computer that allows others to receive files from you, with or without your knowledge.

85. Use Voice Chat With Care.

Some on-line video games allow for voice chatting. Be sure that if children participate, they follow the same rules as in a text chat room and do not divulge personal information to strangers. Keep in mind that predators may disguise their voices to sound like children even though they are adults.

86. Encourage Playing with Friends.

Recommend that your child play on-line games and chat with friends from school and other activities instead of exclusively communicating with on-line only friends. Knowing everyone personally creates the safest environment for on-line play.

87. Know the Games.

Become aware of the games your child plays on-line. Understand the rules, content, and average player age. Playing games with your kids is a good way to get involved in their on-line activities without appearing too intrusive.

88. Minimize Fees.

Many on-line video games have monthly service fees that children may not know about until parents receive the bill. Steer your kids towards free games that do not require submission of personal credit card information.

89. Prohibit Gambling.

Remind your children that it is illegal for minors to gamble on-line. Even though it's not real money, discourage use of non-monetary casino gambling games (like free poker and blackjack), as they still operate around a wagering system that can lead to actual gambling in the future.

90. Supervise.

Young children should not use the Internet without supervision. Always stay with young kids while they are on-line to answer questions and eliminate the possibility of wandering onto an inappropriate site.

91. Role Model.

All members of the family members should act as positive role models for children who are just beginning to use the Internet. Everyone should follow the same rules of conduct with respect to safety concerning the sharing of personal information. Parents especially should practice what they preach with regard to software piracy, pornography, and chat rooms.

92. Cyberdating.

Discourage teens from using websites to meet potential boyfriends or girlfriends. These sites are intended for adults, and many have niches that may not be appropriate for anyone younger than 18 years old. In addition, people are not always what they seem, and these romance sites are a haven for Internet predators.

93. Review Browser History.

Take a look at the history of sites visited to see where your child went on-line and what they did. Confront them with indiscretions or questions you have about their web browsing activities.

94. Webcams.

While webcams can be useful for video chat with friends or longdistance relatives, ensure that children use the device appropriately. Children should avoid video chat with strangers because of the physical recognition factor. Review your child's videos before they are posted or distributed to others.