The National Cyber Security Alliance has developed a list of the Top Eight Cyber Security Practices that can help users stay safe online and avoid becoming victims. The following tips include Internet habits, as well as technology solutions, that can make a difference.

1. Protect your personal information. It’s valuable.
2. Know who you’re dealing with online.
3. Use anti-virus software, a firewall and anti-spyware software to help keep your computer safe and secure.
4. Be sure to set up your operating system and Web browser software properly, and update them regularly.
5. Use strong passwords or strong authentication technology to help protect your personal information.
6. Back up important files.
7. Learn what to do if something goes wrong.
8. Protect your children online.

Resource Links

• OnGuard Online
• StaySafe Online
• Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC)

Kids

• NetSmartz Workshop: http://www.netsmartz.org/
• ChatDanger: http://www.chatdanger.com/
• Disney.com Online Safety: http://disney.go.com/surfswell/index.html
• Kid Smart: http://www.kidsmart.org.uk/yp/
• Safe Teens: http://www.safeteens.com/
• iKeepSafe: http://www.ikeepsafe.org
• Cyber Smart Kids Online: http://www.cybersmartkids.com.au/
• Kidz Privacy: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/kidzprivacy/kidz.htm
• Cyber Smart: http://www.cybersmart.org/for/students.asp

Parents

• GetNetWise: http://kids.getnetwise.org/
• SafeKids: http://www.safekids.com/
• Cyber Angles: http://www.cyberangels.org/
• Kid Shield: http://www.kidshield.com/
• The Cyber Citizen Partnership: http://www.cybercitizenship.org/
• Kidz Privacy: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/kidzprivacy/
• ProtectKids: http://www.protectkids.com/
• Safe Surf: http://www.safesurf.com/
• iSafe: http://www.isafe.org/
• Kids Health - Internet Safety: http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/net_safety.html
• AT &T- Protecting Our Customers: http://www.sbc.com/gen/general?pid=6449
• Be Cyber Smart: http://www.cybersmartcurriculum.org/home
• Guidelines & Resources for Internet Safety in Schools: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Technology/OET/internet-safety-guidelines.shtml

Protecting Your Privacy

• Personal Privacy – How to Protect Your Information (PDF)
• Identity Theft: www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/data/idt.shtm
• Consumer Action: www.consumer-action.org
• Electronic Privacy Information Center: www.epic.org
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: www.privacyrights.org
• World Privacy Forum: www.worldprivacyforum.org
• Free Annual Credit Report: www.annualcreditreport.com
• US-CERT Tips for Strong Passwords: www.uscert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-002.html