Computers & the Internet: Privacy & Security
Microsites
- Fighting Back Against Identity Theft
This website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.
- OnGuard Online
Provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
- Spyware
Information about how the FTC fights spyware through law enforcement and consumer education, and by encouraging industry to devise technological solutions.
Facts for Consumers
- Dot Con [PDF]
Warns consumers that con artists have gone high-tech, using the Internet to defraud consumers. Lists the top 10 dot cons facing consumers who surf the Internet, as well as many of the fraudsters behind them. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
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How To Protect Kids' Privacy Online: A Guide For Teachers [PDF]
Explains the basics of the 1998 Children's Online Privacy Protection Act and what it means for teachers and their students. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
- Keeping Laptops From Getting Lost or Stolen [PDF]
Steps to take to avoid getting your laptop lost or stolen. 8.5"x 11", 2 pages.
- Minimizing the Effects of Malware on Your Computer [PDF]
Urges consumers to protect their computers against malware and offers tips on how to reclaim their computer and electronic information if malware is already on their computer. 8.5 x 11, 4 pages.
- OnGuard Online: Stop. Think. Click. [PDF] [en español]
Tips to help computer users be on guard against Internet fraud, secure their computers, and protect their personal information. 4"x9", 16 pages, color.
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Protecting Kids' Privacy [PDF]
Explains what parents should do, and what website operators must do as a result of the 1998 Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, to protect kids' information online. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
- Securing Your Wireless Network [PDF]
Guide to securing your wireless network - at your home or business. 8.5"x11", 4 pages
- Social Networking Sites: A Parent's Guide [PDF]
Urges parents and kids to talk about the risks involved in using social networking sites and offers tips for using them safely. Includes resources for more information. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- Social Networking Sites: Safety Tips for Tweens and Teens [PDF]
Urges parents and kids to talk about the risks involved in using social networking sites and offers tips for using them safely. Includes resources for more information. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
Consumer Alerts
- Seeing Through Stimulus Scams [PDF]
- Botnets and Hackers and Spam (Oh, My!) [PDF] [en español]
- Detect, Protect, Disinfect: Consumers Online Face Wide Choices in Security Products [PDF]
- "Free Security Scan" Could Cost Time and Money [PDF]
- The Download on Disposing of Your Old Computer [PDF]
- P2P File-Sharing: Evaluating the Risks [PDF] [en español]
- Spyware [PDF] [en español]
- Virtual Worlds and Kids: Mapping the Risks [PDF]
Promotional Items
- Mother's Day Information Security e-card
- Anti-Phishing e-card tied into Father's Day
- Anti-Phishing e-card without the Father's Day "hook"
- Laptop Security Tips Bookmark [PDF]
A bookmark with steps to help avoid having your laptop lost or stolen. 2" x 8.5", 2 pages, color.
- OnGuard Online Bookmark [PDF][en español]
Provides tips to help computer users be on guard against Internet fraud, secure their computers, and protect their personal information. 2.5"x7", 2 pages, color.
- OnGuard Online Poster [PDF]
Provides tips to help computer users be on guard against Internet fraud, secure their computers, and protect their personal information. 2.5"x7", 2 pages, color.
Articles You can reprint these articles in your newsletter, magazine or website.
- Be Safe Online: OnGuard Online [PDF]
Being on guard online can help protect your information, your computer-even yourself. Seven practices can help you be safer while surfing.
- Holiday Shopping on the Internet: Discovering Which Web Sites are Naughty or Nice [PDF]
Whether you’re looking for a toy, a trinket or a travel deal, doing your holiday shopping on the Internet can be fun, easy, and practical. At the same time, viewing a product on the screen can present different challenges than seeing it in the store. The FTC offers recommendations to help you have a successful experience when buying from an online retailer or an auction website.
- Holiday Shopping on the Internet: Planning Ahead for Secure Surfing [PDF]
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, encourages shoppers to follow these tips to steer clear of holiday grinches.
- Parent's Guide to Social Networking [PDF]
The Federal Trade Commission urges parents and kids to talk about the risks involved in using social networking sites and offer tips for using them safely.
- Supplement: Stop-Think-Click: 7 Practices for Safer Computing [PDF]
- Tips For Protecting Laptops From Thieves [PDF]
Tips to keep in mind when you take your laptop out and about.
- Your Computer: Part of the "Zombie Army"? [PDF]
Learn how to reduce your chances of becoming part of a robot network called a botnet.
Videos
- OnGuard Online "Phishy" Video Spots
These three 60-second videos help alert consumers to phishing scams. The goal of the videos is to offer practical, useful, and memorable messages.