McAfee Security Insights Summer 2009

Summer 2009 Contents How to Keep Your Kids Safe on Social Networking Sites You’re in Control with McAfee Family Protection Trustmarks Give You the Confidence to Shop Online How to Keep Your Kids Safe on Social Networking Sites If your kids are like most, chances are they’re computer savvy and using the Internet, maybe more than you. They’re chatting with friends, checking email, surfing, gaming—maybe even doing homework. It’s all innocent enough, right? The truth is, most children are unaware of the risks that come with being online. In fact, what your kids do on the Internet can compromise more than their own privacy. These risks to your children increase with technologies, such as Social Networking—not only because of the increased volume of information on these sites, but because of the inherent nature of your kids to trust their “friends” on these sites. Social networking is here to stay Social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, and Club Penguin have become immensely popular. In 2008, some 15 million teens and nearly 2 million younger children used social networking sites. These sites appeal to kids because they can connect with friends, meet new friends and share messages, photos and videos. Used safely, these tools can be a way for kids to express their creativity, build positive relationships, and plan their social lives. The problem is, kids don’t necessarily understand the implications of making private information public. And it’s easy for less scrupulous people to use that against your kids. How to keep your kids safe Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to keep your kids safe online. A positive, open relationship with your kids may be the best defense to help protect them from people who may not have their best interests at heart. Here are a few essential tips: •   Start by talking with them. Research by WiredSafety.org shows that teens who discuss social networking websites with their parents behave more safely online. •   Help them understand the risks. Discuss what is and is not appropriate to share online and remind your child that nothing is secret in cyberspace. •   Avoid overreacting. Banning kids from using sites like Facebook can often backfire because it may lead them to become secretive about their online activities. Instead, empower them to behave safely and to use good judgment. For much more information about how to keep your kids safe, including specific steps you can take and additional resources, get our new e-guide. Download your free copy of “A Parent’s Guide to Social Networking Sites" You’re in Control with McAfee Family Protection New Product! We know that keeping your children safe when they’re online is very important to you. After all, we’re parents too. And that’s why we’ve created McAfee® Family Protection software. This new product is: •   Easy. Fast, simple set up so you can start protecting your children within minutes •   Empowering. Lets you say “yes” to your children’s online interests while keeping them safe as they learn and explore •   Complete. Protects children of all ages from inappropriate content, social networking risks, strangers, and other threats Learn how your family can benefit from McAfee Family Protection Trustmarks Give You the Confidence to Shop Online If you’ve ever felt a little uncomfortable about entering your credit card number on a website, you’re not alone. In fact, three out of four people are reluctant to give their personal data to online retailers because of concerns about the site’s security. “Trustmarks” were developed precisely to reassure online shoppers. Many websites now display these symbols—seals, logos, and other icons—to indicate the steps that the online merchant has taken to protect you. That’s the good news. The bad news is that not all trust marks are created equal. Knowing what each one means will help you determine which sites have the level of security you’re comfortable with, so you can shop with confidence. Understand trustmarks so you can shop safely online Blogs McAfee’s Family Internet Safety Advisor’s Blog Get advice from cyber security expert and lawyer Parry Aftab Read More McAfee’s Chief Cyber Security Mom’s Blog Check out Tracy Mooney’s postings on “Family Security” Read More [ You are currently subscribed as: security.world@gmail.com ] This message is being sent to you as a subscriber to McAfee Security Insights. Please do not reply directly to this email. This email was sent from a notification-only address that cannot accept incoming email. For support-related questions, go here. Legal Note: This software does not guarantee protection against all possible threats. Subscribe: For help purchasing your McAfee subscription, please call (866)622-3911. Unsubscribe: If you prefer not to receive email from McAfee, opt-out here. 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