Safe Internet Alliance

Guest posted by: Linda Criddle, president of Safe Internet

Guest posted by: Linda Criddle, president of Safe Internet Alliance

Nearly half (47%) of US adults 50-64 now use a social networking (socnet) site, as do 26% of those 65 and older.

Not only are older adults using socnets, their use of these services has doubled in the last year according to data from the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

Guest posted by: Linda Criddle, president of Safe Internet Alliance

Stealing children's social security numbers (SSNs) to use or sell is not new, but it is becoming more widespread. The problem is expected to get worse before it gets better, according to the Associated Press.

Guest posted by: Linda Criddle, president of Safe Internet Alliance

Increased insider threats and social engineering tactics, plus heavy involvement by organized crime groups are key findings of the new 2010 Data Breach Investigations Report released by Verizon and in cooperation with the U.S. Secret Service.

A malware-laden flash drive inserted in a laptop at a U.S. military base in the Middle East in 2008 led to the "most significant breach of" the nation's military computers ever, says William J. Lynn III, deputy secretary of defense in a newly released essay titled "Defending a New Domain: The Pentagon's Cyberstrategy," for the September/October issue of Foreign Affairs magazine. (you must register to read full article)

Guest posted by: Linda Criddle, president of Safe Internet Alliance

If you haven't heard that Facebook has rolled out 'Places' a new feature that allows you to broadcast your location, you're probably over the age of 30 and not a Facebook user. But that still makes you part of a huge segment of the population, and one in which many parents of Facebook users fall into.

Guest posted by: Linda Criddle, president of Safe Internet Alliance

About the Center:

The Cyberbullying Research Center is dedicated to providing up-to-date information about the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of cyberbullying among adolescents. Cyberbullying can be defined as "willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices." Run by two leaning experts in the field, I have the utmost respect for the work of Drs. Patchin and Hinduja.

Guest posted by: Linda Criddle, president of Safe Internet Alliance

The National Health and Human Services department has announced new rules intended to strengthen the privacy of your health information. The goal of these new rules is to ensure that as use of health information technology expands, Americans can trust that their health information is protected and secure. The new rules include broader individual rights and stronger protections when third parties handle individually identifiable health information.

Guest posted by: Linda Criddle, president of Safe Internet Alliance

The phrase back-to-school conjures up thoughts of trying on clothes to see what fits and what doesn’t, and purchasing the notebooks, pens, and other paraphernalia your student needs for the year ahead.

However, new to most parents is the realization that an Internet safety checkup also falls into this seasonal rhythm.

Guest posted by: Linda Criddle, president of Safe Internet Alliance

The back-to-school shopping list these days often includes laptops and cell phones. The instant access and the convenience that laptops and cell phones afford make them ideal for studying, socializing, and coordinating schedules. By instituting a few precautions, your student can enjoy all the benefits of Internet connectivity and make the most of a great school year.