TROY ? Walsh College students have created a web site to keep children and teens safe on the Internet.

The web site contains lessons for teachers that include scenarios about giving away too much personal information on line, such as names and locations. It also includes ethical scenarios that involve homework cheating and music downloads.

Parents can learn about content rating and filtering, teaching computer ethics, MP3 downloading and online privacy.

The site also includes student pledge forms, a glossary, tutorials on home and wireless networking.

The web site was developed by three Walsh College Master of Science in Information Assurance (MSIA) students ? Brenda Cole, Tami Walstrom, and Frank Russ. Cole and Walstrom graduated from the Walsh Information Assurance Center, while Russ is a student in the digital forensics track.

The site lists ten things Internet users can do to protect their computers and information:

1. Use anti-virus software

Make sure you have anti-virus software installed on your computer! Anti-virus software is designed to protect you and your computer against known viruses so you don’t have to worry about them. With new viruses emerging daily, anti-virus programs need regular updates, like annual immunizations, to recognize these new viruses. Make sure to update your anti-virus software regularly! The more often you keep it updated, the better off you will be. Check with the website of your anti-virus software manufacturer to see descriptions of viruses and to get regular updates for your software. Help stop viruses in their tracks.

2. Don’t open email from unknown sources

A simple rule of thumb is that if you don’t know the person sending you an email, be very careful about opening the email and any file attached to it. Should you receive a suspicious email, the best thing to do is delete the entire message, including any attachment. Even if you do know the person sending you the email, you should exercise caution if the message is strange and unexpected, particularly if it contains unusual hyperlinks. Your friend may have accidentally sent you a virus. Such was the case with the “I Love You” virus that spread to millions of people in 2001. When in doubt, delete.

3. Use hard-to-guess passwords

Passwords will only keep outsiders out if they are difficult to guess! Don’t share your password, and don’t use the same password in more than one place. If someone should happen to guess one of your passwords, you don’t want them to be able to use it in other places. The golden rules of passwords are: (1) A password should have a minimum of eight characters, be as meaningless as possible, and contain uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers, e.g., xk28LP97. (2) Change passwords regularly, at least every 90 days. (3) Do not give out your password to anyone ? EVER.

4. Use firewalls to protect your computer from Internet intruders

Firewalls create a protective layer between your computer and the outside world. They come in two forms: software firewalls that run on your personal computer, and hardware firewalls that protect a number of computers at the same time. They work by filtering out unauthorized or potentially dangerous types of data from the Internet while still allowing other (good) data to reach your computer. Firewalls also ensure that unauthorized persons can’t gain access to your computer while you’re connected to the Internet. You can find firewall hardware and software at most computer stores nationwide. Protect yourself.

5. Disable file-sharing on your personal computer unless you are sure you need it. If you need it, secure it

Your computer operating system may allow other computers on a network, including the Internet, to access the hard-drive of your computer in order to share files. This ability to share files can infect your computer with a virus or can be used to look at the files on your computer if you don’t pay close attention. So, unless you really need this ability, make sure you turn off file-sharing. Check your operating system and your other program Help files to learn how to disable file-sharing. Don’t share access to your computer with strangers.

6. Disconnect your computer from the Internet when not in use

Remember that the Information Superhighway is a two-way street. You send and receive information on it. Disconnecting your computer from the Internet when you’re not online lessens the chance that someone will be able to access your computer. And if you haven’t kept your anti-virus software up-to-date or don’t have a firewall in place, someone could infect your computer or use it to harm someone else on the Internet. Even in today?s ?always on? Internet age, be safe, and disconnect.

7. Back up your computer data regularly

Experienced computer users know that there are two types of people: those who have already lost data, and those who are going to experience the pain of losing data in the future. Back up small amounts of data on floppy disks and larger amounts on CDs. If you have access to a network, save copies of your data on another computer in the network. Most people make weekly backups of all their important data. And make sure you have your original software start-up disks handy and available in the event your computer system files get damaged. Be prepared.

8. Make sure to download security protection update “patches” regularly

Most major software companies today have to release updates and patches to their software every so often. Sometimes bugs are discovered in a program that may allow a malicious person to attack your computer. When these bugs are discovered, the software companies or vendors create patches that they post on their websites. Many of the exploits that you hear about in the news are as a result of poor patching practices. You need to be sure you download and install the patches! Check your software vendors’ websites on a regular basis for new security patches, or use the new automated patching features that some companies offer. If you don’t have the time to do the work yourself, download and install a utility program to do it for you. There are available software programs that can perform this task for you. Stay informed.

9. Check your security on a regular basis. When you change your clocks for daylight-saving time, re-evaluate your computer security

The programs and operating system on your computer have many valuable features that make your life easier, but can leave you vulnerable to hackers and viruses. You should evaluate your computer security at least twice a year – do it when you change the clocks for daylight-saving time! Look at the settings on applications that you have on your computer. Your browser software, for example, typically has a security setting in its preferences area. Check which settings you have and make sure you have the appropriate security level. Set a high bar for yourself! Each time you re-evaluate your system security, dig deeper. The Internet has several positive aspects as well. One of them is the endless amount of information that you can access on almost any subject. Do some research and learn something new about your computer or the software that you use.

10. Make sure your family members and/or your employees know what to do if your computer becomes infected

It’s important that everyone who uses a computer be aware of proper security practices. People should know how to update virus protection software, how to download security patches from software vendors, and how to create a proper password. Make sure they know these tips, too! Share what you learn with your friends and family. Be a good Internet neighbor

To view the site, click on IACMembers.WalshCollege.Edu