Standards and Purpose

Welcome:
My name is Jess Malinky. I'm currently a 10th grade Social Studies teacher at Brooke High School in Wellsburg, WV.



Goals:
The goals of this blog are to educate students, parents, and the community about the various threats lurking in the online world; how to protect themselves from these threats; and where to report misuse of the internet.



WV Content Standards:

21.0.9-12.3.TT.4

Student adheres to acceptable use policy and displays ethical behaviors related to acceptable use of information and communication technology (e.g. privary, security, copyright, file-sharing, plagiarism); student predicts the possible cost and effects of unethical use of technology (e.g. consumer fraud, intrusion, spamming, virus setting, hacking) on culture and society; students identify the methodologies that individuals and business can employ protect the integrity of technology systems.





21C.0.3-4.3TT.4

Student complies with county acceptable use policy. Student identifies the need for acceptable use policies (AUP), discusses the basic issues related to resposible use of technology and information, describes personal consequences of inappropriate use and begins to cite sources for information found through electronic searches.



21C.0.5-0.3TT.4

Student complies with county acceptable use policy. Students discuss legal and ethical behaviors related to the acceptable use of information and communications technology (e.g. privacy, security, copyright, file-sharing, plagiarism) and predicts the possible effects of unethical use of technology (e.g. consumer fraud, intrusion, spamming, virus setting, hacking) on the individual and society, as well as identify methods for addressing these risks.



Purpose:

This blog is intended to provide information about safe use of the internet. It is designed to educate students, parents, and members of the community of the risks posed in the cyber world as well as provide them with strategies to reduce their risks online.







Educate, Engage, Empower

Summary of my online blog…
This blog is a compilation of information organized by topic and offered to students, educators, parents, and the community.  My blog contains resources and tips for keeping users safe online.  Main topics include Cyberbullying, Cyberstalking, Identity Theft, Social Networking, Spam and Scams, Legal and Ethical Issues, and Responsibilities for Parents, Students, and Educators.  Hopefully, my blog will serve as a resource for educating all who read it about the dangers of cyber safety and ways they can protect themselves!  This page is intended to provide readers with access to resources where they can learn about current online threats, access information about firewall and anti-virus software, and report concerns to the proper agencies.  If you are looking for more detailed information on a particular subject, please access the links on my home page.


Current dangers in the online world…
Just when you think you might be safe online, a new threat pops up! People are constantly coming up with new ways to violate others online.  For example, new scams, identity theft schemes, and computer viruses are being created nearly everyday.  And, that’s just the tip of the iceberg! So, it’s very important for online users to stay aware of current threats.  Here are some links to reliable sites providing current information to readers:

FBI-- According to the FBI, new internet threats include people sending emails (with malware) to business inquiring about job postings, phone calls telling victims they will be faced with legal issues if they fail to repay a payday loan, and people receiving fraudulent checks in a lottery scheme.  Please visit the FBI’s website soon and often to learn about these new dangers!

FTC-- Visit the Federal Trade Commission website to see what measures they’re taking to fight back against online abusers including shutting down fake websites posting false information on Acai berry weight-loss supplements.  You can also navigate through their site to report online safety concerns.

OnGuard Online-- Check out OnGuard Online to learn everything you need to know about cyber safety including how to keep your kids safe and how to make sure your Wi-Fi connection is secure!

Real tips to manage Internet use, fight intrusions, and promote cyber safety…
Basic tips for using the Internet safely include never giving out personal information, always using a secure internet connection, never opening email from someone you do not know, and being sure to keep your firewall and anti-virus software running and updated!  To learn even more safety tips please take a look at the following resources.

Digital Citizenship at Home-- This site is fantastic and offers a broad spectrum of resources for using the internet safely including how to keep your Facebook identity private and how to keep yourself safe while using your cell phone.  It offers easy to understand tip for parents, educators, and kids of all ages!


Learn how the FTC fights spyware through education and legistlation!  

Resources to keep you updated on cyber safety issues…
Please visit the FBI site which has the most current news on cyber safety issues including scams and identity theft.  

Scamwatch
 is an Australian based website that focuses on educating readers on various types of cyber safety issues including the newest threats! The site also allows you to report cyber safety concerns.  Visit their site to learn more. 

OnGuard Online offers readers important information on a variety of cyber topics! Spend some time looking through the information on this website and learn how to reduce your risk online.

Tools for protecting your technology…
Microsoft online safety provides users with a host of tools to help protect your technology.  Visit their site to access tools based on your needs!

AVG and McAfee both offer inexpensive firewall and anti-virus software.  Stop by their sites to see if their services are right for your needs!

Your ISP provider most likely provides free software to users to help provide firewall and anti-virus protection.  This will help protect your computer from spam, viruses, and a variety of other unwanted intrusions.  Below are links to the most popular ISPs.  Check out the services they provide to customers!
AOL
Comcast
Verizon


Resources for checking cyber safety and reporting concerns…
Again, the FBI has a great website for checking cyber safety issues.  Please check their page frequently to make sure you’re informed about the latest threats!

You can report concerns to the local authorities.  Yet, sometimes the most effective place to report concerns is to your ISP or to your social networking security center.   Below are some helpful links you can use to report concerns.

Scamwatch: Report cyber safety concerns and read up on new threats!
FTC: Report concerns and read up on how the FTC is taking action against online criminals.
Facebook: Report abuses directly to Facebook.
Myspace: Report abuses directly to Myspace.
Twitter: Report abuses directly to Twitter.
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)