Safety measures when connected to net,not connected to internet and while using Wi-Fi

I. While using Wi-Fi 

The risks of free Wi-Fi

Using public Wi-Fi isn't unlike having a conversation in a public place: Others can overhear you. If you don't take precautions, information your devices send over a public Wi-Fi network goes out in clear text — and anyone else on the network could easily take a look at what you're doing with just a few simple software tools.
Someone spying could easily pick up your passwords or other private information. If you use the same password on multiple sites, that could be a big problem. This is the biggest concern with public hotspots.
The next potential problem is what is called a honeypot. Thieves might set up their own Wi-Fi hotspot with an unassuming name like "Public Wi-Fi" to tempt you to connect so they can grab up any data you send. These are easy to set up without any kind of special equipment — it could be done just using a laptop or smartphone — so you could run into them anywhere. News reports about honeypots pop up once or twice a year.

How to stay safe on public Wi-Fi

1. Know your network

Before you connect, be sure you know whose network you're connecting to so you don't fall prey to Wi-Fi honeypots. If you're not sure what the public network at a business is called, ask an employee before connecting. And check to make sure your computer or smartphone is not set up to automatically connect to unknown Wi-Fi networks — or set it to ask you before connecting — so you're sure you know what you're connecting to when you connect.

2. Keep your connection secure

Make sure to connect to websites via HTTPS, which encrypts anything you send and receive from the website. While a VPN service encrypts everything you send, HTTPS ensures that communication to and from a particular website is secure. To verify if you're connected via HTTPS, look at the address bar of your browser window; you should see "HTTPS" at the beginning of the web address (or, on some web browsers, a lock icon). Looking for HTTPS isn't enough, though. Hackers have been able to acquire legitimate SSL certificates for sites with names that are slightly off those of major financial institutions and also bear the HTTPS at the front of the URL. Site names include banskfamerica.com, paypwil.com and itunes-security.net. It's always better to type the url in yourself versus clicking on a link you receive in an email.

3. Use a VPN

If you use a VPN service, anyone trying to steal your data will see only encrypted data, even if you're connecting to sites using HTTP. There are many services that can do this. Based on our own testing, as well as third-party analysis, such as PC Mag, we recommend NordVPN  VPN services charge a fee for their use, with pay packages ranging from day passes to year-round protection. Keep in mind that services like Netflix may not let you connect if you're using a VPN service. Check out our tips on how to use a VPN and still access Netflix.

4. Use two-factor authentication

Whenever you can, use two-factor authentication, which requires both a password and a secondary code that changes regularly, for websites. This makes it very difficult for hackers to get at your accounts because even if they can get your password, they won't have the secondary code. Though not all services support it, many popular sites offer this level of security including Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Apple and Microsoft.

5. Disable file sharing

Make sure your computer isn't configured to share access to files or be seen on public or guest networks. When you're at home, it may be convenient to keep things in a folder you share with other members of the household, but that's less safe when you're connecting to public Wi-Fi.
Disable sharing in:

• Windows 10: Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings. Turn off file and printer sharing and network discovery and save changes.

• Windows 8: Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > View network status and Tasks > Change advanced sharing settings > Turn off file and printer sharing and network discovery> Save changes.

• Windows 7: Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings > Home or Work > Turn off file and printer sharing > Save changes.

• Mac OS X: Go to System Preferences > Sharing and be sure that File Sharing doesn't have a check mark by it.

II. When connected to net

I Will Think Before I Post
I agree not to post information and images that could put me at risk, embarrass me or damage my future, such as cell and home phone numbers, home address, sexual messages and inappropriate pictures or videos.

I Will Respect Other People Online
I will not post anything rude, offensive or threatening. I will not send or forward images and information that might embarrass, hurt or harass someone. I will not take anyone’s personal information and use it to damage his or her reputation.

I Will Be Careful When Meeting Online Friends in Person
I agree to ask my parent or guardian’s permission before going, have a parent or guardian accompany me or meet in a public place.

I Will Protect Myself Online
If someone makes me feel uncomfortable or if someone is rude or offensive, I will not respond. I will save the evidence, tell my parent, guardian or another trusted adult and, when appropriate, report it to the website, cell phone company, CyberTipline.com or the police.
 
Keeping your personal information safe and your etiquette appropriate may keep your body, family, finances, future job aspirations and friendships whole, healthy and safe. Check out the these resources on cybersecurity and smartphone safety helpful security information.

III. When not connected to net

 

Be Careful What You Download

A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather. As PCWorld advises, don't download apps that look suspicious or come from a site you don't trust.

Keep Your Antivirus Program Up To Date

Internet security software cannot protect against every threat, but it will detect and remove most malware—though you should make sure it's to date. Be sure to stay current with your operating system's updates and updates to applications you use. They provide a vital layer of security.