Spam, spyware, viruses, and hackers are a few things to be aware of while surfing the Web. There are several tools to help minimize your risk of getting scammed or getting your identity stolen, such as anti-spyware software, anti-virus software, and spam filters. Another solution is to report the problem to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Threats or other offensive behavior sent online to a victim or sent or posted online about the victim for others to see are cyber bullying. Cyber bullying can range from embarrassing or cruel rumors to threats, harassment, negative comments, digital photos, or stalking through emails, Web pages, text, and IM (instant messaging). While any age group is vulnerable, teenagers and young adults are common victims, and cyber bullying is a growing problem in schools.

The World Wide Web is a wonderful place for learning and entertainment, but like the world around us, it can pose dangers if precautions are not taken. Allowing free access puts your child, your computer and your personal data at risk. You can take simple steps that will allow your child to enjoy the vast of array of benefits that the Internet offers with limited risk and worry.

Your identity is your most valuable possession, and one of the hardest to get back if it’s stolen. In our increasingly networked world, protecting sensitive personal data is more important than ever. Guard personal information carefully, and be picky about what you share, and with whom.

Social networking sites are popular on the Internet. Online social networks have sprung up for business, hobbies, schools and religious groups. Used properly, they are a unique communications tool to keep in touch with friends and colleagues. But like any online tools, social networking sites can be gamed and abused by scammers and other unscrupulous people.

Online shopping has become a popular way to purchase everything from clothing and shoes to furniture and appliances. There are no traffic and crowds to contend with and it’s convenient. Shop when you want, instead of when a store is open. Additional benefits of shopping online include the ease of price comparisons and reviews by other shoppers about products and online merchants. However, the Internet has unique risks, so it is important to take steps to protect yourself when shopping online.

Email has become a critical way that many of us communicate with friends and families and conduct business. We have become used to getting many messages a day and often those message have attachments, such as documents, photos, or links to Web sites that senders think might be of interest. Everybody enjoys the convenience and speed of communication that email facilitates. However, cyber criminals have also discovered that email is an effective way to trick people into visiting Web sites that collect personal information (phishing) or download malicious software (spyware) and have overloaded our email inboxes with messages we didn’t ask for and don’t want (known as spam).

Your passwords are the online equivalent of the lock and key to your house. Using easy-to-decipher passwords is akin to hanging the key to your house outside of your door so anyone passing by can use it. Passwords are a major defense; developing good password practices will keep your personal information and identity more secure.

Even a secure computer can fail, causing you to lose all of your documents, family photos, music and anything else you've stored electronically. If you follow a few simple tips and make it a habit to regularly back up all critical information on your computer, you can protect yourself from computer disasters. How to back up your computer: There are several tools you can use to back up your computer. They vary widely in price, size and ease of use. Some tools, like external hard drives, may provide instructions for how to back up files. In most cases, copying files is as easy as finding the information you want to back up on your computer and copying it onto the media or drive you're using.

Your home computer(s) contain vast amounts of information about you and your family members, including tax returns, monthly financial records, and bank and credit card account numbers. In addition, your computer probably contains family and other photos that have sentimental value or a music collection you accumulated over a long period of time.