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COMCAST FOCUS: ONLINE SAFETY & SECURITY

Introducing a new series that puts the spotlight on Internet Safety and Security, Comcast Focus: Online Safety & Security. The third installment in our series focuses on cyber bullying


Cyber Bullying

Have you ever been bullied? If so, chances are, you still remember the fear and embarrassment it caused you. You may have even changed your daily habits, letting the incident rule your life for a time. You may be surprised to know that the Internet has become another playground for bullies. The results are equally as devastating. Like stalking, cyber bullying has its roots in real life and usually occurs between people who know each other.

What is Cyber Bullying?

Cyber bullying is defined broadly as willful and repeated harm inflicted through the medium of electronic text via the Internet and cell phones. Some examples include, sending threatening e-mails, posting derogatory comments about someone on a Web site, sending harassing text messages, physically or emotionally threatening or spreading rumors about someone. A Media Awareness Network study recently reported that 27% of bullied children are harassed online.

Practical Tips to Help Prevent Cyber Bullying

The following sources will provide substantial, comprehensive information about cyber bullying. Please take time to delve deeper into the following sites to learn about the different types of cyber bullies and to gain an understanding of one environment (text messaging) where cyber bullying frequently occurs:

We want to hear from you! Has your child ever been a victim of cyber bullying? Is your child a cyber bully? Post your comments and read what others have to say about cyber bullying.

RESOURCES

McAfee Parental Controls and Identity Theft Protection

COMCAST FOCUS: ONLINE SAFETY & SECURITY ARCHIVES

Part One: Social Networking - Keeping your Children and Teens Safe

WIRELESS SECURITY

Essential Tips for Wireless Security


  • Use encryption.
  • Turn off identifier broadcasting.
  • Change the identifier on your router from the default.
  • Change your router's pre-set password for administration.
  • Allow only specific computers to access your wireless network.
  • Turn off your wireless network when you know you won't use it.
  • Don't assume that public "hot spots" are secure.

The Federal Trade Commission is introducing a new section of OnGuard Online at www.OnGuardOnline.gov/wireless to teach computer users how to protect their personal wireless network connections - and the computers on them - from unauthorized use. The information also is available in Spanish at www.AlertaenLinea.gov/inalambrico.

PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT

What to Do if You Think You May Be A Victim of ID Theft


If you think your personal information may have been compromised, the FTC recommends taking the following actions as soon as possible to minimize the potential damage from identity theft:

  • Close compromised credit card accounts immediately.
  • If someone steals your social security number (SSN), contact one of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies and place an initial fraud alert on your credit report.
  • Monitor your credit report for activity.
  • Consult with your financial institution about any impacts on your accounts.
  • Contact relevant government agencies to cancel and replace any stolen drivers licenses or other identification documents, and to put an alert on your file.
  • Watch for signs of identity theft: late or missing bills, receiving credit cards that you didn't apply for, being denied credit or offered less favorable terms for no apparent reason, or getting contacted by debt collectors or others about purchases you didn’t make.

Reporting a phishing e-mail


If you receive an email pretending to be from Comcast, that asks for personal information, this is known as phishing. To report a phishing email to Comcast, please:

  • Forward it to abuse@comcast.net for further investigation.
  • Be sure to add the words "phishing email" in the subject field of your email.
  • Provide full, unmodified header information and the content of the email. Header information is required to determine the true originator of the email. If you are unsure how to extract a full-unmodified header, please visit www.spamcop.net for instructions.

PROTECT YOUR PC WITH THE COMCAST TOOLBAR

Protect your PC with the Comcast Toolbar


Comcast Toolbar
Download

Easy-to-use Security features include:

  • McAfee Security - One-click access to McAfee VirusScan, Firewall, and Privacy Service
  • Pop-up blocker - Block pop-up ads that interfere with your Web surfing experience.
  • Trustwatch Anti-Phishing - Provides an extra layer of protection from phishing scams and helps you identify possibly unsafe Web sites with a visual indicator on the Toolbar.
  • Anti-spyware - Easily detect and remove spyware from your PC that can slow down your PC's performance and track your Web activity without your knowledge.

HOW DO I?

How do I prevent spam?
How do I run a spyware scan using the Comcast Toolbar?
How do I know if my Internet communications are private and secure?
How do I secure my wireless network?
How do I change my Comcast password?
How do I protect my PC from worms, trojans, viruses and other intruders?