Computer & Internet Safety

As people use and rely on computers more and more at home, work and school, information technology is introducing new challenges to safety and security. The internet has new opportunities for communication but it also presents risks to personal information, children's safety and more.

Knowledge of the risks related to computers and the internet and prevention are the best ways to meet the challenge of computer and internet safety. The Port Hope Police Service offers information for adults and children to inform and protect our community.

• RCMP Internet Safety Resources - a resource that addresses Internet safety for students in Youth, designed to help students develop safe and healthy online behaviours, such as netiquette, security, personal privacy and relationships (e.g., recognizing and managing cyberbullying), in the same way they would in real life situations.
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Internet 101 website
• Internet Safety - Tips for Parents

• Text/Email Phishing and Spam

  Protect your computer from the risk of phishing and spam.

  Phishing scams work by tricking you into handing over your personal information and/or banking details to the scammers. The texts/emails you receive might look and sound like they're from legitimate institutions and may have an urgent message that requires your immediate action. When you click the links or respond to the message, the person who sent it gains access to sensitive information, such as contacts, accounts and/or passwords.

  Tips:

  • Avoid opening texts or emails from senders you don't recognize.
  • Delete phishing texts or emails since they can carry viruses that can infect your device.
  • Avoid clicking on links in a text or email unless you know the source.
  • Avoid sending your personal information by text, email or through websites and social media.

  Organizations like banks, governments, phone companies and other legitimate institutions will never ask you to send your personal information by text, email or through other online platforms like social media. If you're not sure, call the organization directly and ask them if they sent you something.