5 online safety tips for grads

5 online safety tips for grads

It’s graduation season, so whether you’re graduating or your child is, here are some safety tips for what’s ahead.
1.       Spot and avoid job-hunting scams.  Paper resumés are going the way of the dodo, so graduates (or anyone searching for a job) should be careful about how much personal information they put online and should learn how to avoid job hunting scams. For more information, see Online job-hunting scams.

2.       Protect your new computer. If you got a new computer for graduation, be sure it has reputable antivirus software to protect against malware. To learn what else you need to do before you go online with a new computer, see How to boost your malware defense and protect your PC.

3.       Secure your smartphone. A phone that lets you surf the Internet, download apps, and take and send pictures is a great gift for high school or college graduates. Learn how to help keep the information on your phone more secure.

4.       Manage your online reputation. More and more employers check Facebook pages and other online information before they hire applicants. Learn how to take charge of your online reputation.

5.       Use Microsoft Office more safely.  You probably already know that Microsoft Office includes useful tools for graduates. But did you know it can also help protect your computer from viruses and fraud? For more information, see Security in Microsoft Office 2010.