The following information is prepared and maintained by the Somerville Police Department's Information Technology Division.
Keeping Your Child Safe
The internet is an excellent resource to gain knowledge, research information, make friends, and have fun. Unfortunately it can also be a haven for predators looking to meet and exploit children. These predators might be trying to meet your child by acting as a child themselves. They might also be attempting to gain personal information about you or your child to commit identity fraud. We don't recommend pulling the plug on your children’s access to the internet; however, parents should educate their children on the dangers of the internet and closely monitor their activity. You don’t have to be a computer expert to keep your child safe online. Cost effective and free programs have been developed to block dangerous sites, monitor all activities, and restrict internet access to designated times. Here is a list of our favorite programs:
- Parental Control Bar - Internet Filtering Toolbar
A simple, powerful tool to help shield your children from explicit websites. Simply activate Child-Mode while your children surf the internet, and the toolbar will block access to adult-oriented websites. Parental Control Bar is provided free of charge to the public by WRAAC.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free, effective internet control tools.
- K9 Web Protection - Internet Filtering Software
If you’re like most of us, parenting in the age of the Internet has you facing a new set of challenges. Blue Coat is committed to helping you and all communities through this 'First Generation of Internet Parenting'. Free software.
- Trend Micro Internet Security / Anti-Virus
Essential security you need so you can email and share files with confidence. You can rest easy knowing you have ongoing, easy-to-use protection against the latest malicious viruses, worms, Trojan horse programs, and spyware. Free trial.
- Family Cyber Alert 4.30 - Parental Monitoring Software
Records everything your kids do online and offline, including e-mail, chat/instant messaging, Web sites, applications, file access, keystroke (keylogger), screen snapshots, and time and sequence. It provides automatic e-mail forwarding, e-mail/Chat/IM blocking, Web site blocking, games/applications blocking, automatic keyword detection and danger alert, and intelligent reporting. Includes a free trial.
Protecting Yourself Against Web Threats
It is very important to use caution when using the internet, downloading software, and opening e-mails. Educating yourself on internet safety and security will help you prepare against threats that can cost you hundred or even thousands of dollars. Here are some of our favorate programs and links to help educate yourself and keep safe on the internet:
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McAfee's World's Most Dangerous Search Terms
PDF article released by McAfee which details search terms that can lead to a computer virus or other dangerous website. -
Microsofts Fraud Protection Resource
Extensive database of articles which pertain to fraud protection. -
Microsofts Online Safety Resource
Extensive database of articles which pertain to computer safety.
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Super Anti-Spyware
Free program used to remove spyware and malware
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Malwarebytes Anti-Spyware/Malware
Free program used to remove spyware and malware
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Trend Micro Internet Security / Anti-Virus
Essential security you need so you can email and share files with confidence. You can rest easy knowing you have ongoing, easy-to-use protection against the latest malicious viruses, worms, Trojan horse programs, and spyware. Free trial. -
AVG Ant-Virus
AVG Free provides you with basic antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows and is available to download for free.
