Internet Safety Recommendations
Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Internet Dangers
By Jon Barr – Silent Word Ministries
Visit JDBarr.com for more information.
Disclaimer: My qualifications to teach this class: 0 = ZERO – I’m just a somewhat savy Internet user.
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).
The goal of this class is to present solutions that have worked for us. Other options and solutions are available.
You must decide which will work in your particular situation. To delay is to surrender to the enemy without a
fight.
What Are Some of the Electronic Dangers
• Internet Browsing
• Chat Rooms
• Social Networking
• Email Scams & Phishing
• Texting and Internet-connected Phones
• Images, Images, Everywhere
How to Block Many Dangers
• DNS Filter (Free)
• Internet Filtering Software (Free & Paid)
• Security Software: Firewall – Antivirus
• Email Spam Filter (Gmail) – When in doubt, don’t click. (Check the link preview before clicking.)
• Cell Phone Filter
• Suggestions
How the Internet works:
• Type an Internet address into your browser
• The computer goes to a DNS Server (Domain Name Server) to get the Internet Protocol (IP) address,
such as 74.51.124.237.
• The DNS sends you to the website and writes a “common sense” address in your browser address.
(Most people cannot remember the numbers.)
You can choose your Domain Name Server – Recommended: OpenDNS.com
1. www.opendns.com > Start
a. Use Router is best
i. Manufacturer – Login – Navigate to the DNS page and type in
ii. DNS1 – 208.67.222.222
iii. DNS2 – 208.67.220.220
iv. Restart Router
b. Login to start using OpenDNS
i. Choose a user name (keep it private)
ii. Enter your email address
iii. Create a password
iv. Click on Create Account
c. Check inbox of your email for confirmation email – click
d. Add network to your account -
i. Networks Tab
ii. Add this network – name the network with a friendly name.
iii. Set preferences – Settings – Filtering Level – or Custom – Add whitelist & blacklist
iv. Customization (logo) – Custom messages
e. Everyone is surfing safer.
2. Computer
a. Start – Settings – Control Panel
b. Network Connections
c. Local Area Connection
d. Properties
e. Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
f. Properties
g. Click the radio button Use the following DNS server addresses and type in OpenDNS addresses in
the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server fields.
Internet Filtering Software (Free & Paid)
Search & Compare Many Internet Filters – www.internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com
k9webprotection.com – Free – Blue Coat is committed to helping you and all communities through this ‘First
Generation of Internet Parenting’. K9 Web Protection is our free Internet filtering and control solution
for the home. K9 puts YOU in control of the Internet so you can protect your kids.
cleaninter.net – $4.95 for one PC / $2.95 each for multiple PCs – Christian Internet Filters – Ease of Use – High
Speed Service – Effective at Filtering – Securely Installed – Filtering Algorithm – Client-Server Based -
Foreign Language Filtering – Port Filtering and Blocking – Activity Reporting
Total Net Guard by AFO – www.afo.net – Since 1997 AFO.NET has been protecting families and individuals
from the dark side of the Internet! One of the country’s first and foremost Christian Internet Service
Providers. Visit our home page at: www.myafo.net
BeSecure (formerly BeSafe) – $49.95 per year – www.bsecure.com – The bsecure Online filter is a simple and
fast software program that puts YOU in control. It filters online, inappropriate adult content, monitors
Instant Messaging & much, much, more!
Net Nanny – Try it Free for 14 Days – www.netnanny.com – Alerts for potential IM Predators and Cyberbullies •
Social Network User Profile Reports • PC Game Controls with ESRB® Ratings • Filter and Block
Secure Websites • Learn More – Read the New PC Magazine Review
Security Software
Firewall (Free)
• ZoneAlarm – www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm
Antivirus (Free)
• Microsoft Security Essentials – www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials
• AVG – free.avg.com/us-en/download-free
Email Spam Filter
• Gmail.com – Online, free email – Can be configured to filter spam from your email account.
• When in doubt, don’t click.
• Unsubscribe only from reputable companies.
• Always check the link preview before clicking.
Cell Phone Filter – Untried – Use at your own risk.
Iphone – www.internetsafety.com/safe-eyes-mobile-iphone.php – Keep it safe on-the-go with powerful Internet
filtering for the iPhone or iPod touch! Safe Eyes Mobile allows you to decide the type of content that is
appropriate for you and your family. Enjoy your mobile Web without the worry!
MobiZim – (Disclaimer: This service has not been tried and no online reviews found) – www.mobizim.com -
MobiZim currently supports all Windows Mobile Devices v6.0 and 6.1, Android, and Blackberry phone version
4.5 and above. We are working on supporting other popular devices.
Suggestions
Talk With Your Kids About Internet Usage
www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/167992/parents_need_to_talk_to_kids_about_internet_use_experts_say.html
Internet Safety’s 5 Tips for Creating a Cybersafe Home™
This generation of parents is the first to face the challenge of helping our children make the most of their virtual
space while keeping them safe in it. If you’re still getting your footing in virtual parenting, don’t worry.
InternetSafety.com has the following tips to help ensure that your child’s online experience remains positive.
1. Become a net-savvy parent – The best safeguard against online dangers is being informed. Jump in and learn
the basics of the Internet—read articles, take a class, and talk to other parents. A good place to start is
www.LearnTheNet.com. You don’t have to be an expert to have a handle on your child’s online world.
2. “Chat” with your kids – Develop an open dialogue so that you can talk with your kids about the benefits and
dangers of the Internet. Cultivate an interest in their online activities—their favorite Web sites, online games,
and interests. And don’t be afraid to ask your children who they are talking to online and what they are talking
about.
3. Agree on a game plan – Use the InternetSafety.com Gameplan™ to formally agree on your family’s
guidelines for using the Internet. Post them near the family computer as a reminder. Ensure that your kids
know to never share personal information on the Internet and that they should tell you about any online
activity or contact that makes them uncomfortable.
4. Protect your computer – Take advantage of the software that exists to help parents manage their children’s
computer experience. In only a few minutes, parental control software like Safe Eyes can block inappropriate
websites, restrict the amount of time that your kids use the Internet and monitor their Instant Messenger chats
to protect against predators.
5. Explore the Internet as a family – With a game plan and a protected computer, you can now encourage your
family to take advantage of all that the Internet has to offer. Take a genuine interest in what your kids are doing
and stay engaged with them online.
Safe Eyes Internet Safey Resources – www.internetsafety.com/internet-safety-resources.php
Protect Your Family – Microsoft – www.microsoft.com/protect/familysafety/default.aspx
Online Tools & Tips – Girl Scouts – letmeknow.girlscouts.org/Tips-from-Microsoft.aspx

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