In addition to using parental controls to protect children when online, parents should also consider enabling the security software provided by their cable company or Internet provider.

This software, which can differ from company to company, typically provides these types of protections:

Firewall

To stop intruders, block malicious programs, and help to protect your personal information.

Anti-Virus

Automatic protection against existing and new viruses, worms and Trojan horse programs.

Anti-Spam

Protects against unwanted e-mails, which may contain viruses, phishing links, or inappropriate content.

Anti-Phishing

To prevent phishing attacks and other types of fraud attempts.

Anti-Spyware

Assists with keeping malicious and unwanted spyware from your family’s computer and prevents the gathering of information, tracking of your Internet activity or theft of personal data.

For additional information about the security software your local cable company provides customers to keep families safe online, visit your company’s online customer support page.