What, you say?  Not my friend?  But it’s so useful… I can communicate with people, advertise and market online to drive business to my doorstep, research and buy stuff at great prices, use new services that reduce my expenses, meet new people and stay in touch, and so much more! 

While it is true that there are many benefits to using the internet (I use it almost everyday), it is important to acknowledge that it is a powerful tool that is actively wielded for not only good and useful purposes, but also for dark and malicious ones.  In the spirit of the concept, “knowledge is power”, I’ll be reviewing some background information so we can be more aware of the threats to our safety, privacy, and information. 

In the past the internet has been known as the “Wild, Wild West” due to its open nature, inherent lack of accountability for its participants, plenty of dangerous places, while at the same time full of usefulness, information, and revenue-making opportunities.  These days I have different name for the internet – WAR ZONE.  Online fraud and identity theft are still fast on the rise, organized crime has become heavily invested in extorting information and money from people and organizations, online social gatherings have enabled sexual predators to find many more unwitting victims, misinformation is rampant, and the list goes on and on.  So the point is that unless “glutton for punishment” is on your list of hobbies, it seems that the internet may not your friend. 

This isn’t FUD-spreading (fear, uncertainty, and doubt); rather it’s a call to attention that we all, in business and at home, could benefit from knowing how to leverage this great tool to our advantage, all the while knowing what to watch out for.

This is the first of a new series of articles on the subject of how to be a ‘savvy technology user’.  Stay tuned for more educational and empowering information!