Thanks to smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, the Internet is almost always at our fingertips. Combined with computers and laptops in homes, schools and workplaces, it’s easy to see how Americans reportedly spend an average of 23 hours per week online.
Throughout October, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is joining with local emergency management agencies to promote National Cyber Security Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to increase awareness of online risks and what people can do to prevent problems. Basic tips for staying safe on the Internet include:

• Set strong passwords and don’t share them with anyone.
• Keep your operating system, browser and other critical software optimized by installing updates.
• Maintain an open dialogue with your family, friends and community about Internet safety.
• Limit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.
• Be cautious about what you receive or read online. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For more online safety tips, visit the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.